Sickles will have to transition from Brian Turner as their head coach and Chris Oladokun as their quarterback, and there’s plenty of other contributors that are gone as well such as Jake Hudson and Kelvin Clemmons, but first-year Head Coach Patrick Murphy isn’t without groceries in the cupboard. In fact, the Gryphons have some quality nourishment they can feast on as they continue their spring season and beyond.
Sickles has enjoyed great success the past seven seasons to say the least. Since 2009, the Gryphons are 59-21 and are 38 games over .500 after starting their first twelve seasons an abysmal 30-88 including two winless seasons. Needless to say if the Gryphons are going to keep that kind of success going, they’ll need their new coach to be the top chef in the kitchen.
Two of those ingredients that could help that recipe for success are DB/WR Anthony Quintana and CB Tim’arcus Simpson plus a special “secret” ingredient that’s about to be not-so secret in RB Brandon Brooks. Quintana has been much talked about in terms of his athleticism and his skills on both sides of the ball and his mid-major interest is starting to pickup. Although he was listed on their roster last season at 5-10/180-pounds, Quintana has increased that weight–and it’s all muscle.
Quintana finished the season with 600+ yards of offense and ten touchdowns on the offensive side in the slot, while adding 25 tackles, three interceptions and three passes defensed at his cornerback position and was one of the most-aggressive/most-effective in his position group at E7.
Simpson is listed at 5-11/165, and has consistently displayed some of the fastest feet at both Ignite and E7. Last season, the sophomore had just 12 tackles, an interception and four passes defensed, he is projected to be a major division one CB and could have himself a breakout season if he continues to show his development at the position and stays as focused off the field as we’ve seen him.
Interestingly enough, the Gryphons may get a breakout season from Brandon Brooks, their second-leading rusher last season with 414 yards and three touchdowns on 62 carries. Brooks is the younger brother of former Plant running back Patrick Brooks, and is a load already as a freshman at 5-10/200-pounds. Brooks also added 32 tackles, a sack and an interception on the defensive side as well.
And if those key ingredients aren’t enough, the Gryphons could spice it up with Jeffrey Ysma who worked-out as a tight end at E7 with his 6-2/200+ frame, but was quite effective playing linebacker for Sickles last season with 26 tackles, five sacks and seven QB hurries. All of which adds up to a potentially tasty main course once the appetizer from spring has been served and digested.