Woodland Works Out 47 Varsity Football Candidates In Spring Drills

By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Dorchester—During Spring football drills in May, at Woodland High School, head coach Eddie Ford, and his staff, worked out 47 varsity football candidates, and the coach has a strong goal of improving on last year’s 7-4 record as the Wolverines prepare for the 2025 season.
With 13 starters back from last year, and 12 newcomers moving up from the junior varsity with good potential, Coach Ford feels this is the season his team might make it to the third round of the play-offs, which happens to be a strong goal of the team.
“I honesty feel like we have a good shot of winning a region title this season,” said Coach Ford. “We have a good mix of older players returning, along with a younger group of players moving up, and we appear to be a closer-knit team coming out of May drills. You have to avoid injuries, and have a little luck but competing hard for a region title will be a strong goal of this team.
“This group has a real good work ethic also,” said Coach Ford. “One of our strong goals is to make it to the third round of the play-offs and this bunch has the potential to make that happen.”
The player that attracted the most recruiting attention, as college coaches visited Woodand in the late Spring was Jaemin Pinckney (6-5,217) who was an all-region linebacker last season. “Jaemin has good length and a high motor that never stops,” said Coach Ford. “He is a great read and react guy with a very high football I-Q. He possesses good leadership skills as well.”
Pinckney has official visits set up with South Florida and East Carolina over the summer. He is currently holding offers from East Carolina, South Florida, Old Dominion, and Appalachian State.
There is a real battle brewing for the starting quarterback position coming out of May drills between junior Jervase Salley (6-2, 190) and junior Tarez James. “Right now, it is neck-and-neck between them,” said Coach Ford. “James might be the better passer and Salley the better runner but they are both quality athletes working hard to get better every day.”
The team’s top TE candidate coming out of May drills is junior Cross Batten. A solid short yardage running back appears to be junior Torian Britt (5-8,185). “Torian is very good at running through contact,” said Coach Fiord. Junior TJ Lary will be playing some at running back as well.
A top wide receiver candidate is Zishawn Majette a good-looking outside receiver. Cameron Howell is another returning receive3r with experience along with junior newcomer Matthew Lockett who was injured and did not play as a sophomore. Majia Wolfe, up from the jayvee, is another good-looking receiver.
The majority of the starters back on offense include the return of highly regarded all-region right tackle Tyreon Summerson (6-3, 306) who returns as a three-year starter. Right guard Kobi Doctor (6-2, 315) is also back along with junior left guard Owen Messex (5-10, 220). Sophomore Sam Gadsen is vying for some time in the offensive line also. Sophomore Jordan Ford, up from the jayvee, could land a starting spot at center.
On defense Pinckney is joined by five other returning starters in the 3-4 scheme. Up-front in the trenches talented Donovan Miles (6-2, 250) returns at end. “Donovan is very physical and he loves contact,” said Coach Ford.
Sophomore Landon Baker (5-10,215) could see time at the other end slot. Doctor will flip from the offensive line to play nose tackle. Senior Isiah Barnes, a transfer from Ashley Ridge, will fill a spot at outside linebacker. Batton could see time at linebacker along with junior Lakye White. Chandler Fogle will also factor into some play at linebacker.
In the secondary two-year starter Lavont Furray returns at corner back. George Terry is a returner at free safety and Jamarcus Amaker will be a new starter at free safety. The other free safety could be Wolfe who would flip from offense.
The place kicker will be Gibson Kepley who has a range of 40 yards on field goals. The team is still developing a punter.
The team will scrimmage Hilton Head and Silver Bluff on August, 7. Their second scrimmage is at Batesburg-Leesville. Woodland will once again participate in the Dorchester County Jamboree hosted by Summerville High on August 15. Woodland will play Ashley Ridge in that event.
“We tell our guys they have to work hard and earn everything they get, on and off the football field,” said Coach Ford. “This group seems a little bit closer knit and more focused. We are hoping we can take the program to a higher level this season.”
