Bartlett football is enjoying a more traditional offseason this summer.
Second-year coach Chris Smith is in his first full offseason after departing Haywood to take the job in May 2023, just months before games began.
“We feel a lot better about this year since they’ve had a full year in our weightlifting program and of course we’ve gotten to build better relationships with kids,” Smith said in an interview last week.
Thanks to some talented stars like Mississippi State commits like running back Geron Johnson and linebacker Austin Howard and buy-in from the team, the Panthers finished last season with an 8-4 record, falling to Germantown in the second round of the TSSAA football Class 6A playoffs.
“I thought considering our circumstances, we did really well,” Smith said of last season. “These guys have been great since day one and they’ve just continued to work.”
Two of those guys are Johnson and Howard who starred last season, and are looking to take a leap in 2024 with more time under their coach. Both seniors, Smith said the veterans are two of many who helped make the coaching transition “the easiest transition (he’s) ever had.”
Johnson, who was a member of The Commercial Appeal’s All-Metro first team, rushed for 1,882 yards and 24 touchdowns a season ago. His combination of elite speed and versatility made him the focal point of Smith’s fast-paced, veer-and-shoot offense.
“He helps you control the box,” Smith explained. “People try to load the box to stop him from running the football, so that opens up the pass game. We have to be creative in how we maneuver him to get him the football (but) his versatility adds to our creativity.”
Johnson made plenty of pass-catching plays out of the backfield during Monday’s first padded practice, including a one-handed touchdown grab, proving he’s more than just the speed that he’s known for.
The speed is certainly a plus, however. Last spring, Smith had Johnson and his other skill position players run track. Johnson, who was running track for the first time, posted a 100-meter time of 10.76 seconds, best for seventh at the TSSAA Class AAA state meet.
The continued development of his speed along with Smith’s emphasis of consistent habits have Johnson poised for an even better 2024 season.
“When I first met him, I’d heard a lot about him, that he was a gamer who made plays,” Smith said. “The big thing he’s got now is the daily habits to reach full potential. He finishes runs full speed even when he doesn’t have to. Younger players watch that. It provides a good example.”
Equally versatile in his own right is Howard on the defense, who played at middle linebacker, outside linebacker and defensive end last season, recording 41 tackles including 14 tackles for loss.
Smith described the 6-foot-3, 225-pound as a freak athlete with even better character.
“We knew he was super talented when we got here as well but he’s a super character kid,” Smith said of Howard. “He’s willing to do a lot, whatever it takes for the team.”
The two future Bulldogs are part of a host of Bartlett seniors looking to conquer the formidable 6A-8 region. Returning quarterback Kam Alexander, senior defensive back Chase Sutton, veteran linebacker Stone McKinney and a host of experienced offensive lineman are names and groups to keep an eye on.
Smith believes his squad can make some noise this season and is excited to be a part of the surge of Memphis high school football.
“It’s a really good group of players,” Smith said. “We look forward to keeping it going.”
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mississippi State commits Geron Johnson, Austin Howard power Bartlett
The Commercial Appeal
