PHOTO/HERBERT L. WHITE

Vance High linebacker Gerald Nathan Jr. is a key defensive cog to the Cougars’ postseason aspirations.

Gerald Nathan Jr. has unfinished business at Vance High.

The senior linebacker is a leader on a team coming off a 13-2 season and berth in the N.C. 4AA championship game in 2016. The Cougars lost but Nathan expects Vance to get over the hump in 2017.

“We’re going to the states,” he said. “I know we’re going to the states. We’re grinding every single day. All gas no brakes is our philosophy and we’re just going to take it all.”

Nathan (6-2, 207) is similar in size and physicality to Darien Reynolds, a Gardner-Webb freshman who was a standout linebacker/safety hybrid for the Cougars last year. Vance, which has less offensive experience compared to the 2016 squad, will lean on Nathan and senior running back Kalen Clark for leadership.

“He’s doing a good job,” Vance coach Aaron Brand said of Nathan. “That guy that left us last year, Darien Reynolds, he set the bar so high for his peers, so if we’re looking for another guy to do like Darien did, I think we’re looking in all the wrong places. These guys are doing a pretty good job of trying to take Darien’s place and trying to lead this bunch.”

Nathan, a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, is ready. The Cougars will need its defense to be good, especially early in the season as the offense rounds into shape. There’s also the sting of last year’s 49-14 loss to Greensboro Page in the title game.

“I always keep my teammates accountable,” he said. “Like coach Brand says, we never rebuild – we just reload.”

Said Brand: “We have a really good bunch of players, but we’re nowhere near the football team we want to be, though. Gerald is going to be one of those guys who’ll help bring us together before it’s all said and done. He’s got a tough task on his hands with this group, but I think he’s got a chance to get it done.”
 

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