It’s unlikely Ground D.J. ever will morph into Air Sigurdson.
But the South Kitsap coach likes his options at wide receiver when the Wolves elect to pass.
South might even throw a little more this year after last year’s 75-25 ratio favored the run.
At least that’s what the wide receivers hope.
The Wolves passed more often late in the season as quarterback Chad Tester gained experienced.
And while Bryan Dorsey, who replaces the graduated Tester, has seen little game time — he threw just eight passes last season — he’s more experienced than his predecessor, which might allow the Wolves to open up the offense earlier.
It’s a thought that excites Leon La Deaux, who had 284 yards and two touchdowns on a team-high 19 receptions last year.
“Bryan has great confidence and a great arm,” La Deaux said.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound La Deaux becomes the Wolves’ No. 1 wide receiver with the graduation of Devlan Miller, who led the team with 313 yards and four touchdowns on 13 receptions.
Senior Jared Moore (5-11, 164), who started at safety last season — a role he will continue this year — also will start at wide receiver.
“With Jared being a senior and Leon being a proven returner, I feel pretty good about those two kids,” Sigurdson said.
He didn’t have a reception last season, but said he feels comfortable with Dorsey because they’ve played together since youth football.
“It was pretty much just go out there and do the same thing,” said Moore, referring to the transition to wide receiver. “Know the routes and make big plays.”
La Deaux said that will be important with the offense. He wants to take pressure off the running backs who must replace graduated 1,300-yard rusher Stephen Tucker.
“The more we can get the offense balanced, it’s only going to help the running game,” he said.
Behind La Deaux and Moore are a pair of juniors, Mike Alonzo (6-3, 181) and Austin Melvin (5-10 ½, 158).
Sigurdson also noted that he’s been impressed with the work ethic displayed by some of his seniors, particularly A.J. Espy (5-11 ½, 149).
“There’s good depth at that position,” he said. “There’s kids that we trust.”
The tight end position almost is a de facto sixth lineman on South’s offensive line.
Matt Foxworthy, who had 58 yards and a touchdown on five receptions last season, earned first-team, all-Narrows League Bridge Division honors last year, graduated.
He was regarded by Sigurdson as the team’s best blocker.
Senior Brad Fairweather (6-2, 186) is projected to be this year’s starter, while classmate Rick Gillespie (6-3, 184) is the primary backup.
