Jim Fair
Josh Gentry will be the quarterback for the Greer Yellow Jackets when the 2012 season begins Friday night at Dooley Field. Quarterbacks Coach Jay Abercrombie has developed an offense to take advantage of Gentry's skills.
Jim Fair
Josh Gentry is a two-sport star who plays basketball in the winter. He has a squad of receivers and backs to use in a multi-dimensional offense.
Steve Owens for GreerToday.com
Josh Gentry played wide receiver last year and was on the end of several Reese Hannon touchdown passes. He knows how receivers like to be led and where to place the football during pass routes.
Gentry earned the starting position with an excellent spring and summer practice. Emmanuel Kelly was thought to be the heir apparent to the graduated Reese Hannon, a finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football. Kelly will play wide receiver and provides a valuable receiver who can take over the game with his athleticsm.
“People would be amazed at some of the things Gentry does out there,” Greer Head Coach Will Young said.
“I’m just trying to go out every day and learn to do better,” Gentry said.
Young has been pleased with Gentry’s game management and decision-making. “Gentry is a senior and he has matured,” Young said. “Josh has learned so much from Reese. He knows how to run an offense. He’s always looking for the next guy to break open.”
Gentry said he observed Hannon’s work ethic and leadership last year. “I saw how much Reese put in the game, not just at practice but off the field too."
Gentry has a skilled offense that offer a variety of breakaway speed and possession receivers. Quez Nesbitt is a dual threat at running back and wide receiver and Brook Chapman, playing mostly on defense in the summer, provides a big power back with excellent speed. “We told Josh he doesn’t have to win the game all by himself. He a lot of weapons to go to and players that will help him out.”
Gentry played in every scrimmage except Byrnes. He was battered the night before in a scrimmage at Gaffney.
“We’ve allowed Gentry to do his stuff,” Young said. “He checks out of certain routes and pass plays. He checked into another run (Friday versus Woodruff) and we don’t usually do that."
Gentry is also a threat when he is forced out of the pocket or sprints out to pass. Friday night Gentry got around the corner for a big gain after outrunning several defenders. His basketball playing skills has allowed him to shift quickly and adapt his speed to the pressure.
“I’m seeing the field and receivers pretty good. We’ve got some good receivers that can run after they catch it,” Gentry said.
Gentry has also put in extra time watching film of practices. “I can tell how much time they watch film. It’s obvious this season is important to him,” Young said.
D’Anta Fleming, Kelly and DeAndre Moren have been targets for Gentry during the scrimmages. Fleming caught a pass that was perfectly lofted over the defenders’ head for a touchdown Friday night.