Manual is out to snap a 19-game losing skein with freshman tailback/linebacker Johnny Mickle, senior receiver/safety Jalen Alexander, lineman Jason Graham, lineman Devashia Garrett, running back/cornerback Taj Moore, running back Jeremy Graham and linebacker/halfback Deangelo Dean.
Former Marshall coach Robert Orkman takes over at Manual, which has had four coaches in four years. MANUAL (0-9) – Former Marshall mentor Robert Orkman becomes fourth different coach in four seasons … big challenge to beef up offense, which scored only two TDs, and a defense that allowed 53.1 ppg … Orkman points to a squad of 40 players compared to last year’s 25 … late start for team as coach joined them just days before school opened … seven players to watch: senior running back/corner back Taj Moore brings excitement and energy as he fits Orkman’s pistol offense, senior receiver/safety Jeremy Graham, senior Devashia Grant (315 pounds) is athletic and fits 3-4 defense, team leader Jalen Alexander played as soph, went to Memphis and is back, junior Jason Graham (315) plays on both lines, freshman tailback Johnny Mickle and halfback Deangelo Doan bear watching … ’Skins move up to 3A … open Friday against Gary Roosevelt at 7 p.m. at Ray Schultz Field.
Orkman’s comments: “The attractions to come here are the alumni support and the rich tradition of Manual football. They used to shut down Madison Avenue for football parades for the teams of the ’60s and ’70s. This coaching staff is eager to bring back that tradition. Our challenge is to bring about a winning attitude. If we have good, quality play, then everybody will buy into the program. We want to produce quality community citizens who graduate from high school and further their education at a trade school or college.
Orkman’s comments: “The attractions to come here are the alumni support and the rich tradition of Manual football. They used to shut down Madison Avenue for football parades for the teams of the ’60s and ’70s. This coaching staff is eager to bring back that tradition. Our challenge is to bring about a winning attitude. If we have good, quality play, then everybody will buy into the program. We want to produce quality community citizens who graduate from high school and further their education at a trade school or college.
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