One big question for Tigers: OFFENSE???
Norman quarterback Chad Anderson.
You’d think after a 2-8 season, Norman would have a lot of question marks as fall practice begins this afternoon at Harve Collins Field.
It doesn’t.
Just one.
Can the Tigers produce on offense?
It really is that simple, because until that query is answered not much else matters. Which is what NHS found out the hard way last season. Even with a fairly strong defense, the Tigers didn’t have a chance in several games because the offense just didn’t put points on the board with any regularity. Rushing and passing yards were just as scarce as points.
I’ll be out at practice today to report on how things look, but Norman fans can feel fairly good already about progress on the offensive front.
Here’s why:
1. Chad Anderson: The senior quarterback was coming into his own at the end of last season and should do a lot more than simply pick up where he left off.
A year ago, the kid started the season as a backup, then was part of a yo-yo rotation behind center with Trenton Wright. By the time the reins were finally given to Anderson fully, the season was already a mess. However, Anderson squeezed in a lot of experience in a short time. He completed 58.4 percent of his passes while throwing for 486 yards, virtually all in the final four games.
Anderson has good size, 6-2, 200, and he has confidence knowing that the offense is in his hands.
2. Donovan Roberts: It’s rare for a sophomore to be counted on as the feature running back at Norman. But it’s unheard of for one to establish that fact as a freshman.
But that’s what Roberts did. Like Anderson, Roberts got hot late and the then-ninth-grader ended up leading the team in rushing. His 371 yards came at 4.31 yards per pop. He’s got big-time potential and could be the latest in a long line of terrific Norman running backs.
3. Knowing the playbook: Players and coaches alike said the offense installed by first-year coach Greg Nation last year never really clicked. Now, to be sure, Nation didn’t scrap the offense. But the players are comfortable with it and understand it better. Anderson said last week that for the first time, the offensive players are on the same page with Nation’s strategy.
I’ll have several updates throughout the day on how the Tigers fare on the first day of drills. I’ll post quotes from Anderson and Nation among others as we start addressing the big question of the fall.
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