By Owen Whitsett
Coffee County football may return a number of familiar faces this fall, but according to head coach Brandon Harmon, it’s the development those players have made since last season that has him most excited entering 2026.
In Part 2 of Thunder Radio’s exclusive Football Preview Interview series, Harmon shifted the conversation from the program’s culture to the players expected to lead the Red Raiders this season. From veteran playmakers to emerging underclassmen, Harmon believes the combination of experience, offseason development and healthy competition has positioned Coffee County to take another step forward.
Lowery Takes Command
Leading that group is senior quarterback Kaysen Lowery, who returns for his third season as Coffee County’s starting quarterback and his second year under Harmon. Harmon said the familiarity with the offense has allowed Lowery to take a major step forward mentally.
“I think he’s become one of the most coachable kids,” Harmon said. “A lot of times, by the time you get over there to tell him what he messed up on, he’s already telling you what he messed up on.”
Harmon also praised Lowery’s offseason work away from the program, saying the senior has embraced additional quarterback training while showing significant improvement in reading coverages, making quicker decisions and getting the football out on time.
Offensive Playmakers Ready for Bigger Roles
The conversation then shifted to several of Coffee County’s top offensive weapons, including senior Matthew White, junior Tez Garrett and senior Jett Trussler. Harmon said each has transformed physically over the offseason while embracing larger leadership roles heading into the new season.
White, the Region 6-6A Specialist of the Year a season ago, will once again be counted on in multiple phases of the game. Harmon described him as a “Swiss Army knife,” capable of impacting games on both offense and defense while taking on an even larger role as one of Coffee County’s senior leaders.
Garrett enters the season after what Harmon described as a complete physical transformation. After stepping into a larger role last season, Harmon believes the junior running back is poised for a breakout campaign.
“Barring any injuries, Tez is going to be a name a lot of people realize by the midpoint of the season,” Harmon said.
Trussler remains one of the program’s most versatile players and emotional leaders, though Harmon expects his role to evolve this year. While he’ll continue contributing offensively, improved roster depth should allow the Raiders to maximize his impact defensively after serving as one of the team’s “Iron Men” a season ago.
New Faces Looking to Step Up
Replacing All-Region standouts Simeon Alphonse and Kane Dixon remains one of the biggest storylines entering the season.
Harmon highlighted junior Tanner Vernon as the projected replacement at left tackle while noting the battle at wide receiver remains wide open. Sophomore Keyton Childress, sophomore Joe Jordan and freshman Luke Christian were among the players Harmon identified as competing for increased opportunities as preseason practice approaches.
“The deeper we are, the better,” Harmon said while discussing the ongoing competition throughout the roster.
Building a New-Look Defense
On the defensive side, Harmon pointed to senior leaders Hank Crabtree, Graham Collins and Grayson Sadler while also praising the development of juniors Devontay Swader, Kellan Hershman, Gio Alfaro, Zane Jones, Caleb Hill and several members of the defensive front.
Among the younger players Harmon highlighted were sophomore Riley McBroom and freshman Luke Christian, two names Raider fans may become familiar with as the season progresses.
Harmon also discussed position changes, the competition taking shape in the secondary and why Coffee County’s new defensive scheme better matches this year’s personnel.
“This scheme fits us,” Harmon said.
Competition Driving the Program
Throughout the interview, one theme remained consistent: competition.
Whether discussing the quarterback position, the offensive line, wide receiver or the secondary, Harmon repeatedly emphasized that internal competition has elevated the roster while creating valuable depth entering the season.
Part 2 also introduces Raider fans to several new names expected to make an impact this fall while providing a closer look at position battles and player development across the roster.
The complete hour-long Coach Brandon Harmon Football Preview Interview is expected to be released later this week on Thunder Radio 107.9 FM and across Thunder Radio’s digital platforms.
