Previewing the Top 50 high school football teams in Washington: No. 43 Rainier Beach Vikings

SBLive Washington is previewing the Top 50 high school football teams in the state ahead of the 2020-2021 season. Here’s an inside look at the Rainier Beach Vikings of the 3A Metro League – No. 43 in our countdown.

Editor’s note: Rainier Beach is in the Puget Sound region of Washington’s COVID-19 reopening plan. The region has moved to Phase 2, which gives the school the go-ahead to resume football practice and competitions. The Metro League has announced a Feb. 22 start for football season.

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2019 IN REVIEW

1-8 in 3A Metro League - Mountain (last place).

COACH’S RESUMÉ

Corey Sampson, seventh season.
Overall record: 36-26.
Coordinators (base scheme): Offense – Quinton Jackson (3-5-1 spread, I-form). Defense – Corey Sampson (4-3).

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Tre Morris, quarterback

Xavier Bowen, receiver/corner (transferred to Kentwood)

Tyrone Taylor, receiver (transferred to O’Dea)

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense – 6. Defense – 6.

TOP PLAYERS

OL Josh Conerly, 6-5, 270, jr.

WR/DB Nahmier Robinson, 5-9, 170, soph.

LB/DE Frankco Gratton, 6-5, 205, sr.

WR Jaelin Green, 6-5, 180, jr.

THREE TO SEE

Frankco Gratton, defensive end

Edge rusher that brings physicality returns to show people what he can really do before getting hurt early in his junior season.

Josh Conerly, offensive line

Simply put, the 4-star lineman is a freak athlete — and he’s maturing. He can beat skill position players in sprint drills, and he’s growing from a quiet lead-by-example type, to a vocal captain.

Nahmier Robinson, receiver/cornerback

Brought flash to the game right away as a freshman, and his role — on offense, defense and special teams — will only grow.

2021 OUTLOOK

The list of question marks Rainier Beach has entering the season are outweighed by the level of excitement the team has being back in a team setting, preparing for another season.

Despite several key players transferring, the Vikings boast star power in lineman Josh Conerly, who has offers from the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma and USC.

Its core is still young, though, which hearkens head coach Corey Sampson back to a certain Beach team of old — the one the year before they made a run to the 3A state quarterfinals.

“We’re a young team still, but we’re a talented team,” Sampson said. “With the depth we had, we’ll be like the 2017 team — young and one year away from being dominant again.”

Fresno State signee Frankco Gratton will be back with something to prove. He suffered a season-ending injury after a monster start to his junior season.

Nahmier Robinson, son of former University of Washington and NBA great Nate Robinson, headlines a talented crop of skill position players — “skillies,” as Sampson calls them. And Jaelin Green, a dynamic receiver who holds an offer from Oregon State, will also roam as a free safety.

The biggest question mark entering the season for Beach lies at quarterback. Sophomore Daizhantae King and senior Demarco Jones will compete for the starting job.

Sampson has made it clear the success of the team doesn’t rest on their ability to do it all themselves, but rather manage the game and get the ball to the “skillies.”

“We’re still trying to get up with the O’Deas, the Eastsides,” Sampson said. “Every game is a playoff game for us.”

COVID-19 IMPACT

“It’s impacted us immensely not seeing the kids, getting to talk to them besides from a zoom here and there. And (some) parents are holding kids out for fear of catching COVID. I’ve seen one freshman since last football season. It’s hard. But we’re teaching them to wear faces mask, sanitize and they want to be with their buddies.” —Head coach Corey Sampson

2020-21 SCHEDULE – RAINIER BEACH TEAM PAGE

To be determined.