Editor’s Note: The Dispatch continues its annual look at some of the area’s top players. These features will run daily through the start of the prep football regular season Aug. 17 and 18.
New Hope High School senior wide receiver Jeremy Tate isn’t concerned about catching balls from a new quarterback this season.
In some ways, the new quarterback also is the old quarterback.
Tate will be reunited with Kyree Fields, and the duo has high hopes as New Hope transitions to Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A competition.
“Kyree was my quarterback in pee wee and middle school, so it’s a lot like old times,” Tate said. “Thomas (Stevens) was a great quarterback last year. I think he was very under-rated. Offensively, we scored a lot of points. Now, we are going to try to continue those things this year. I am excited about working with Kyree. It’s going to be a good thing.”
A year ago, New Hope finished 6-5 and missed the playoffs out of Class 5A, Region 1. Stevens threw for 2,858 yards and 29 touchdowns. Tate had 46 catches for 727 yards and 11 touchdowns. New Hope averaged 33.2 points per game.
For New Hope to continue that offensive success, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Tate will have to play a big role. A two-star prospect per 247 Sports, Tate is ranked as the state’s 41st-best prospect. He gave a verbal commitment to Memphis earlier this year.
“What lies ahead is exciting,” Tate said. “Everybody plays the game all of these years and you want to have that chance to play in college. The Memphis coaches have been great. They contact me just about every other day. They ask about my family. It’s not just about me. It’s about my family.
“It’s also not just about football. It’s about getting a good education. I really appreciate the interest from Memphis.”
This season, New Hope will face a new set of challenges against Class 4A competition.
“Dropping down is really huge for our program,” Tate said. “We feel like we can compete for championships. Our first goal is to make the playoffs. After that, we hope to make a run and go deep into the playoffs. We have a lot of seniors on this year’s team. A year ago, we had a good team but we struggled against some of the great 5A teams.
“This year, we won’t have that problem. I think that is why we have a lot of optimism. Everybody feels like we have a chance.”
While the transition to Class 4A and the team’s experience provide reasons to be optimistic, it has been up to the Trojans to do the heavy lifting in the weight room and practice field.
“As a senior, it’s great to be looked upon as a leader,” Tate said. “I am proud of that. However, I feel like I have been leading for two years. When you are a starter as a junior, that makes you a leader, too. You have to go out and set the standard for the younger guys. You also have to make plays.”
New Hope coach Kris Pickle knows the capabilities of his offense and feels like the Trojans can once again thrive through the air.
“Jeremy has really had a great offseason,” Pickle said. “When that senior year rolls around and you see a player going all out, it makes you excited. You want to see them succeed. We have some great leaders. Hopefully, we can fill in the missing pieces from last year and take the next step.”
Tate focused on the next step during the summer. He attended camps at Memphis, Alabama, and Mississippi State and participated in 7-on-7 camps with teammates.
Published reports indicate Tate had some of the best marks at Big Dawg Camp. An offer from Mississippi State could materialize based on the Bulldogs getting commitments from other players or having openings.
“The biggest thing about this summer has been technique,” Tate said. “You want to take as much advice from as many college coaches as possible. I have been working on technique, different ways to play off my man. Speed and agility drills are also important. The challenge has been to get better every day.
“Now that the end (of high school ball) is almost here, you want to get the most you can out of yourself.”
Tate said he most likely will take several official visits this fall. The only one confirmed so far is Memphis.
Tate also has his eyes set on the end zone. He and his teammates have a plan to get there.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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