Strickland tasked with being a leader for South Brunswick

Within the past decade the South Brunswick High School football program has produced some dynamic athletes at the skill positions that have gone on to play at the next level.

From the likes of T.J. Taylor and Jevon Tyree, both who earned football scholarships to Rutgers University, to of course the acclaimed Mohamed Sanu, the former Rutgers star who's currently playing in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, South Brunswick has been blessed with talent.

Dontae Strickland is the next wave in that line as big things are expected for the senior who has verbally committed to Syracuse University.

"There's no question – those that have a lot, there's a lot expected," South Brunswick coach Joe Goerge said. "And we expect that from Dontae."

Strickland came on in his sophomore year for the Vikings as his big-play ability helped the Vikings to the 2012 NJSIAA Central Group V title as he scored two touchdowns, a 61-yard rushing score and 68-yard receiving touchdown, in the championship game in a 33-22 win over Manalapan.

It was that season when Goerge, his first as coach at South Brunswick, challenged Strickland down-the-line in his senior year of emulating the leadership skills Taylor displayed for the Vikings that season.

That time has come.

"T.J. brought that leadership, and that's a guy I used for Dontae to say, 'Hey, you got to step up to be T.J. his senior year,' " Goerge said. "We won with T.J. leading us, making big plays, but really leading the team and I think that's the challenge for Dontae too."

"He's done a real good job at camp to step up, be a leader on this team, and lead by example."

Strickland will play all over the field for South Brunswick at running back, defensive back, and on special teams, but Syracuse plans on using him as a running back.

His number of carries is expected to increase from the 107 rushing attempts he had last year as his playmaking ability will be relied upon more out of the backfield with bruising fullback Dahrae Ford, who rushed for 813 yards on 122 attempts last season, having graduated.

"I think we gotta give him the ball, there's no question," Goerge said. "He's got to be in the high teens (in touches per game), at least, if not more. We got to figure out different ways to get him the ball."

With an athlete of the caliber of Strickland and senior Amir Johnson returning as the starting quarterback, South Brunswick will look to replicate its championship success from 2012 in the always tough Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division.

"I'm thinking this GMC Red is as good a division as any in the state," said Goerge, as the Vikings open with a challenging out-of-conference game at Middletown South. "In conference games, if you're not ready to play, you can be beat by anyone on your conference schedule."

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

About the Vikings

Coach: Joe Goerge, third season (17-6).

Assistants: Michael Goerge (offensive line, defensive backs); Jason Goerge (offensive line, defensive line); John Hoehn (slot receivers, cornerbacks); Kevin Drakes (running backs, outside linebackers); Dan Solomon (wide receivers, secondary); Sean Clark (wide receivers, linebackers); Chris Rossomando (strength and conditioning); Marquay Mayo (freshmen); Erik Trost (freshmen); Wayne Hanns (freshmen); Will Miska (volunteer).

Stadium: South Brunswick High School (turf).

Colors: Black and gold.

Classification: Central Group V.

Offensive formation: Triple option.

Defensive formation: 5-3.

Last year (7-4 overall, 5-3 GMC Red): East Brunswick 42-7 (W), Monroe 26-18 (L), Old Bridge 27-8 (L), Edison 41-21 (W), Piscataway 42-14 (W), J.P. Stevens 42-7 (W), Middletown North 28-21 (W), Sayreville 35-13 (L), Trenton 28-8 (W), Hunterdon Central 42-7 (L), North Brunswick 34-13 (W).

2014 schedule: Sept. 12 at Middletown South, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 at J.P. Stevens, 7 p.m.; Sept. 27 Old Bridge, Noon.; Oct. 2 at Sayreville, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 East Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 at Monroe, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 Edison, 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 at Piscataway, 7 p.m.; Nov. 27 at North Brunswick, 10 a.m.

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNYReturning starters: Amir Johnson (Sr., 5-9, 160, QB-DB); Dontae Strickland (Sr., 6-0, 185, RB-DB); Phil Campbell (Jr., 6-1, 193, RB-S); Marcus Jackson (Sr., WR-DB); Mo Jabbie (Jr., 6-1, 170, WR-CB); Chris-Jon Summers (Jr., 6-2, 23, FB-MLB); Matt Golden (Sr., 5-9, 185, RB-LB); Aidan Rogers (Sr., 6-4, 190, T-DL); Zaire Gibson (Sr., 6-0, 278, G-NT); Richie Hoff (Jr., 5-11, 245, OL-DL).Key losses: Dylan Olsson (QB-CB); Dahrae Ford (FB); Rashaan Baker (OL-DL); Nicholas Mecca (OL); Scott Dunleavy (WR); Austin Morse (RB); Nygel Bush (DL); William Russell (G).Top newcomers: Wendell Allen (Jr., 6-1, 170, RB-CB); Nyair Hill (Jr., 5-8, 155, RB-CB); Dillon Donaldson (Jr., 6-3, 258, G-DT); Pablo Endara (Sr.,WR-LB); Sam Bierstein (Sr., 6-0, 270, OL-DL); Austin Cooper (Sr., C-DL); Deandre Farr (Sr., RB-DB); Asad Bokhari (Sr., WR-DB); Tom Leavy (Jr., OL-DL).