​MARSHALL, TX (KTAL/KMSS) — Marshall Maverick football is one of the most storied programs in all of Texas High School Football. Now, it’s in the hands of the next generation.”We’re a little younger than we have been, we graduated two groups back to back, 23 and 27 seniors. So we have some young guys that need to step up and get after it,” said head coach Jason Hammett.It leaves some unknowns, but presents a high ceiling, with the coaches already seeing changes.”I wanna see these kids grow. These are kids when I first met them five years ago they were scrawny little high school kids, so just seeing the growth these kids have,” Hammett said. Some veteran talent returns in the trenches, leading the younger players.”I think our interior, we’re bringing back a lot of guys on the d-line. We see a lot of young guys, a lot of potential. But potential means they haven’t done it yet,” Hammett said. Na’Tavin Johnson is one of those leaders. “Just trying my best to help them out and show them the ropes so they’re not nervous on Friday nights,” Johnson said. “Na’Tavin Johnson coming back for us, he’s an outside backer, inside backer, he can play tight end, he’s gonna do a bunch of stuff for us,” Hammett said. One role that will be addressed during fall camp is the quarterback position.”It’s a competition as always, you can’t just give that. Nothing’s given, it’s gotta be earned. We’re working a lot of kids at that position and trying to get them going. It’ll be a competition,” Hammett said.There may be youth and holes to fill but if the growth already experienced is any indication of what’s to come on Friday nights, the future is bright.”Just proud. It’s just like your own kids. You see them messing around in class not taking their studies good, but now they’re making credits and colleges might come talk to them and offer them. It makes you proud as a coach,” Hammett said.The Mavericks open the season on August 28 at Tyler High School.Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.