Ross football has new coordinator on both sides of ball in Dustin Patten, Jalen Slick

From Kaden to Kayden at quarterback for Fremont Ross.

Every roster for every high school evolves year to year. Little Giants football knew what it had the last three years.

Kaden Holmes was a four-year starter. Entering the Northern Lakes League isn't the only thing that's new for Ross.

"It's not easy to change," Little Giants coach Chad Long said. "By no means, we're missing those guys. We'll do what we have to do. That's why we're coaches. To develop kids and now it's their turn to put their footprint into the Fremont program."

Receivers Bryson Hammer, Adam Hrynciw and Anthony Vann are also gone.

"The past four years, we were able to say we weren't scared down three touchdowns," Long said. "We had the best quarterback in Ohio and athletes all over. This year, it's controlling the game. Running and throwing.

"[Quarterback] Karson Kayden can do it. We have confidence in him, but we don't have the skill athletes we've had in the past. That's the scary part."

Kayden is a junior. He played mostly linebacker last season.

"He got a lot of time," Long said. "Even when he started, against Lima. He's game ready. He's not some freshman who hasn't seen Friday night lights. It's his time. He's controlling the huddle. He's been more of a leader, he's vocal.

"He won't run like Kaden. He can throw a better deep ball. His knowledge of progression reads is very good. He's disciplined in that regard. He's a promising quarterback."

Elijah Simms is the top returning receiver. He's joined by Owen Shanahan and Jadrian Brown and freshman Mason Englund is already knocking at the door, with his foot.

"Typically we'll have three receivers," Long said. "Kids that played last year."

JD Moncrief ran well in his only game last season in the playoff setback. Zalen Harris and Tyress Brown are also in the mix.

"He can stop on a dime, break, cut, he's fast and he's hard to bring down," Long said of Moncrief. "We have more depth that what we've had."

Left tackle Dominic Brown, right tackle Kaden Mayle, right guard Marcus Jamison, left guard Kole Myers and center Zavier Lopez comprise the offensive line that averages 270 pounds. Mayle and Brown started last year and Jamison is back after a hiatus to St. Joseph Central Catholic.

Jalen Slick takes over as offensive coordinator.

"He's been with us for a while," Long said. "He's an alum. He takes a lot of pride. HIs organization is great, the Franklin System. RPOs, simplified passing routes with tag words. You can be aggressive up top."

Dustin Patten is defensive coordinator this season. He played for Long at Clyde.

"He'll run the same thing he ran when he was in high school," Long said. "4-2-5. The same thing for many years. He's young. He has a lot of energy. It was easy. No brainer. He loves the kids and he loves Fremont."

Line coach Tom Kiser died this summer. Little Giants do TK sprints, from the 50 to the 10 for the skill guys and the 30 to 10 for the big guys in 18 seconds or better.

The team works toward 24 repetitions, currently at 10. It adds two per week.

"We were in the best shape ever," Long said of Kiser's recent addition.

Helmets will have a TK decal and there's now a TK Award.

"Somebody who works hard, shows up, makes the team better," Long said. "That's who he was. Losing him in the coaches room, on the field, in the offseason. It's devastating."

On defense, linebacker Mason Villarreal and sidekick Brayden Guhn are also gone.

"Our motto is respect," Long said. "We want to earn respect. Nobody thinks highly of us with all the great players who left. Kids have a lot to prove to those outside the program who don't know how hard we worked to prepare for this season."

Blake Schoch, Marquez Williams, Peyton Heschel and Luke Durbin are defensive linemen. Williams is Dontrez Brown's brother. Dominic Brown is in the mix.

"Our defense is predicated on the defensive line," Long said. "We're so fast up front. Everyone is back. That's our strength. Speed kills. We have depth."

It's uncertain how much Kayden will play on defense. Hammer, Holmes and Vann are also gone from the secondary, with Simms and Shanahan key returners.

"Kids got time [at defensive back]," Long said. "Guys have to step up."

That's what change is.

mhorn@gannett.com

419-307-4892

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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: JD Moncrief can make defenders miss at running back for Ross football