HULBERT RIDERS
Coach: Chad Botts
5-5
A .500 finish might not jump off the page, but Hulbert views last season as a turning point. Entering his ninth season, head coach Chad Botts must replace a senior-heavy group while leaning on a new wave of juniors and seniors to assume larger roles. The Riders also face the challenge of breaking in a new quarterback, replacing production in the backfield and adding new wrinkles on defense. If those pieces come together, Hulbert believes it can continue building on last year’s progress and position itself for another winning season.
The Riders return six offensive starters and will continue to operate from their Gun T/Wing T offense, built around a physical running game. Senior receiver Coby Botts (6-2, 175) provides a dependable target on the outside, while junior Hunter Rankin (5-10, 225) and senior DJ Gregory (5-10, 190) lead the backfield. Rankin rushed for more than 600 yards and multiple touchdowns while filling in for an injured starter last season. Gregory, one of Hulbert’s VYPE Top 100 nominees, led the team in receiving despite playing running back and brings leadership and a relentless work ethic to the offense. Seniors Jake Beaver (6-0, 195) and junior Dustin Potts (5-10, 240) return to anchor the offensive line, while underclassman Chevy Gailey is expected to compete for the starting quarterback role after the graduation of Hulbert’s three-year starter.
Defensively, Hulbert also returns six starters and will continue to utilize a multiple-front scheme. Junior linebackers Coale Gifford (5-10, 170), Rankin and Maverick Kerr (5-10, 180) provide experience in the middle, while junior Shane Russell (5-10, 245) and Beaver anchor the defensive front. Senior Jadrian Simmons (5-10, 170) returns to lead the secondary. As the coaching staff introduces adjustments to its defensive approach, the Riders will rely on that veteran core to set the tone. Rankin and Gregory share the program’s VYPE Top 100 nomination and will play key roles as Hulbert looks to take another step forward in 2026.
9-4 – vs. Fairland
9-11 – vs. Porter
9-18 – at Westville
9-25 – vs. Panama
10-2 – at Pocola
10-9 – vs. Okemah
10-15 – at Warner
10-23 – vs. Haskell
10-30 – at Coalgate
11-6 – at Vian
To nominate a high school student for a feature in VYPE Magazine email a nomination to [email protected]
