Football: Trojans adjusting on the fly under new coordinators

Often changes to a coaching staff can lead to chaotic spring as football teams attempt to adjust to playing in new systems.

But that wasn't the case with Newman Smith despite the Trojans working in new coordinators on both sides of the ball.

"It was the best spring ball that we've ever had," said Paul Ressa, Smith head coach. "It went really, really well and it's because of our chemistry. We had a lot of change with the new coordinators, but everybody bought in immediately."

The Trojans were also able to adjust on the fly because of its experienced roster, which is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 campaign that saw them go 2-8.

"We have a lot of guys back," Ressa said. "And a lot of that is because of last year when we had to force a lot of young guys in their on a blink. They went through a lot last year and I think we're seeing their resiliency and that it made them more prepared for this season."

Taking over the reigns as offensive coordinator is Blaine Barnett, who comes to Smith after coaching receivers at Coppell for the past three seasons. Barnett also spent six years coaching at Southlake Carroll on the heels of three seasons on staff at Irving MacArthur.

"With Blaine, we're going to be throwing the ball a lot more," Ressa said. "We're still going to have the option look and try to pound it a little bit, but it isn't as big of a piece of our offense as it used to be. This is more of a true spread offense that you saw when Blaine was at Carroll or last year at Coppell before all of their quarterbacks got hurt."

Ressa said multiple quarterbacks displayed the ability to stand up and fire the ball this spring.

Calling the defense for the Trojans will be Tom Neuman, who is entering his eighth season on staff. Neuman takes over as coordinator after coaching the defensive line in the past.

"That was a no-brainer as far as I was concerned," Ressa said. "[Neuman] He did a great job with the line and now we're kind of finalizing the transition of going completely to a 3-4 and putting coach Neuman's stamp on it. We have a real fast defense and we wanted to simplify things a little bit. You can really see the kids flying around to the ball."

Another adjustment the Trojans are making is eliminating two-way players.

"We have 97 percent of our guys playing on just one side," Ressa said. "It started with three or four guys a couple of years ago and then it seemed like everyone was playing on both sides. We were kind of the jack of all trades, but master of none. Now they're focusing on one side and the learning curve has been great. The kids are identifying and picking everything up quickly. We'll be much further ahead this year when we show back up in August."

Smith also completed the spring rather healthy despite a physical Spring Game to close practice.

"We really got after it," Ressa said. "It was extremely physical, but the guys have all summer to heal."

The Trojans will continue their preparation for the 2012 season by completing a summer conditioning program as well as playing in a 7-on-7 league with Coppell, Irving MacArthur and Birdville.

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