As the Wildcats’ football offensive coordinator, Matt Young finds a lot to like about 7 on 7. The Wildcats played fourteen games during May and June. Coach Young says the players develop camaraderie. He says when its’ 120 degrees on the turf, players that go through that together can’t help but get closer. Coach Young says Wildcats players learn how to communicate.
He says unlike other teams that use dads or former players as 7 on 7 coaches, the Wildcats players are on their own. They coach themselves. Coach Young says it makes the players communicate to find answers. He says they have to talk to make adjustments. Coach Young says 7 o 7 is beneficial because of the sheer number of reps players experience. He says there is no telling how many throws Cason Goodson caught out of the backfield while being contested. Coach Young says that can’t be simulated. He says that also goes for receivers such as Simeon Taylor or Landry Tyson. Coach Young adds quarterbacks Ryan Humphries and D’Corian Young made a lot of throws while reading defenses. He says they got more reps by far the past two weekends at state qualifier tournaments than they will during the entire summer.
Coach Young says 7 on 7 is invaluable for players getting confidence in a play or coaches getting confidence in a player. He says players pick up little things that help them better understand football. Coach Young also sees benefits for defenders. He says there is no telling how many times cornerback Conner Burgin batted down the ball on go routes as offenses were picking on him. Coach Young says Burgin has developed confidence that will serve him well this fall. Coach Young also cited defensive back Cor’Tavius Pruitt, who moved to defensive back this spring after playing receiver last year, and who gained confidence during the 7 on 7 season.
