One of the highlights from last Saturday’s Falls Church 7-on-7 Passing League & Tournament was having the opportunity to see a variety of All-Region and State players competing against each other every 30 minutes – depending if one was at the correct field.Josh Sarratt, Colonial Forge’s star slot receiver, return man and defensive back was a good example of this. The junior was in action against Tuscarora QB Justin Allen, Yorktown signal-caller Grant Wilson, and the offenses (and defenses) from Lake Braddock and Hayfield, among others.
The off-season is beginning to heat up for last season’s Region 6B defensive player of the year. Although he has only two formal offers to date, from UNC and Howard, more are expected to arrive at the Stafford school. For the record, the outgoing Sarratt, affectionately known as “Cheese” welcomes all-comers.
“I will listen to any school that’s interested,” said the 5-10, 170-pounder.
According to his self-evaluation, it has been a good off-season so far. The sting of Forge’s bitter season-ending playoff loss to Oscar Smith is not evident, at least outwardly. What is left for Sarratt and his Forge teammates is a shot at redemption, one which will not be easy after losing several key seniors to graduation from last year’s 12-1 squad.
Still, according to Sarratt, the pieces can be put back into place.
“We’re a young team, but we have some good kids. There’s a good energy, and we will be ready for next season.”
Sarratt is also pleased with the ease of the head coaching change, with John Brown taking the place of his father, Bill, who “retired” after last season.
“The transition is smooth with the new coach,” said Sarratt, noting that the Coach they call “Big Brown,” is “still here,” serving in an assistant capacity for his son.
There is still planning to do this spring for the speedy (4.51 for 40 yards) recruit, as he approaches senior year and the prospect of many more offers.
“I’m getting together my list of one-day camps,” adding that Old Dominion might be the next stop. Wake Forest has expressed serious interest, and as schools reach out, Sarratt will plan his itinerary.
Asked what would make for a good college fit, Sarratt said that he prefers “a place that’s comfortable, where the coaches are genuine and truly care about us.” Because of his diversity as a football player, he has not been pigeonholed into a collegiate position yet. “On offense, they want me to play slot, and on defense some free safety or nickel (back). But I think of myself as an athlete.”
For good reason. Last season, Sarratt gained 1,908 all-purpose yards as a rusher, receiver and returner, and picked off four passes for good measure, as the Eagles raced to a 12-0 start, and held the top spot on the VHSL Region 6 rankings for several weeks, before dropping a heartbreaker in the 6B final to Smith, losing the game on a fourth down fumble in overtime.
And if Josh Sarratt has his way, the tide will turn for his Eagles in 2018, and the Forge will find its way to the 6A State Championship game.
