Injuries plague CCHS grid spring training

Cannon County first-year head football coach T.J. Daniel never truly was able to see his team enough to get a preview of what lies ahead during spring drills.

The Lions completed spring football with injuries to key players that also depleted a roster that had swelled to as many as 40 players during winter workouts.

“We certainly had our share of injuries and setbacks during the spring,” Daniel said. “The positive to that negative is that some of the injuries were to veteran players we have seen in action and we know what they are capable of doing. This at least allowed us to look at some of the younger players and get a guage on them.”

Defensive stalwarts B.J. Daniel and Jonathon Smith were both sidelined during the spring, along with dependable lineman Bradley Gunter.

Rising junior A.J. Daniel came out of spring drills atop the depth chart at quarterback. He had a good spring and provides athleticism as well as a strong arm.

Tailback Hawk Love, who led the Lions in rushing in 2012, will be back as a senior in 2013.

T.J. Daniel said the summer program will be key for the Lions.

“We made some progress this spring but the summer is going to be key for us moving forward,” Daniel said. “We have to get players healthy and we have a good summer.”