20 spring football questions for Nashville-area teams

The spring version of high school football is well under way throughout Tennessee.

Here are 20 questions regarding teams across the Nashville area as they begin their offseason workouts.

How will Hillsboro’s offense change?

The Burros offense should look different this fall under new coach Maurice Fitzgerald. While Hillsboro ran a pass-heavy spread offense for five seasons under former coach Craig Clayton, look for Fitzgerald to bring a more balanced, pro-style approach.

Who will lead Independence’s high-flying offense?

Junior Nathan Cisco is slated to become the Eagles’ third different starting quarterback in as many seasons. Cisco has several talented targets to ease the transition, including junior Tennessee commitments Kendrell Scurry and T.J. Sheffield.

Who will replace Gallatin all-time leading rusher Jordan Mason?

Jalen Porter was Mason’s top backup last season and could ascend to the starting role. Junior Dyze Vaughn could see some time there as well.

What will Mt. Juliet’s offensive line look like?

Right tackle Cade Hoppe is the lone returning starter on the Bears’ front line. He will move to right guard. Look for Zach Delfendahl and Tyreece Stone to also have big roles up front.

Who is going fill the shoes of Oakland's depleted starting lineup?

Class 6A state runner-up Oakland was ravaged by graduation, losing all but five starters, including Mr. Football JaCoby Stevens, who is now at LSU.

Who will run the ball at Springfield?

Sophomore Dayron Johnson is the team’s leading returning rusher with 450 yards. Coach Dustin Wilson must fill the void left by graduated running backs Alan Gardner (772 yards), Ke’Lein Jones (440) and Daniel Lawson (360).

Will Antioch have a coach by the end of spring?

Mike Woodward was fired in early March after leading the Bears to a 3-8 record in his first season back at the struggling Nashville program. His replacement has yet to be named.

How does Pope John Paul II rebound after losing a large senior class?

The Knights finished their first winning season since 2006, but lost 19 seniors who played a large part in their 6-5 record. The biggest need is at quarterback, where Ben Brooks started for four years.

Can Ravenwood find stability under first-year coach Matt Daniels?

Daniels, a former defensive backs coach for the Raptors, is the program’s third coach in as many years. He replaces Richie Wessman, who took a semipro job in Italy.

Can four new Clarksville coaches have an immediate impact?

Rossview, Kenwood, Northeast and Clarksville Academy posted a combined 16-25 record. Rossview coach Todd Hood boasts the most experienced quarterback in Kole Monson, although Northeast may have Clarksville’s best pure athlete in Gus Antoine.

Who will become Marshall County QB's Bryce Wallace’s favorite target?

Wallace, who threw for 2,870 yards in 2016, loses Tre Crutcher and Jay Howard. The duo combined for 2,124 yards. Running back Kamron Liggett will likely have an increased role after churning out 1,653 total yards.

How will this offseason benefit Christ Presbyterian Academy?

CPA relied heavily on its sophomore class en route to a sixth consecutive 3A semifinal appearance. That class, which features 2019 linebacker prospects Kane Patterson and Bryce McCormick, is about to transition to Division II.

Can Overton replace playmakers Theo Jackson and Taveruis Travis?

They may have graduated a pair of big-play threats, but the Bobcats’ offense won’t be starting over. Quarterback Sam Mast returns after an impressive sophomore campaign.

Is Northwest primed for a deep run?

The Vikings reached the Class 4A playoffs — their first postseason in seven years — and the duo of quarterback Hunter Silverstrim and Tennessee commitment Shatar McClay was largely to thank for that. Silverstrim threw for 1,142 yards and 15 touchdowns. McClay made 38 catches for 746 yards and 13 scores.

How will Gavin Schoenwald be used by Brentwood Academy?

Schoenwald played primarily tight end and finished with 329 receiving yards last season. In 2017 he likely will play quarterback, where he has thrown for 723 yards with nine TDs in the past two years.

Who is Beech’s next lead running back?

That distinction should fall to Chaz Williamson, who rushed for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016. Aaron Foxx and Jahmall Robinson are two candidates who will also share time in the backfield.

When will Dickson County pick a starting QB?

All-state quarterback Jacob Murphree has departed, and now the Cougars must fill the void. Cole Martin and Micah Fann are the top two candidates.

How do Hendersonville and Station Camp make the jump to Class 6A? 

Hendersonville and Station Camp are paired with old District 9-AAA rivals Mt. Juliet, Lebanon and Wilson Central, as well as Rossview in Region 4-6A. Both Sumner County teams missed the 5A playoffs last season.

How healthy is Riverdale defensive tackle D’Andre Litaker?

Litaker, a 6-3, 285-pound defensive tackle, has been cleared to practice after missing 2016 with a knee injury, but expect the prized college prospect’s work to be relegated to non-contact drills in spring.

Who will throw to Cane Ridge’s Jared McCray?

McCray enjoyed a stellar junior season for the 5A quarterfinalist Ravens, finishing with a Midstate-leading 1,187 yards and 14 touchdowns, He'll have someone new throwing to him with the graduation of D.J. Thorpe. James Reese IV should be the starter after being Thorpe’s backup a year ago.

Contributing: USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee sports writers Chris Brooks, Cecil Joyce, Tom Kreager, Andy Simmons and George Robinson.

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com or 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNSports.