2008 Team Insider: Irving Tigers

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Irving for about 7 seven years had a string of excellent running backs. Coach Jim Bennett could strap on a saddle and ride Tyson Thompson, Greg Gold and Jamaal Evans to win after win after win. They have yet to get that break-through player, and with the change to the spread, Irving doesn't look to have the demographics or pipeline to be a top tier team anytime soon. The varsity does return 13 starters this season, which is a good thing considering the JV didn't win a game all season, and the freshmen went 5-13 between them. Also, losing a top flight wide receiver to Cedar Hill certainly did not help Irving's offseason chances.

The coaching staff is very high on Jercolby Bradley - but the question will be - will he have the supporting staff? Bradley has great size and speed and very well could turn the spread into a running spread. Michael Hunter doesn't have the typical Irving High speed or size - but he should be a durable back. Once the hallmark of the team, the offensive line has not been as good lately - especially in the Irving High changing demographic. Justin Burkhart is the best of the bunch with very good speed, size and agility. Winford Tennell made big plays last season for Irving as a junior - they are going to have to find ways to get him the ball this season.

The secondary could be the bright spot. Tennell will be asked to play defensive back and Kameion Kitchen has great speed and size to complement Tennell. Oscar Jessie has blazing speed but may not have the size to compete with the big athletic receivers - like Will Adams of SGP. Gary Johnson and Jonathan Ellis look to be forces on the defensive line this season. The linebacker corps is very vulnerable thsi season - without the size and speed to compete in a very athletic district. If the linebacking corps can jell, led by Jake Wilson - this could be a playoff calibur defense.

Assuming the Irving City champion can defeat Grand Prairie, whoever wins the city of Irving should make the playoffs. So the question is - can Irving High win the city of Irving? They probably would fare second - MacArthur has had their number - and last year, in an embarrassing fashion. To this end, I do not expect Irving to make the playoffs or have a break-through year. I look for them to finish 6th if things go as planned, but possibly get as high as 5th if they get the athletes on the same page. Grand Prairie will likely beat them this season - but they should beat Nimitz. Games against Newman Smith should be winnable, Mansfield and Richland will be competitive, but Arlington could get ugly. The first two games against Grand Prairie and Nimitz will tell the tale. If they start district 2-0 - they have 4 shots to make the playoffs from there. One win would likely get them in. That would be a great situation for Irving to be in - if they want to make the playoffs.

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2008 Irving High School Dope Sheet Information

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