Manchester looks to committee to replace Demarcus Addie

The first season under coach Evan Hochstetler was a resounding success for Manchester in 2015 as it went 8-4, returning the program to where it was in 2012-13 before dropping to three wins two years ago.

This year, the team is dropping down to Class A and looks, again, to be a formidable group. But the team isn’t without its losses.

Despite returning a large chunk of the offense and defense, it did lose arguably its top player on both sides of the ball, Demarcus Addie, to graduation. Trying to figure out how to fill his void will be one of the biggest tasks for the Blue Devils in 2016.

Offense

Addie had nearly 1,000 yards receiving as a senior last season and was the unquestioned focal point of the Manchester offense. Hochstetler admitted that completely replacing him wasn’t likely. Instead, he hopes to take a committee approach with the receivers who will take his place.

They’ll look to guys such as juniors Jordan McGlaughlin, Khalil Brawner and Aspen Williams to lead the way early on. Hochstetler said there would be some growing pains, but that he expects that committee to be producing at a high level by region play.

They’ll have starting quarterback Garrett Brown returning for his second year under center, which will help in the transition.

“He did a great job for us last year, and with another year in the system I think it will benefit everyone,” Hochstetler said.

Also back are Ashton Bell and Tre’Von Gamble at halfback.

“With a year into our system, I think they’re bigger, faster and stronger,” Hochstetler said. “I think they can both benefit us.”

Defense

On defense, too, Addie’s absence will be felt. He was the top player in the secondary last year.

Hochstetler said the team may be replacing him front to back. The front seven returns a number of pieces from a year ago, including three of four defensive linemen and a pair of inside linebackers who will make an impact.

J.T. Waller, Darius Jackson and Qua Mahone are all back on the line, along with three-year linebacker starter Jontavious Ferguson and Danny Marshall.

“Both are big guys, they love contact, they’re smart and they’ll do what they’re coached to do,” Hochstetler said.

Overall

Despite the loss of its best player, Manchester appears to return a solid nucleus that should keep it in the region conversation this year. In a new classification, the Blue Devils could benefit with a tough non-region and region schedule that should help it in the power rankings.

For his part, Hochstetler said he is looking forward to playing in Class A because it’s what he grew up watching when his dad was a coach at Greenville and Bowdon.

“I’ve never been in Class A, though, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Manchester looks to committee to replace Demarcus Addie."