ELKINS -- Garrett Daniel admits to being a defensive lineman at heart. That doesn't stop him from anchoring what could be one of the most important positions and biggest strengths on the Elkins football team this season -- the offensive line.
Daniel appears ready for the challenge a two-way player faces in Class 3A high school football.
Garrett Daniel
School: Elkins
Class: Senior
Position: Offensive Line/Defensive Line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
Notable: Started at both offensive tackle and defensive end as a junior. … Only returning full-time starter on the offensive line.
"I think I like defense a little better," Daniel said. "Offense might be a little tougher. You have to be crisp on everything on offense, and make sure everybody is getting there blocks and on time with the snap.
"We do still make some mistakes on the offense, but we've worked on it and we've gotten a lot better."
Elkins finished 5-6 last season under first-year coach Thurman Shaw, relying on quarterback Tristan Ice to create much of the offense when both his arm and his legs. With Ice gone, and Daniel and the offensive line more established, the Elks feel confident the gameplan can return to a more power, physical style of play this year.
"I think we're going to be a real good offensive line," Shaw said. "We're big enough, we're quicker than last year and the line last year got it started for us.
"Last year they were physical in that run game and this year we've got a lot of good guys coming back."
Daniel (6-2, 220 pounds) is the only returning starter on the offensive line, but that doesn't mean the group is lacking in talent. Fellow senior Sha'ron Curtis is a load at 5-foot-10, 280 pounds and juniors Zack Frost (6-1, 270) and Hank Hickman (6-3, 300) provide solid size and depth. Shaw is also confident sophomores Denton Foster (5-11, 210) and Ben Hicks (5-9, 190) will step in a handle the varsity level well right away.
"I think the (young guys) will help," Daniel said. "From all the hard work we're putting in with hard practices, I think they're getting used to it and they'll be ready for the games."
Daniel will still get his chance to play defense. In fact, he'll be counted on as one of five returning starters defensively. But just as important to the Elkins' success this season is his leadership on the O-line. And so far this offseason, that leadership is evident.
"Garrett is a our senior leader on our line," Shaw said. "He's an experienced guy and he's a real good leader for us."
Sports on 08/21/2014