Jim Fair
The 2012 permanent team captains are, left to right: John Hicks, D'Anta Fleming, Josh Gentry and Alex Waters. Head Coach Will Young, center, began the award several years ago to recognize leadership from senior football players.
Jim Fair
D'Anta Fleming receives the Special Teams Player of the Year award from assistant coach Erie Williams.
Jim Fair
Greer Head Football Coach Will Young presents a special honor to Leigh Clement. The photographer shoots photos and posts them on her Facebook page for the players to have access. Clement also makes each senior a scrapbook of photos.
Gregory, a junior at Wofford College, a standout offensive lineman and All-Academic Southern Conference selection, was the speaker at the football awards ceremony. “I wanted to go to college and make an impact,” Gregory said. “I wanted to make good grades, play football and have good character.”
Gregory has started every year since his redshirt freshman season. He had offseason knee surgery and spoke to the students while balancing on a pair of crutches.
“I told myself that everyday I wanted to be great physically and mentally,” Gregory said.
Greer Head Coach Will Young applauded the football players, telling them, “Kids today work ten time harder than when we played, every day, 365 days a year. You put a bunch of Greer kids together and they will do the work.”
All the players in the program, D Team, jayvee and varsity, were recognized by Young and the coaching staff.
A season highlight video showcased junior All-State running back Quez Nesbitt’s season that included 2,310 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. “I’m not quite sure, in my years of coaching I have ever seen a player do what Quez has done,” said offensive coordinator Jay Abercrombie.
Quarterback Josh Gentry was shown with his pinpoint accuracy lobbing TD passes into the corners of the end zone, Alex Waters helping to clearing holes for Nesbitt to burst through, linebacker John Hicks controlling the middle of the defense and highlights featuring most of the players.
“I have been coaching 20 years and the that comes to mind, when thinking of John Hicks is, “You can’t measure the size of a man’s heart. John’s play was the most spectacular job I’ve ever seen a player play.
“He reminds me of his dad (Channing Hicks). John’s a great student and he reminded me of his uncle, Sgt. Bo Hicks, who gave his life for our country. John gave everything he had for Greer High School. After the season we hugged and John said, “I just can’t believe it’s over. All my life all I ever dreamed was to play football for Greer High School.”
Young began honoring players as season captains several years ago as a way of recognizing the leadership qualities of players. Alex Waters, John Hicks, D’Anta Fleming and Josh Gentry were honored as the 2012 permanent captains.
Varsity Offense
Player of the Year: Quez Nesbitt
Back of the Year: Josh Gentry
Lineman of the Year: Alex Waters
Varsity Defense
Player of the Year: John Hicks
Back of the Year: Malek Johnson
Lineman of the Year: Ty Campbell
Special teams
Player of the Year: D’Anta Fleming
Iron Jacket: Alex Waters
Permanent Captains
D’Anta Fleming
Josh Gentry
John Hicks
Alex Waters
All-Region III
Ty Campbell, defensive tackle
D'Anta Fleming, defensive line
Josh Gentry, quarterback
John Hicks, linebacker
Malek Johnson, defensive back
Emanuel Kelly, wide receiver
Quez Nesbitt, running back
Alex Waters, offensive line
Tay Woods, linebacker
Jayvee
Offensive Player of the Year: Dorian Lindsey
Defensive Player of the Year: Nakeem Hoke
D Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Quay Thackston
Defensive Player of the Year: Noah Blosser
Academic
Tyler Abercrombie, 4.5
Jake Arrowood, 3.5
Trent Barbare, 3.67
Tedric Gregory, 3.50
Cole Henderson, 3.75
Gibson James, 4.5
Rolland Nall, 4.25
Garrett Poole, 4.25
Jake Purvis, 4.0
Nick Roberson, 3.5
Seth Shokes, 3.67
D J Sitton, 4.0
TJ Tolliver, 3.5
Alex Waters, 4.2
Seniors
Tim Ballenger
Chase Blackwell
Brook Chapman
Josh Cooke
D’Anta Fleming
Josh Gentry
Tedrick Gregory
John Hicks
Conner Merrell
Jarrett Szabo
Alex Waters