Charles to make life difficult for quarterbacks
By Jake Jennings
MDJ Sports Writer
When asked about the leaders on
Harrison’s defense for the upcoming
season coach Josh Cassidy didn’t waste
any time.
“He is going to lead our defense,” Cassidy
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said. The player in reference...senior
defensive end Nick Charles.
The Hoyas have a big hole to fill on
the defensive side of the ball after last
year’s Cobb County sack leader, Marcus
Bleazard, graduated.
With 121 tackles and 12 sacks, Bleazard
was a clear talent on the field. However, the
6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker was also a
leader off the field, and more importantly,
in the weight room.
“He used to throw weight around in
the weightroom like nobody’s business,”
Charles said. “I used to work out with him.
He definitely made me bigger, better and
stronger.”
Replacing such a large personality and
talented player will be no easy task, but
Charles said he is up to the job. He
said he is excited to be the guy others
follow, but the main stage won’t be too
much for him.
“It feels good to know that I am
where it’s at. I know obviously that
is a lot of pressure to feel,” Charles
said. “You get up, you go do your best,
you try to impress everyone in the
stands and on the field just like you
would if you were a freshman trying
to earn your spot.”
Charles is no stranger to playing time
and the 6-3, 230-pound edge rusher has
already made an impact.
Last year, he had 75 total tackles, second
on the team behind only Bleazard,
and five sacks.
Cassidy said he has a new game plan
and Charles will be a big part. For now,
the main goal for the Hoyas is to be
the strongest and most athletic team
in the county. He said there is no time
to waste.
“Go, go, go,” Charles said. “This year,
coach Cassidy’s mentality is that we need
to be stronger and more conditioned than
the other teams. We’ve been out here
running and doing as much as we possibly
can to be that much better than
our opponent.”
Charles, who has offers from multiple
Division I programs, said he is currently
choosing between the Air Force
Academy and Tulane. He said he knows
he will have to lead by example.
Cassidy said Charles is not as vocal
a leader as Bleazard, but his
mentality makes up for the loss of
words. Charles wants to emulate
Bleazard’s energy on the field, but
in his own way.
He also said Washington Football Team
defensive end Chase Young is someone he
looks up to and takes notes from. If the
edge rusher can start to emulate his play
on the field, Charles could be a problem
for opposing offenses.
“He was one of those guys that was
get up and go every single day,” he
said. “He was ‘that dude’ on the field
no matter what.”
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