REEDLEY – A lot of excitement emanates from the Reedley College Tigers as they count down the days until the kickoff of a new season.
After another day of practice in a hot, sun-drenched late afternoon/early evening on Aug. 20, a roster with more experience and some new additions is starting to round into form to make the Tigers a possible contender in the 3C2A this season.
“I feel good, we got a lot of out-of-area guys, out-of -state guys, so it’s always mainly about trying to come together, connect as a team,” said Reedley College head coach/defensive coordinator Rob Hartenfels. “And we’ve really started to do that.”
With six players who’ve made the JCGridiron Watch Lists at their respective positions, the Tigers boast impact players at the skill positions, solid depth on both the offensive and defensive lines and a quarterback with plenty of potential. And if all of these pieces fall into place, the Tigers could improve upon their 5-5/2-3 record from a season ago.
“We got a really good group of sophomores that have been in the program for two years, some three years, so, you know, that’s really exciting,” said Hartenfels. “I feel good about the O-line and D-line, and it’s gonna be exciting.”
Quarterback Connor Whitson is one of the newest Tigers turning some heads this preseason. Whitson, the 6 ‘2, 210 pound signal caller, who originally hails from Bakersfield, comes to Reedley after sitting out the 2023 season at the University of Massachusetts.
In a tight quarterback competition, Whitson’s skills, technique and leadership have already made an impact with his coaches. And these intangibles could help make Whitson the Tigers’ true leader of the pack.
“Connor’s arm strength is unreal, and his comprehension of the offense is great, so you can tell he’s been at the four-year level,” said Hartenfels. “His leadership skills have been great. You can tell the way he approaches the game.”
If Whitson grabs the starting QB job, wide receivers Donovan Smith and Jacob Saldate could make luxurious targets. Smith and Saldate both made the JC Gridiron Wide Receiver Watch list this preseason. Smith, at 6 ‘2, 195 pounds, provides a physical presence, and Saldate, is the 6 ‘0, 175 pound speedster on the outside.
“Saldate’s so fast, I don’t know if there’ll be a receiver as fast as him in the state. And Donovan, he’s just so strong, so it’s exciting,” said Hartenfels.
When Reedley has to balance their attack on the ground, keep an eye out for running back Israel Robles. Robles, the 6 ‘0, 220 pound runner, rushed for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns last season. With a more prominent role in the offense, he could be a game changer for the Tigers.
Reedley’s depth on the defensive line is anchored by strongside end Conner Bohlken. Bohlken, at 6 ‘1, 220 pounds, collected 33 tackles last season, 5 for losses, 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. He’s capable of wreaking havoc on the defensive line and could shine even more this season.
“I just think you’re going to see guys that play really hard and play for each other,” said Hartenfels. “The thing I’ve noticed with this group, we got a lot of guys that love football, and I think when you have that, you got a shot.”
