Darius Ocean’s 11: Transfer QB to lead JC Smith offense

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Darius Ocean (2), a Hough High graduate, beat out five other contenders for the starting quarterback job at Johnson C. Smith. Ocean previously played at FBS Western Kentucky and Division II Valdosta State before transferring to JCSU in the spring.

Johnson C. Smith’s offense is Darius Ocean’s to lead.

The Hough High graduate won Johnson C. Smith’s a six-contender competition by showing command of the offense as well as getting the ball to the right place on time.

“I think one of the biggest strengths of Darius Ocean is he’s a very smart young man, really similar to Tyrell Jackson,” the Golden Bulls’ opening day starter the last two seasons, coach Maurice Flowers said. … “He’s very cerebral young man, but I think one of the biggest things he brings is pinpoint accuracy. He can put the ball away from defenders where only our guys can catch it, and I think that’s what the separator was with him.”

Ocean, a spring semester transfer from Division II Valdosta State, completed 1-of-2 passes for 85 yards and a score last year with the Blazers. He also played at FBS Western Kentucky, where he completed 7-of-12 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Ocean, who has two years of eligibility remaining, passed for 72 yards and a touchdown in the Hilltoppers’ 73-0 win against Florida International and connected on three passes for 52 yards and a score against Charlotte.

Independence High graduate Cam Kromah will back up Ocean, but after playing three quarterbacks the last two seasons as well as in 2021 at Fort Valley State, Flowers is mindful of developing quality depth. Jackson, who retired last year due to concussions, will help that process as quarterbacks coach.

“What we told the quarterbacks [is] the number one position is important, but the biggest focus that we have right now is on the two, three and four positions,” Flowers said. “That's been it from Day One. Yes, we want to figure the [starter] out, but because of the last three seasons … in this offense, the most important people on the offense have been the second, third and fourth string quarterbacks. We’re just trying to make sure that we have those young men prepared, and that they’re preparing like the starter every day.”

With the starting quarterback determined, JCSU is set offensively. The receiver rotation is deep and experienced, with St. Augustine’s transfer Deandre Proctor joining incumbents Brevin Caldwell (Ardrey Kell High) and Tyrek Williams in the first group. Caldwell caught 51 passes for 579 yards and a touchdown in 2023 while Williams added 16 catches for 224 yards and three scores.

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Brevin Caldwell, who led Johnson C. Smith with 51 catches for 571 yards last year, returns to the starting lineup.

“We have really strong confidence in our top eight wide receivers,” Flowers said. “There’s Keyshawn Tyson, a Lenoir-Rhyne transfer last season. David Hamilton, another big target [who’s] 6-2, 6-3, had an awesome spring. And then we had another [Lenoir-Rhyne] transfer, a Charlotte product in Jordan Payne, who played at Vance before it changed to Chambers.”

Quavaris Crouch, a Harding High graduate who previously played at Tennessee and Michigan State, is the top running back. He’s already made an impression along with the offensive line, which returns four starters.

“I’d say Quavaris Crouch is as advertised,” Flowers said. He had a great scrimmage – only played about four plays, but his last play was a 40-yard touchdown – and if you can do that against this number one defense, then you’re doing something.

“The biggest gain is in that offensive line. They are working with great chemistry, a lot of veterans in there, guys that have played the past two seasons.”

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