PHOTO | HERBERT L. WHITE

Johnson C. Smith football coach Maurice Flowers gives instructions to players during practice on April 2 at McGirt Field. Flowers, who was appointed in January, takes over a program that went 1-7 in 2021.

Spring football is a clean slate for everyone at Johnson C. Smith.

Coach Maurice Flowers is looking for players who are ready to succeed after the Golden Bulls went 1-7 last year under former coach Kermit Blount. Flowers understands turning around a losing program starts with collective buy-in.

“These young men, they’ve made one of the best decisions in their life and that’s to go to Johnson C Smith University to get an education,” Flowers said. “And because of that they deserve a chance to show who they are and what they have. There are some guys out here that can play, and we’re pleased with that.”

One of them is receiver Reggie Bryant, a second-team All-CIAA pick last year. With Flowers implementing a spread offense that emphasizes quickness in open spaces, Bryant is excited about the opportunity to make plays – and points – in the process.

“Coach Flowers is a great coach,” he said. “He came in here and said what he needed right away – just work on getting better.”

That’s why spring ball is important for the returning players. Flowers believes there’s enough talent on hand to accelerate the rebuilding process leading up to preseason drills.

“We know there’s a foundation here, and if we look at the schedule, this is a team that was 1-7 last year, but lost some competitive games,” he said. “As a coaching staff, we want to be the difference in winning some of those close games, and we’re just providing quality systems on offense, defense, and special teams. We’re going to add some pieces to the puzzle, and we’re looking to just turn this thing around one day at a time.”

Bryant, who scored a team-best seven touchdowns on 49 receptions for 693 yards in 2021, was often the Golden Bulls’ lone scoring threat despite inconsistency at quarterback. He will be counted on to do more of the same in 2022 despite uncertainty as to who will be behind center in August when fall camp opens.

“Of course, we want to see the guys that had postseason accolades, and that starts with Reggie Bryant,” Flowers said. “He’s as advertised. He’s going to fit right into our system. Coming from a place in Fort Valley State where we had an NFL prospect at receiver in Shamar Bridges, Reggie Bryant has those types of skills and skill set. I love his attitude in meetings and I’m just looking forward to him having an outstanding year.”

Bryant has incentive to improve. Despite earning second-team all-conference, he wants more.

“It definitely made me hungry because I want to be first team of course, but it’s telling me I need to get better working on things I need to work on, and I know I will be first team next year,” Bryant said.

Flowers also raved about returning offensive linemen, starting with center Katrel Shaw (Mallard Creek), right tackle Will Ripley (Berry Academy), and Shawn Evans, a 6-4, 305-pound right guard who has stood out.

“He’s an outstanding offensive lineman,” Flowers said. “I didn’t expect our offensive line to have as [many] bright spots as we have right now. We’ve got a good foundation and a good base there.”

The defense, which was ninth in the CIAA with an average of 30.1 points allowed and 354.8 yards per game, is undergoing a remake. The emphasis in spring is on getting to the point of attack. Although that unit is more unsettled than the offense due to personnel turnover, Flowers sees potential.

“I just really love the physicality that they’re playing with,” he said. We’ve got a foundation and I’m just very pleased with it. And really, it’s only going to get better.”

Bryant is a believer.

“Coach Flowers definitely put it out there – just trust the process and everything he’s got going will definitely be good,” he said. “So right now, we just trust in the process, have a good mind about it and see what it’s got for us right now.”

JCSU’s spring game is Saturday at 10 a.m. at McGirt Field. It’s free.

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