Preseason Blitz: Carl Albert Titans

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Carl Albert Titans are back on the practice field and have high hopes for the upcoming season.

With 10 returning players on defense and handful of talented offensive players the Titans look to have another season of potent offense with both the pass and run game.

One thing that sets Carl Albert apart is the use of two quarterbacks in Taylor Hawkins and Dillan Dansby. Last season the two combined for nearly 1,500 yards and helped the team to outscore its opponents 472-147.

"They both do a lot of things really well, so we don't think it's a battle, we think it's a shared job," said head coach Gary Rose.

"Taylor is a defensive starter and a heck of a player and both he and Dillan are good quarterbacks, the both have different strengths, so we are going to try to play to both their strengths," said Rose.

Dansby is recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Duncan last season, but is recovering well thus far.

"He's worked extremely hard to get well and get back and he's very determined and has had a great offseason," said Rose. "If he comes back at or a little ahead of where he was when he got hurt against Duncan then he's going to be a really good quarterback for us too."

Another strength for Carl Albert is their powerful receiving core. Tyre LeBlanc, Darvonte Winston, Alex Polston, Darvont Knight

"We've got thunder and lightning we think because Tyre is extremely strong and we've got little Darvonte Winston and he's a scat back and both those guys are going to share duty," said Rose. "Just like our quarterbacks they both have strengths and we're going to try to play to those strengths."

The Titans 10 returning starters on defense gives them experience and leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

"Defensively I really like what I see. Our defensive coaches have done a great job. We've got 10 guys back and if they get better we'll be very good defensively," said Rose.

"Our defense could be good and they want to be, and if they keep working and getting better, we'll be really good," added Rose.

Carl Albert opens the season on the road Fri. Sept. 2 against the defending state champion Booker T. Washington Hornets.