Coaches dislike the term 'rebuilding year' but when you graduate all but two starters, it is safe to call this a rebuilding year for the Cole Camp Bluebirds. With their passing attack in quarterback Gentry Deickman and receiver Reid Harrison gone in the 2023 graduating class, head coach Kevin Shearer is reverting back to "Shearer Ball" which is run, run and run some more.
The Bluebirds will square off with 27 players on the roster going into the season. This, their 20th anniversary of football, will feature some young lions and a challenging schedule.
Junior Grant Rodriguez will be the quarterback and will be the main focus of Cole Camp's offensive attack. Coach Shearer is counting on Rodriguez, after a tremendous season last year, to carry the load. Clayton Archambault, Kolton Phillips, Colton Dieckman, Teagan Sharp and Lucas Todd will all see time in the backfield as well. While the young Bluebirds team might struggle early on, Rodriguez and Archambault will be well worth the price of admission.
The unsung warriors on the line will be headlined by Garrett Elliott, Colton Thompson, Jayden Begshaw and Ty Loganbill. Elliot could have a breakout year.
Bone-crusher Clayton Archambault will head up a linebacker crew that includes the aforementioned Rodriguez, and a slew of others.
If Shearer decides to throw the ball, it will probably be to Blake Abey, Peterson, Sharp or Jason Clancy.
Cole Camp replaced Tipton on the schedule with a tough Butler team. Tipton wanted to play Lamar. Go figure that. Adrian will be, perhaps, their other biggest test. A date with Lincoln on the road will be interesting as always and you can throw out the records whenever those two teams meet up. Fan support is vital in encouraging a young team.
We wish the Bluebirds all the success in the world and look forward to their 2024 season as much as they are.
