Five big impact newcomers

MURFREESBORO Two weeks into the high school football season, several have asked a question as they glanced down at their rosters.

Who are these guys?

Graduation each year forces new players to fill new roles on the football field.

Here are five new starters who are already making a big splash on Friday nights.

Nick Jones, La Vergne

The senior running back didn't play a year ago for the Wolverines. However, he's filled in nicely in place of RoShea Grays, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards in 2014. Jones currently has 377 yards (188.5 ypg) with four touchdowns.

He has answered a key question for La Vergne by quickly becoming the Wolverines' go-to player in the backfield.

Devin Smith, Smyrna

Smith has been known primarily as a running back in past seasons for the Bulldogs. However, he has gone to the other side of the football this year after Smyrna coach Matt Williams faced the dilemma of having two linebackers (Austin Brown and Deylon Williams) out with injuries in the spring.

Brown is now back, but Deylon likely will miss at least the regular season.

"He was a back-up linebacker," Matt Williams said. "When and Deylon got hurt, we had to find someone at that position. He's worked into that role.

"He's a tough kid and a great teammate."

Smith picked off a pair of passes in Smyrna's 28-14 win over Stewarts Creek in Week 2. He made a key tackle for loss against the Wolverines in a 16-13 Week 1 win when they faced it third-and-goal from the Smyrna 1.

Joe Peck, MTCS

Joe Peck replaced Morehead State freshman Justin Winn at quarterback this season. Peck is a former defensive player that overcame a knee injury his freshman season. The junior quarterback hasn't shown as strong of an arm as Winn thus far this season.

However, his tough running has given the Cougars a second standout runner in the backfield with teammate Tanner Green.

Peck has rushed for 212 yards and thrown for 115 yards in the Cougars' 2-0 start.

Kaleb Oliver, Oakland

The younger brother of former standout Kyle Oliver, Kaleb Oliver has helped solidify the Patriots' secondary at safety with safety teammate JaCoby Stevens.

Kaleb, a junior, has an interception and has forced a fumble.

The hard-hitting safety also has 14 tackles thus far this season.

Casey Perkins, Smyrna

Perkins became the Bulldogs' starting running back this season after playing primarily on defense in the secondary in 2014. His play with the ball in his hands has been a surprise for the undefeated Bulldogs.

Perkins has 216 yards on 40 carries plus 38 receiving yards in two games. He also has four total touchdowns.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Week 3 Schedule

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

East Robertson at Eagleville

Riverdale at Blackman*

Siegel at Oakland

La Vergne at Columbia

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.**

Jo Byrns at MTCS

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)