Shoulder pads off, the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Division I recruit stood on the sidelines working the chain gang.
The smile rarely left his face, even as coaches and teammates ribbed him about his new job.
Johnel Anderson, one of Paul VI's two star senior running backs, had just exited an Aug. 24 scrimmage against Woodrow Wilson after only one offensive series.
He was trying to make the best of his time on the sidelines. And holding the chains was better than nothing.
After the scrimmage, Anderson added some perspective to the experience.
"It stunk," he said with a laugh. "I never want to leave the field. But I understand it. They're trying to make sure I'm ready for the regular season. And that's all that matters right now."
The expectations haven't changed much at Paul VI as the team vies for its fifth straight division title.
The same can't be said for how the Eagles plan to meet those expectations.
Those accustomed to watching Paul VI's spread offense slash and burn opposing secondaries will have to adjust to the team's new style.
With a new starting quarterback and an inexperienced wide-receiver corps, it's easy to see why the Eagles coaching staff was being cautious with Anderson and his running mate, fellow senior Matt Barnett. Paul VI will lean on its two running backs, both of whom are receiving Division I looks.
Barnett is a bruising 6-1, 230-pound fullback whose running and blocking style complements Anderson's flashy, game-breaking ability.
"It's no hidden secret: Everyone knows that we have Johnel Anderson and Matt Barnett and we have a tough offensive line," Eagles coach John Doherty said. "And they'll be expected to carry us at times this year. So we're going to have a little bit of a different look."
Junior Chase White is set to replace the versatile Khaaliq Burroughs under center. Burroughs' favorite target from last season, Jakwail Bailey, also graduated; he is a freshman receiver at Old Dominion.
"There's definitely some pressure right now on the quarterbacks and receivers," Doherty said. "But they're getting better and better every week."
Anderson and Barnett said they'd like nothing more than to ease the pressure on the offense's newcomers.
"I think we have to take more of that on ourselves this year," Barnett said. "We know the run game has to pick it up."
"And that's just fine with us," Anderson said. "Personally, I don't mind taking 20-30 carries a game. Whatever the coaches want, we're ready for it."
Last year, Anderson and Barnett saw extended action in the Eagles' pass-first attack.
Both stand to see their touches increase significantly this season.
Contact Chris Melchiorre at rallysports@phillynews.com.
