We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Tift County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Blue Devils this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 1-9
- Points Scored: 109
- Points Allowed: 404
Key Losses
The Blue Devils don’t have many key losses to graduation from last year, but Blue Devils head coach Noel Dean told ITG Next that there are a couple of players that Tift County will miss. Defensive end JaCoiley Nathan was a standout lineman for the Blue Devils, earning All-Region honors last season. He will continue his football career at Thomas University, where the school is fielding its first football squad. Athlete Tyler Parker, who played a few roles for the Blue Devils, is headed to Wofford University to continue his football career.
Who’s Back
The good news for Tift County fans is that several key contributors from last year will be back this season. Coach Dean tells us that group includes senior RB Damian Moate and senior receiver Taylan Morrow.
“Taylan is due for a breakout season this year,” Dean said.
Dean listed several members of the Devils defense who will be key returnees in 2023. That group includes senior ILBs Danny Freeman and Kaleb Lewis, along with OLB Lee Jackson and CBs Javion Romer and Za’morian Brown, who Dean called “one of the strongest kids, pound for pound, that we have.” Dean also said he’s looking forward to having FS Jaden Nelson and DE Landon Jones back, along with K/P Dave Sandoval.
What to Expect
In taking over the Tift County program, Dean has started from the ground up, and he has the players buying into his way of doing things. His methods are effective, as three state championships on his resume can attest.
“We have really had to go through a lot to get to where we are today,” Dean told us.
After a one-win season, this year’s Tift program is loaded with college-bound talent, with recruiters making regular daily visits to see players such as Romer, Lee Jackson, Za’morian Brown, new QB Chris Martin, and Landon Jones, who are among the players who have received offers already.
The Blue Devils looked impressive in its 31-20 win over Crisp County in the spring game, and while that may not count, this 2023 Tift County football program is ready for any positive vibes. Right now, there’s a lot of that headed into the season. Look out for Noel Dean’s Blue Devils this year.
Prediction
I think 5-5 is a good step for Dean’s Devils in 2023. Better things are yet to come, however.
Game to Watch
The August 18 opener against Coffee will give us an idea of how far this Blue Devil team has come.
Want to get the latest news and opinions in the Georgia high school sports world before anyone else? Subscribe to our email newsletter!
