Why Jupiter football is embracing wholesale change under head coach Jason Kradman
JUPITER – There's a new coach and offense at Jupiter High this year, where Jason Kradman is returning to his South Florida roots to lead the Warriors in 2022.
In replacing coach Timothy Tharp, who retired from coaching after last season, Kradman is bringing about wholesale changes, installing a new-look offense with his staff.
“Our guys were really patient, and they’ve done a fantastic job,” Kradman said. “I feel like our special teams and defense are really going to do well. Our offense is catching up, and we're looking to hold up our end of the bargain come fall.”
Within the grit of training camp, Jupiter is pursuing unique packages that could feature multiple quarterbacks and running backs as the Warriors implement a more traditional pro-style attack.
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Here are two key takeaways from the Warriors’ offseason:
New coach, new offense
In Jupiter’s schematic transition, the offense will be shifting from Tharp’s wing-t scheme to a combination of a pro-style and spread offense.
In a more nuanced scheme, the learning curve has been a challenge, but Kradman said the team has responded well, commending their patience during the process.
“We’re really excited about the potential that we have,” Kradman said. “We’ve certainly had our struggles, especially offensively in the spring, just trying to put everything in and get everything installed in a short amount of time.”
The change in scheme is something Kradman has had success with, both in his original coaching opportunities in Miami Beach and in Chicago, when he moved there in 2014 with his wife.
While the end product is what fans hope to see at some point in the regular season, learning the new system right now is akin to a foreign language class.
“Our biggest issue has just been learning the new terminology,” Kradman said. “Every coach has their own lingo as far as how they call an offense, defense, special teams. Really, our guys are learning a new language.”
With it, players are being used in different ways, such as tight end Steven Oberst. The senior was seen in motion setting up key blocks to help drive plays downfield during August practices.
“I feel like my skills are being used to the fullest,” Oberst said. “A little bit of blocking, a little bit of passing. It’s perfect for me because I have the speed, I have the hands, and I’ve got the blocking skills. I think it’s great.”
Multiple quarterbacks, running backs
You’ve likely heard of a run-by committee, but how about a throw-by-committee?
In it, Kradman and his staff plan on using at least two quarterbacks as the game-plan develops on Friday nights.
“We’re playing multiple different quarterbacks right now,” Kradman said, pointing out the relative strengths of each within the new system.
Luke Douglas will lead the spread offense, while quarterbacks Chase McCorkle and Jackson Williams are battling for rights to run to pro-style packages.
All told, fans will likely see at least two of the three signal-callers during the regular season contests.
The running game, too, will have a new look.
Star running back Emonte Brown left for Treasure Coast during the offseason – before coach Kradman arrived – but new faces lend promise to a young, but dynamic group of players in the backfield.
Among them, Benjamin transfer Dylan Furshman and junior Jai Morgan will be vying for snaps.
“I feel like it’s really great,” Morgan said of the new system and staff. “I feel like they utilize my skills more, like with passing out of the backfield.”
Morgan, listed on the roster as a running back and a linebacker, is just one of the players primed to play both sides of the ball. Rotating players will help keep them fresh for four quarters.
“All of our running backs also play on the defensive side of the ball,” Kradman said. “For us, it’s going to be who has the hot hand. Some of our guys are better perimeter runners, and some of them have a better inside run game. So we’re just going to play to those guys’ strengths.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jupiter football: Warriors see wholesale changes under Jason Kradman
