The issues with depth at Farragut DID NOT begin this year . Farragut has been losing football players to the private schools, and other systemic issues, for YEARS.
For example, In 2021, Farragut was forced to play their top D tackle on the offensive line nearly every snap as well. Why? Because, there was ZERO depth on the offensive or defensive lines. The kid was a 300lb warrior that was often absolutely gassed between possessions - he deserved a Purple Heart - but there was no one near his level to relieve him no matter how exhausted he might have been. And, rotating someone from the O line wasn’t really an option, because there was no depth there either. Every year since, Farragut has played a series of undersized D tackles that have had to play virtually every snap without a break - no matter how fatigued. All the kids scrapped and were tough as nails; but, most were undersized and, ultimately, out of position due to lack of depth. The Upperman game last year was a perfect example - all Upperman had to do was run Power until D linemen were gassed; Farragut played hard, but without the depth they enjoyed for many years, they wore down.
Furthermore, there have been elite players over the years that would have considerably altered entire seasons for Farragut if they hadn’t opted to go private. I recall one in particular (his father was an All-American at UT) who once sat in the stands with his CBFO teammates wearing his game jersey and was an elite high school player on both sides of the ball. He would have elevated a very solid Farragut team to a legitimate chance at a state title run. Ultimately, after years of playing in the Farragut youth programs, he chose the private option and subsequently became a starter in the SEC. There have been quite a number of similar “losses”.
I agree there are other systemic issues and that an inordinate number of the better players on the team recently departed for other public and private school programs, and I’m sure there will be others in the future; in fact, I mentioned that in previous posts. However, I was referring to the DOZENS that never make it to Farragut High School, because each year they can also choose between five “financial assistance” options and that should concern the decision makers at Farragut (Bearden, Hardin Valley and Karns as well, quite frankly), in my opinion. After all, who do you think PRIMARILY populates these private school programs that are located in West Knoxville and West Knox County?
The exodus of players at Farragut IS NOT limited solely to this upcoming season and it IS NOT limited solely to one class of parents and players. There is another fierce competition in play for West Knoxville and West Knox County programs - the competition to retain sport-specific athletes. My point was - either Farragut takes the necessary steps (and I don’t think it ends with simply changing the head coach) to create a lasting environment that attracts and retains players or there will be significant struggles for many years to come.
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Former44 ·
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