Chapin’s Will Register growing into his role and future
July 27, 2015
Two years ago, Chapin’s Will Register was preparing for junior varsity football and some spot duty on the varsity team.
Now he’s the first committed player to South Carolina’s 2017 recruiting class, a heady climb in a short time.
How does that happen?
It was simple. Register has grown from 6-foot-3, 205 pounds in 2013 to a 6-4, 240-pounder who excelled last season for the Eagles. He also increased his agility, speed and strength at Athlete’s Arena in Irmo, which has helped turned him into a four-star prospect on Rivals.com.
“Looking back at pictures and videos of the player that I was until now is really unbelievable,” Register said. “I’ve improved my overall strength and speed. I worked on that over the offseason a lot. I also feel a lot more comfortable running routes. That is probably my biggest improvement. I can definitely see the work paying off.”
The improvement isn’t lost on Chapin coach Justin Gentry. Register was a huge part of the offense last year, but that production should increase two-fold this season.
Register caught 18 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns last season.
“You could always tell he was going to be a big fellow. We knew he was going to grow into his body and that is probably the biggest difference from last year, along with his physical ability,” Gentry said. “Compared to last year, when he was a true tight end that we did move around a little bit, this year with his athletic ability, it will allow us to line him up at tight end, at slot, split out wide and at H-Back. We’ve designed it to where he can move around a little bit to try and create mismatches with defenders.”
The added bulk is going to help Register when he’s lined up as a tight end. There were times last season where he struggled against more physical defenders. Register also will play outside linebacker on defense.
“He’s now a big strong kid now, where last year, sometimes, when he was in a tight end set, he would get stalemated by a stronger linebacker or defensive end,” Gentry said. “This year, he has more punch to keep that from happening.”
Chapin has a wealth of talent returning around Register. Logan Bailey returns at quarterback, and Evan Estridge will be another big target at wide receiver. The Eagles have run a balanced offense with about a 50-50 split for run-to-pass ratio and he thinks that will continue this season.
“We’ve been a 50-50 team in the past, and I think it will continue to stay that way,” Gentry said. “The key ingredient, along with Will, is we’ve got Logan Bailey returning. He’s one of the leading rushers in the area and one of the better quarterback’s. He brings a lot to the table, which opens up receivers downfield. Defenders will have to defend him running the ball as much as they will him throwing it. That helps a big guy out there when the defender has committed to the run.”
Register has spent his summer working out at Chapin from Monday-Thursday and participating in several 7-on-7 team camps.
He also has attended individual camps at USC, Clemson and Tennessee. Clemson was his first big-time offer and when the one came from the Gamecocks, it took Register less than 24 hours to make up his mind.
“I grew up a Gamecock fan and just love the atmosphere at Carolina,” he said. “When they offered me, I couldn’t pass it up. I actually committed the day after they offered. I don’t think anybody can change my mind of being a Gamecock.”
“My role now is to get more players looking at Carolina and get some more commits in the 2017 Class.”
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-recruiting/article28784425.html#storylink=cpy
July 27, 2015
Two years ago, Chapin’s Will Register was preparing for junior varsity football and some spot duty on the varsity team.
Now he’s the first committed player to South Carolina’s 2017 recruiting class, a heady climb in a short time.
How does that happen?
It was simple. Register has grown from 6-foot-3, 205 pounds in 2013 to a 6-4, 240-pounder who excelled last season for the Eagles. He also increased his agility, speed and strength at Athlete’s Arena in Irmo, which has helped turned him into a four-star prospect on Rivals.com.
“Looking back at pictures and videos of the player that I was until now is really unbelievable,” Register said. “I’ve improved my overall strength and speed. I worked on that over the offseason a lot. I also feel a lot more comfortable running routes. That is probably my biggest improvement. I can definitely see the work paying off.”
The improvement isn’t lost on Chapin coach Justin Gentry. Register was a huge part of the offense last year, but that production should increase two-fold this season.
Register caught 18 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns last season.
“You could always tell he was going to be a big fellow. We knew he was going to grow into his body and that is probably the biggest difference from last year, along with his physical ability,” Gentry said. “Compared to last year, when he was a true tight end that we did move around a little bit, this year with his athletic ability, it will allow us to line him up at tight end, at slot, split out wide and at H-Back. We’ve designed it to where he can move around a little bit to try and create mismatches with defenders.”
The added bulk is going to help Register when he’s lined up as a tight end. There were times last season where he struggled against more physical defenders. Register also will play outside linebacker on defense.
“He’s now a big strong kid now, where last year, sometimes, when he was in a tight end set, he would get stalemated by a stronger linebacker or defensive end,” Gentry said. “This year, he has more punch to keep that from happening.”
Chapin has a wealth of talent returning around Register. Logan Bailey returns at quarterback, and Evan Estridge will be another big target at wide receiver. The Eagles have run a balanced offense with about a 50-50 split for run-to-pass ratio and he thinks that will continue this season.
“We’ve been a 50-50 team in the past, and I think it will continue to stay that way,” Gentry said. “The key ingredient, along with Will, is we’ve got Logan Bailey returning. He’s one of the leading rushers in the area and one of the better quarterback’s. He brings a lot to the table, which opens up receivers downfield. Defenders will have to defend him running the ball as much as they will him throwing it. That helps a big guy out there when the defender has committed to the run.”
Register has spent his summer working out at Chapin from Monday-Thursday and participating in several 7-on-7 team camps.
He also has attended individual camps at USC, Clemson and Tennessee. Clemson was his first big-time offer and when the one came from the Gamecocks, it took Register less than 24 hours to make up his mind.
“I grew up a Gamecock fan and just love the atmosphere at Carolina,” he said. “When they offered me, I couldn’t pass it up. I actually committed the day after they offered. I don’t think anybody can change my mind of being a Gamecock.”
“My role now is to get more players looking at Carolina and get some more commits in the 2017 Class.”
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-recruiting/article28784425.html#storylink=cpy
