Colleton County way ahead in year two under Kinloch

Walterboro – In every measurable way, the Colleton County football team is “way ahead” in their preparations for the upcoming 2024 football season, according to second-year head coach Adam Kinloch.

Heading into the 2023 season, Kinloch says his team was behind in terms in strength and overall knowledge of the game plan. The result, as expected, was a 2-9 record.

Things are different as the program prepares for year two under the new staff. The coach says his players have improved dramatically in the weight room and in terms of knowing the expectations.

“It’s night and day compared to this time last year,” Kinloch said. “We did what we could last year but we were not ready for that schedule physically. We went to work hard in the weight room in November and we have not stopped. We’re bigger, faster and stronger. The guys have really responded to us challenging them. I am very pleased.”

The coach says numbers are good with about 85 players, varsity and junior varsity, participating in the workouts.

“Our depth, especially along the offensive and defensive lines, will be much improved,” the coach said. “Except for maybe one or two guys, there won’t be guys going both ways. We are going to have about eight or nine guys that we can rep on the defensive line and seven or so on offense.”

Kinloch credits the school administration with developing a football class period during the school day, something that is done by many schools.

“It has been huge having the group that we have every day,” he said. “The new open period in March really helped us and that carried over into the spring. Now we are in the summer and the work just continues.”

There will be several key returning players to carry on leadership roles this season. Senior Sean Williams and sophomore Galil Frazier will share time at quarterback. Kinloch likes what each brings to the table.

“Sean is a little more mobile and can really make plays with his legs while Galil is more of a guy who can throw it all over the field,” the coach said.

Three players will share carries in the run game with Cameron Greyson, Tavarious Frazier and Chris Platts getting work. The best receiving threat is 6-2 sophomore Kiandre Allen.

Kinloch says the anchor on the offensive line is sophomore center Chase Jones, who started as a freshman. Carter Stevens, a senior, also returns with experience.

Senior Kendal Farmer is the top returner on defense. The 6-0,195-pounder is a key returner at linebacker and has added about 25 pounds of muscle since last season.

Another key returner on defense is senior Amari Williams, who will be used at several positions because of his versatility but is primarily an outside linebacker.

Senior Jayden Nesbitt returns in the secondary as a big-time hitter at free safety.

The Cougars open the 2024 season at Hampton County on Aug. 23. The 2024 schedule has five home games – Woodland, Stratford, May River, Beaufort and Bishop England.