The calendar says spring is coming to a close, but for the Jesuit Dallas football team this time of year means an opportunity to get back on the gridiron.
And according to head coach Brandon Hickman, the Rangers took advantage of their time on the field with a productive 3.5 weeks of spring camp that culminated May 14 with the annual spring game.
The contest featured the first-team offense taking reps against the first-team defense and down the ranks, and also included a kicking competition.
“We had a great camp overall,” Hickman said. “Our goal was to get one percent better each day and I think we did that. We had about 130 kids out there, which is a great number. And we installed a new defense, and the kids did a great job of picking that up. I was really pleased with how we progressed in our running game and passing game as well.”
Running the ball figures to be a strong suit for Jesuit in 2027 as the offensive line is among Jesuit’s most experienced positional groups according to Hickman.
Running back Ty Daboub, meanwhile, returns off a season in which he rushed for 5.8 yards per carry and six touchdowns.
“(Daboub) had a really strong spring,” Hickman said. “He was very impressive out there.”
Under center, J.P. Livingstone has established himself atop the depth chart after receiving limited varsity snaps as a sophomore (27-of-49, 366 yards, four touchdowns).
“He’s started to separate himself,” Hickman said. “He played late in four or five games last year, which will be a big benefit. And he’s 6-foot-4, so he has some good size. We’re pretty confident that he’ll be ready for the challenge in the fall.”
Livingstone will be hoping to develop a strong rapport with a new group of pass-catchers throughout the spring, summer and fall camp.
“We don’t have anyone back at receiver, but we’ve seen a few guys really starting to emerge,” Hickman noted.
Defensively, the secondary boasts the most experience, but Hickman is pleased with the improvement he has seen in the front seven, as well as with how the team has picked up the new scheme.
“It was a good install,” he said. “The kids did a great job with the fundamentals and details, which is what we want to see. It’s not a rush to become proficient, but we want to have a good foundation laid for when we get back on the field in the fall.”
Another positive for Jesuit this spring was in the leadership department.
“The unity and the chemistry were outstanding,” Hickman said. “We named our leadership council members, which is something the players vote on. We typically have 12, but it was such a good group this year we ended up with 13 because we didn’t want to have to break a tie. It was great to see.”
The Rangers also figure to benefit from continuity on the coaching staff with zero departures.
“Not only are they all back, but we’re very fortunate to be able to have seven freshmen coaches alone,” Hickman said. “And we have another 10 on varsity and junior varsity, too. It’s a great luxury we have here at Jesuit.”
With spring camp now in the books, Jesuit will continue with its athletic performance camp during the summer months, in addition to competing in a 7-on-7 tournament in June.
“I’m very pleased with where we’re at heading into the summer,” Hickman said. “The energy level was great, and I don’t feel like we wasted a practice. We’re very excited.”
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