The overwhelming favorite in District 3A-1, Tuttle will enjoy the benefit of returning starters at 17 positions.
Among them, however, the Tigers don't have a lot of size, coach Phil Koons says. Instead, Tuttle will lean on its team speed, especially on defense, where Dawson Bassett anchors the unit at linebacker.
Bassett, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound younger brother of Oklahoma State's Cooper Bassett, is a Division I prospect who will also play wide receiver on offense.
Cooper Koons, Seth Odom and Jon Michael Hollarn bring quickness to the secondary.
Cooper Koons will lead the offense at quarterback as well, with Bassett, Odom and Jake Welch at receiver spots.
BILYEU BIG FOR LONGHORNS
With Jones breaking in new junior quarterback David Cornwell this season, Longhorns running back Taylor Bilyeu figures to be a big key, especially early as Cornwell gets settled in. Bilyeu ran for 556 yards and eight touchdowns last season while adding 386 yards and five touchdowns receiving.
“He's just been a real force running the ball for us so far,” Jones coach Dave Martin said. “That's going to give us some more comfort with David coming in and learning the system.
“Taylor's going to be a big cornerstone on both sides of the ball for us.”
Bilyeu was one of the top tacklers in the state in any class last season, with 183 stops for the Class 2A state runner-up.
BOBCATS TURNING TO CARLTON
With Bridge Creek losing Chris Golden and Judge Leiter, who combined to run for more than 1,400 yards last season, the Bobcats might have to open up their passing game a bit more this year. That's something Bridge Creek coach Jerry Wallis is fine with. Brandon Carlton figures to lead the way. He only had six catches last year but snagged a pair of touchdown passes and was also key to Bridge Creek's defense.
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