Oxford, Mississippi (WCBI) – The Chargers have 30 seniors back this year and are looking to build on an eight-win 2023 season.
“We have a lot of experienced players in the secondary, a lot of guys who have played a lot of football back there. We also have a lot of experience on the offensive line, so those are two positions where we have a lot of guys who have seen a lot,” said head coach Chris Cutcliffe.
With the exception of one position change, the entire Charger secondary returns.
“I’m very excited. We’ve worked hard all summer and have grown together as a family. The group has gotten tighter and I’m looking forward to a lot of picks this year,” said defensive back Jalyen Judson.
Mitchell Grandjean, Oxford’s quarterback from last year, has transferred. Now sophomore Drew Dean takes the reins.
“He’s great. He’s the hardest-working guy I’ve met on this team,” senior receiver Levi Blount said. “QB leaves and he had no idea that this was going to happen and that he would have to step up. He’s handled it really well and I’ve seen him get better and better.”
For Chris Cutcliffe, choosing Dean was not a difficult decision.
“It’s really his attention to detail. That’s how he approaches summer and spring training, he’s very focused and detailed about his work. He’s done a great job and earned the respect of his teammates.”
With a good group of returning players around Dean, the Chargers are optimistic they can build on last year. Oxford’s season begins next Friday at home against Lafayette.
