By ALLEN HAUCK

Like most brand-new head football coaches, Druid Hills’ Jimmy Rakestraw is bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Rakestraw, however, has one advantage over the others. He has Murray Brooks.

“When the best players in the state are listed, the name Murray Brooks belongs up there among them,” Rakestraw said. “Barring injury, Brooks will be playing football for a long, long time.”

And Rakestraw knows what he’s talking about. Brooks is a two-way player who switches from running back to middle linebacker when the ball goes over.

He has the size and speed to be a blue-chip college prospect. Brooks is 6-3, 207 and sprints the 40 in 4.8.

“He’s the leader of our leaders,” praises Rakestraw, “as well as having all the qualities necessary to be a complete football player.”

The Devils’ offensive line is keyed around tackles Mike Moon (6-2, 250) and Dean Griffin (5-11, 225), and center Tim Butzon (6-1, 203). Griffin will punt and kickoff. Rakestraw considers Moon another candidate for star status.

“Steve Meadows, a senior, and sophomore Chuck Nichols are battling for the quarterback position vacated by graduated Doug Daniel,” Rakestraw said. “Meadows is 5-9, 155 and Nichols is 5-9, 150.”

“Our defense will not have the size or experience that our offensive unit has,” said Rakestraw. “Brooks, however, is a vicious tackler, and with Sanford Freeman (6-2, 190 junior) and Bill Nichols (6-1, 176 senior) leading the secondary, our defense should be adequate.”