PRACTICE REPORT: BUTLER BEARS

I began my preseason practice reports at Suda E. Butler Traditional High School. This fall the Bears have much higher expectations than in recent years, they have their sights set on Bowling Green.

First year Head Coach Gary Wheeler has been blessed with a talented roster that is built on their skill players. The most notable of them being senior running back Joe Brown who holds offers from WKU and Arizona. Kentucky has also been involved in his recruitment and is still very much in the picture.

Brown says he could make a commitment by the end of July.

Butler's secondary is a very deep and stout, senior defensive back Joe Hines made play after play on the ball. Brown will be in that dangerous group to make it a very good one.

In 2013, their offense will be learning a new playbook in the spread. Will Johnson will be assuming the quarterback position which will virtually give them a monster running back with a cannon arm running their spread offense. Johnson's footwork was very impressive for a young man who hasn't been under center long, but probably won't spend much time there.

Coach Wheeler admits that Johnson will see some carries this year and that he's not completely sure how he's going to use his arsenal of talented skill players. That though, is what this month before the season starts is for.

Overall the practice was impressive for a number of reasons. First, being that there was a feeling of excitement that has rallied behind their new Head Coach. Secondly, Johnson seems to be adapting to being a signal-caller nicely. Lastly, knowing how close this team was to beating PRP - that went on to go to the championship - in the playoffs last season and that it wouldn't be a stretch for them to advance to the game this year themselves.