Bartlett football surprised to find new WR Dylan Shannon already connected to QB Kam Alexander

What appears to be a new dynamic duo for Bartlett football in 2024 isn't exactly new.

Junior wide receiver Dylan Shannon, a transfer from Lausanne, is a fresh weapon in the Panthers' arsenal that already includes All-State running back Geron Johnson and quarterback Kam Alexander, with whom Shannon already has chemistry.

"We used to play 7-on-7 two years ago so we already have a connection," Shannon said.

"It was a big surprise," Alexander said of Shannon moving to Bartlett. " . . . it's just fun to have another big target to throw to out there."

The two developed a strong bond with the Fast Break Mean Green 7v7 program, which has produced the likes of former Collierville quarterback Aidan Glover, now a freshman at Missouri. They're excited to be back in the same uniform.

"They welcomed me like I was a brother since the first day," Shannon said. "The culture is great here."

The rediscovered link was briefly but forcefully on display Friday night during a jamboree matchup with defending Class 6A champion Houston. The 6-foot-2 receiver came down with multiple catches in traffic, a sneak peek at what will be an important part of Bartlett's attack as it looks to challenge for the Region 8-6A title.

"It was good to see how we line up against (Houston) early in the season," Shannon said after the 7-7 jamboree tie. "Hopefully, it'll be a completely different game when it comes time in the regular season."

Bartlett has high hopes not just because of its talent, but also a comfort level; last season was the first for coach Chris Smith and Alexander in their respective roles.

"Last year it was a new offense coming in and learning everything went pretty fast," Alexander said. "This year, I want to take my time with Coach (Smith) and really go through the film and understand our offense better so I can get the ball to (Johnson), which opens up our pass game."

"There's no better teacher than experience," Smith said of Alexander's 2023 season. "He learned how to command the offense, read defenses and overall learn the game of football and how to approach it. He's grown a lot."

Both faced challenges last year, with Smith moving to Bartlett from Haywood. The Panthers lost four games, all of them against powerhouses MUS, Houston and Germantown (twice).

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"He played some really good defenses last year," Smith said. "I think it motivated him to work hard and get everybody on the same page. Now he knows what the timing on routes have to be and how the quarterback and receivers gotta be on the same page."

With a familiar face at wideout, that might even get easier. The Panthers hope the added chemistry and preparation will bode well before regional rematches with Germantown (Oct. 4) and Houston (Oct. 11).

Bartlett open the regular season Friday at home against Memphis University School. Last season, MUS won 37-0.

Wendell Shepherd Jr. is the high school sports beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Wendell at wendell.shepherd@commercialappeal.com . Follow Wendell on X, formerly known as Twitter, @wendellsjr_.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bartlett football surprised to find new WR Dylan Shannon already connected to QB Kam Alexander