The Hamilton Football Program is primed for a breakout season
“We’ve got a chance,” hollered Big Blue head coach Nate Mahon to me as I walked off the field at Virgil Schwarm Stadium, during one of their morning workouts. They really do. All they need is a chance to prove themselves.
For the first time in over a decade, the Hamilton football program is primed for truly a breakout season. Mahon knows it, the fans know, and more importantly, the players believe it.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think the expectations are definitely higher,” said Mahon. “I’m okay with higher expectations. We have a bunch of kids back. The two things that I’m excited for is that we have a talented team and they’ve bought into what we’re doing. Not every team can say they have both.”
Last fall was the first time that the Big Blue made the playoffs in a decade and this year they not only bringing the core back but add a little too.
Keyshawn Stephens returns to the backfield for another all-star season. Daryan Bowling and Kaleb Johnson comeback following their break out years. And the cherry on top is the addition of Miami University commit, Malik Verdon.
With a raised bar and a cornucopia of talent, what is the next step for the Big Blue? Well depends on who you ask.
“We would like to get the playoffs, do damage in the playoffs and be mentioned in the GMC title race,” said Mahon.
“8-2 or 10-0,” said Stephens.
“A GMC championship, and obviously win a couple of playoff games,” said Bowling.
The confidence the team has is abundant but not in the slightest way unwarranted.
The question is, how do those four D1 talents help get Hamilton to the next level?
“All those guys have to play both ways,” said Mahon. “We have to use those guys strategically on both sides of the ball. All four of them are dynamic on offense, but they can help on defense too.”
Kaleb Johnson and Keyshawn Stephens are the two that will keep most GMC defensive coordinators up at night. Stephens was second in rushing yards within the conference two seasons ago. Johnson broke out for nearly 900 yards last year.
“I think it’s the best backfield in the state of Ohio,” said Mahon. “To have both of those guys on offense. I think it’s the best running back tandem in the state.”
Both Stephens and Johnson have been playing football since they could practically walk. Now they’re running their way through the GMC and into Division I scholarships.
They know what they’re capable of, they’ve seen the bar has been raised and they’re working to get the Big Blue to the next step.
“I’ve been working out every day since school has been out,” said Stephens. “I’ve been getting better. Trying to make the team better.”
Stephens is entering his fourth season on varsity. After a fantastic sophomore season, he stepped into a more versatile role last fall, where he played both ways. This allowed Johnson to come into his own. The pair look to be able to run through a brick wall, and schools have started to take notice.
Stephens has received looks from Eastern Illinois, Pitt and Austin Peay. He said that he is not near committing yet, but says that it will come down to which coaches stay in contact with him the most and what schools seem to be the best fit.
Mahon mentioned that Stephens’ best strength is perhaps the greatest intangible of all– leadership.
“We have focused on Keyshawn being a true leader of the team,” said Mahon. “As he continues being a captain-like guy, he will bring our team up.”
Johnson, who is heading into his junior year is just getting into the recruiting process and already has nods from several schools including Pitt, Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Penn State.
Like most recruits, Johnson just wants to feel comfortable at whatever school he picks. That’s in the future though, for now, he is streamlined on this upcoming season.
“We have high expectations this year,” said Johnson. “I’ve been working out and striving for everyone to do their best.”
Johnson’s raw talent has already lent itself to a fantastic sophomore season, Mahon is excited to see what happens this year.
There might be a little rivalry brewing between the two, as they claimed they want to lead the GMC in rushing come year’s end.
Sure, Hamilton might have the best running back tandem in the state, but don’t think they can’t go over the top on you.
50/50 balls heavily favor the Big Blue when targeting Daryan Bowling. The senior was third in the GMC in receiving yards last season, even though he missed the final two games. This fall he has physically gotten ready to start shredding secondaries throughout southwest Ohio.
“He is as good as it gets at receiver,” said Mahon of Bowling. “He has done a nice job of gaining weight and getting stronger. You look at him now and he is an intimidating guy.”
Bowling actually started later than most of the Big Blue with playing football, as he focused more on baseball till the 7th grade.
His height and athleticism certainly lend themselves to being a great receiver, but he actually thanks his history playing outfield out on the diamond.
“Naturally, since I played baseball, I do a very good job at reading the ball in the air,” said Bowling. “When the ball is thrown, I already know where the ball is going to be.”
He has offers from Army and Navy while talking to several schools in the MAC. As for where he will go, it depends on the next season and what school fits him best.
Finally is the new guy, Malik Verdon.
Verdon transferred to Hamilton last fall from Moeller. He showed his athleticism on the hardwood last winter and has already committed to play football at Miami (OH) next year.
“He is very, very talented on the field, but I’ve been excited about his leadership,” said Mahon. “I like the way other guys have taken to him. He adds a leadership quality to the team.”
Verdon says that Miami plans to use him in a wide receiver role next year, but his size and athleticism make him the ultimate swiss army knife for the Big Blue.
“He can play any position,” said Mahon. “He is 6’4 and 200 lbs. He is very quick and agile for how big he is.”
Verdon’s two younger brothers have also moved into the district, one will be a sophomore the other will be entering eighth grade.
While there is plenty of uncertainty going on right now, the Big Blue just want a chance to show how good they are.
“I don’t know how things are going to shakedown this year,” said Mahon. “This is probably the most talented Hamilton team in 10 to 15 years. We have a lot of guys we are excited about, and I hope like heck we get to show them off.”