MUSTANG BRONCOS
Coach: LEE BLANKENSHIP
6-5
OFFENSE
Mustang returns to the field with a highly experienced offense, led by standout wide receiver Jaden Johnson. The Broncos will employ a multiple formation offense under the guidance of offensive coordinator Cody McDaniel. “We return a large group of kids with a lot of experience. We have good depth across the board and our kids are hungry to compete in 2024,” coach Lee Blankenship said. The offense will be orchestrated by quarterbacks Trajan Williamson (6-3, 205, Sr.) and Tyson Pogi (6-1, 165, So.), both of whom saw significant playing time last season. Williamson, who is a powerful runner with an explosive arm, started the first six games before breaking his hand. Pogi stepped in for the remaining five games, throwing for over 1,200 yards with a near 80 percent completion percentage. Jaden Johnson (6-2, 175, Jr.) was big last season with over 1,100 receiving a year ago. Jaytee Johnson (6-2, 170, Jr.) is the twin brother to Jaden and makes his return after suffering an injury early in the season last year. The pair should give defensive coordinators fits. The offensive line is anchored by returning starters Antone Bogus (6-4, 260, Sr.), Gavin Lyon (6-2, 310, Sr.), and Blake Davis (6-1, 265, Sr.). Ben Patkowski (5-9, 165, Sr.) will also be a key target at wide receiver alongside Johnson. The Broncos averaged 33 points per game and 458 yards per game in 2023 and aim to build on that success this season. The X-factor on offense could be the leg of DI kicker Aidan Jordan (Sr.). Another player with a high ceiling is Latin Everheart (Sr.) at RB. Everheart could see time on defense in the secondary. Expect Gerald Ackah (Jr.), Taven Brown (So.) and Bryance Sanders to get some carries at RB as well.
DEFENSE
The Broncos’ defense will operate from a 4-3 base under defensive coordinator Waleed Gaines. The unit forced 17 turnovers and recorded 37 sacks last year. “We return lots of experience, led by Waleed Gaines Jr. (6-0, 165, Sr.) in the secondary,” Blankenship said. In the secondary, Waleed Gaines Jr. is a lockdown corner with DI talent, and Tayten Duncan (6-1, 180, Jr.), a highly intelligent and instinctual safety, is expected to have a big season. Blaine Fulmer (5-10, 175) is a two-year starter at safety and a player who can cover and support stopping the run. The linebacker department is bolstered by returning starters Kaden Bachus (5-10, 195, Jr.) and Josiah Stevens (6-2, 200, Jr.), both of whom bring physicality and speed to the defense. Bachus started all 11 games as a sophomore. He’s a physical, fast player. Stevens also started all 11 games as a sophomore. Stevens is tall and long with good instincts The defensive line features Louie Jones (6-2, 290), a versatile player capable of anchoring the middle or playing on the edge with his 350-pound bench press strength. Tucker Brown is a solid 2027 prospect at DB and will help this secondary as they face some high-powered, explosive offenses. Max Baca (So.) has great size, speed and plays a physical brand of football at linebacker. Elijah Wilson (So.) is the younger brother to former Mustang standout Deontre Thomas. Wilson is following in his brother’s footsteps on the defensive line.
