The Mustang Bronco offense is known for its ‘physical fast’ style of play.
The Broncos put up over 4,500 yards of total offense in 2023 and they are looking to improve on that production in 2024. With experience at all levels, Mustang’s coaching staff is excited for what’s to come.
Offensive coordinator Cody McDaniel sat down with The Mustang Sports Review to break down the squad’s two-deep depth chart, as well as multiple others who should contribute to the team’s offense this fall.
Check out the 2024 Mustang offense preview below:
QUARTERBACK
Mustang’s offense will be led by senior quarterback Trajan Williamson, who started the team’s first seven games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury against Union.
Williamson is a true dual threat. He passed for over 1,200 yards with 12 touchdowns while rushing for over 500 yards with nine scores on the ground. His ability to grind out first downs and find open receivers has improved since returning to the field in the offseason, but it’s his leadership that has impressed McDaniel and the offensive staff the most.
Trajan Williamson (Sr.) returns as the team’s starting quarterback after an injury shortened junior season. He finished with over 1,200 yards passing and over 500 yards rushing with 21 total touchdowns in 2023. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
“With a leader like that, it’s really hard to have a couple of bad days in a row,” McDaniel said of the work ethic Williamson displayed in spring, summer, and fall camp. “He does a really good job of encouraging and did a good job getting receivers together to get on the same page during the offseason.
“There isn’t a throw he can’t make in my opinion. He has a really good arm and has been making some tough throws this year that he struggled with last year. We all know the guy can run and is a dual threat, but he is really turning into a complete quarterback.”
RUNNING BACK
The Broncos graduated their leading rusher, 1,000-yard back Bryance Sanders, however, sophomore Taven Brown and senior Latin Everheart are primed for the same type of production.
Mustang fans may remember Brown from his 86 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-21 win over Yukon last fall. That performance could wind up being a preview of much more to come over the next three years. In fact, during preseason interviews a year ago, Blankenship mentioned that Brown could possibly end up as the best player to ever put on a Bronco uniform.
Taven Brown (So.) is set to help take over Mustang’s backfield after the team graduated 1,000-yard back Bryance Sanders last year. Brown scored two touchdowns last season as a freshman. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
“He has had a great fall camp,” McDaniel said of the young tailback. “There are a lot of steps to take for him, but we’re seeing him take those steps. One thing that he has showed us is his willingness to be coachable.
“He’s one of the fastest kids on the team, but also carries a stature with him being a bigger back. Size and speed always help in the game we play.”
Everheart provides a different dynamic in the backfield, making him and Brown a 1-2 punch that should give defensive fits. He rushed for 134 yards on limited touches last season, but produced an impressive 4.78 yards per carry.
Latin Everheart (Sr.) is expected to provide one half of a solid 1-2 punch in Mustang’s backfield this fall. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
“He’s as quick as a hiccup,” McDaniel said. “He’s a little smaller, but doesn’t play that way, making him really hard to tackle. He’s also done a good job of being a great leader for Taven and rubbing off on him and making everything make sense.”
McDaniel says junior Gerald Ackah, who is coming off a knee injury last season, will also provide quality depth in the backfield this year.
WIDE RECEIVER
The Broncos enter 2024 with arguably its strongest wide receiver corps since fielding the tandem of Jacobe Johnson and Keegan Bass two years ago. Johnson currently plays for Oklahoma University while Bass plays for the Air Force Academy.
Juniors Jaden and Jaytee Johnson, Jacobe’s younger twin brothers, lead the room, along with track stars Ben Patkowski (Sr.) and Derek Straughn (Jr.).
Jaden Johnson showed he is one of the top wideouts in Class 6A-1 last season, reeling in 60 receptions for 1,060 yards and 13 touchdowns. He can play in the slot or on the outside, which McDaniel plans to utilize, but it’s Johnson’s mindset that will take him to an even higher level this fall.
“He has a big heart and wants to be the best he can be,” McDaniel said. “That’s the best part about watching him. If he makes a mistake, he immediately points at himself and says it was on him. He’s a big time player, but the main thing is that he takes ownership in everything he does.
Wide receiver Jaytee Johnson (Jr.) returns after suffering a season-ending collarbone injury during the opening game of the 2023 season. Johnson is expected to have a big role in Mustang’s offense. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
“With being in this as many years as I have, I can tell you those are usually the special ones. And he obviously has the talent to go with it.”
Jaytee Johnson makes his way back onto the gridiron after suffering a season-ending collarbone injury during Week 1 last year. He is talent loaded like his brothers, showing his athletic ability as a main contributor for Mustang’s basketball team the last two seasons.
Patkowski and Straughn are the speedsters, having helped lead the Mustang track and field team to a top 10 finish in the 2023 Class 6A state championship meet. Patkowski caught three touchdown passes a year ago while Straughn caught one, both combining for 300 yards through the air.
“It takes the pressure off everywhere,” McDaniel said of how the team’s talent at each skill position makes an impact overall. “Not just the talent, but also the fact that we’re pretty deep at those positions. It allows us to play a different brand of football and take the top off of some defenses and not skip a beat when the next guy comes in.
“It’s always going to help to get the ball to athletes in space. That’s the name of the game. Get it to your best players and watch what they do with it.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Broncos will be anchored up front by three returning starters, including senior tackle Antoine Bogus, senior center Blake Davis, and senior guard Gavin Lyon.
Center Blake Davis (Sr.) will be one of three returning starters along Mustang’s offensive line. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
Stone Perkins (So.), Hayden Flores (So.), Caden Gordon (So.), Landon Mosby (Sr.), and Connor Hawkins (Sr.) are expected to rotate at the other three line positions, all hoping to lock down starting positions as the season progresses.
“Bogus has been a fantastic guy for us,” McDaniel said of the team’s veteran tackle. “Blake Davis has really come along and has been that steady force for us at the center position. And then Gavin Lyon has given us that stability we need at guard.
“We feel like we’re going to put a very good line out there in front of those skill position guys and we’re excited to see what they can do.”
Tackle Gavin Lyon (Sr.) is back as one of three returning starters along Mustang’s offensive line. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
BRONCO BACK
McDaniel says the Broncos have a “few” of options competing for playing time at Bronco back, including junior Jayden Jones, junior Parker Sorrell, and sophomore Lane Lewis.
None of the three experienced the position last year at the varsity level, so they have used spring, summer, and fall camp to get used to the intricacies of what it takes to play in that spot. McDaniel thinks the trio has a bright future and will provide a great deal of playmaking ability in 2024.
“All three kids are working really hard and are starting to hit some strides,” McDaniel said. “Jayden moved over from the defensive side as well as Parker, who also plays linebacker. And Lane was with our freshmen.
“The room is talented, they just need the experience. That’s the only knock anyone can have on them right now. We’re excited to see their growth and think they have the biggest room for growth of any position this year.”
