Transfer quarterback Nolan James is a newcomer to a storied program. But he’s learned ‘The Phoebus Way’ quickly.
When head coach Jeremy Blunt talks about “The Phoebus Way,” the culture that has become the foundation of the program’s eight state championships in 20 years, he’s alluding to standards of commitment, behavior and academic performance.
Equally important is for an individual to sublimate his glory for the good of the team. It’s not easy for a newcomer to fit instantly into the culture, especially into a leadership position.
Quarterback Nolan James is making it look easy for the Phantoms (5-0) , who will play rival Hampton (1-5) at noon today at Darling Stadium.
Many knew that James, a three-year starter for Nansemond River who accounted for almost 2,000 total yards in 2021, was bringing speed, athleticism and talent with him on his return to the Peninsula. His ability to so quickly inspire the confidence of the top returners from the Phantoms’ 2021 Class 3 state championship team has been the most pleasant surprise.
“I’m impressed at how he came in and adapted so quickly to The Phoebus Way,” said Pittsburgh commit Jordan Bass, the Phantoms’ star receiver and first-team all-state defensive back. “We had to break it to him a couple of times, which is normal for transfers, but he picked it up well.”
Two-way first-team all-state lineman Mychal McMullin added, “He’s come in like our other quarterbacks before him and works, produces, wins games and has fun.
“He’s handled the pressure well, stepped up to the plate and we’ve had nothing but success with him. I plan on hanging my hat on him leading us to that [state championship] ring.”
That’s quick validation considering that 2021 starting quarterback Mark Wagner earned first-team all-state honors. But James, a 6-foot-2, 181-pound senior who has accounted for more than 1,100 total yards and thrown 11 touchdown passes in four games (one of Phoebus’ victories was by forfeit), bolted from the gate at lightning speed.
He passed for 115 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 125 yards and a TD in the 63-0 season-opening win over Menchville. He followed with 128 passing yards and 112 rushing to lead the No. 2 Phantoms to a 25-0 win over No. 11 Warwick (5-1), considered one of the toughest games on Phoebus’ schedule.
The success lifted a weight off of James’ shoulders.
“I didn’t feel pressure to prove myself, but I felt pressure to come in and uphold the standard of excellence at Phoebus,” he said. “I was very excited because I knew the level of excellence Phoebus is known for.
“They expect to win every year, so it was exciting to come over and play with guys who know how to win.”
James is comfortable enough with the surroundings. He played all of his youth football in Hampton before moving to Suffolk and returning to Hampton this summer.
He says he knew many of the players before moving back and was well aware of the talent level on this year’s team. That has been helpful in building chemistry with a receiver corps stacked with potential collegians in Bass, Keyonte Gray, Jayden Earley and Zayveon Rogers.
“We have a dynamic receiver corps yet again,” Blunt said. “To have someone who can get the ball out to those guys in space, whether it’s in the quick, intermediate or deep game, makes it easy to coach because you can keep those guys out on the perimeter happy.”
James’ first touchdown pass this season was for 10 yards to Bass in the Menchville game. He connected with Bass for 51 yards for the go-ahead score against Warwick.
“I know if we need a big play and I pass to Jordan, he’s going to get the ball,” James said. “Keyonte is fast and twitchy and can take the top off of a defense, which puts other coaches in a bind because when they double-team him, other guys get open.
“Jayden Earley has great ball skills and if I put the ball in his area, I know he’s going to get it. Zayveon plays tough, blocks hard and catches the ball well.”
As big a threat as he is passing, James is the quintessential dual threat, as he showed in running 61 yards for a touchdown against Menchville and 31 yards to set up a score against Warwick. Blunt is most impressed that James, like Wagner, will look first downfield to pass upon extending a play, even when he ultimately decides to tuck and run.
“He can make you pay in the air and on the ground,” Blunt said. “Because he gives us different options in the ‘read’ game, it makes it harder to key on our running backs, Ty’Reon Taylor and Davion Roberts, than in years past.”
Perhaps because he has been out of the limelight until now, James is still awaiting his first college offer. Blunt is sure it will come soon.
“He is a Division I-A [FBS] kid and is going to be a spectacular quarterback on the next level,” said Blunt, who touted James’ arm strength, accuracy and improving touch as a passer. “He’s been able to transform his game in a short time here after two offensive schemes and two coaches his first three seasons.
“He understood there would be high expectations when he came here, but he wanted to win. He’s bought into the system and the culture, and sacrificed for the greater good of the team.”
That’s “The Phoebus Way.”
