Tyler Lions prepare for year two under coach Rashaun Woods

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — There’s excitement surrounding the Tyler Lions football program, and after putting in the groundwork in year one, head coach Rashaun Woods feels his team can get off to a faster start in 2024.

“Just the guys understanding what the standard is, it’s a good feeling,” said Woods.

“Get back in the groove and rhythm, get ready to work, get ready for the season,” said quarterback Caden Granberry.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it, I couldn’t go to sleep last night, yeah I’m very excited to play with my boys for the last time,” said linebacker D’Crystian Sueing.

Every team has to deal with graduating playmakers, though many don’t have one of the caliber of Derrick McFall who signed with SMU, but with seven starters coming back on offense, the Lions don’t expect to miss a beat.

“Derrick was a tremendous player and he is going to continue to have a great year, but the reality of it is that we’re going to have another guy that’s going to emerge, that’s going to be able to put those numbers up so we’re excited to see which guy that’s going to be,” said Woods.

One of those returning on offense is quarterback Granberry, who is entering his junior season and is already more comfortable at the position, and as a leader.

“You can go at a slower pace because you understand the defense, and I understand the plays better from last year,” said Granberry. “We were almost there last year, we just have to put in extra work and I feel like we’ll be ready this year.”

“Compete at a high level, do the very best that we can execute, and the chips will fall where they may,” said Woods.

Year two of the Rashaun Woods era is now underway, with an experienced, talented and hungry pack of lions, looking to build on the Cujo football tradition.

Tyler will open the regular season on the road against the Marshall Mavericks on August 30th.

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