USA Continues Preparation For Second Preseason Scrimmage
The Jags returned to the practice field on Wednesday morning in shells for a practice that lasted almost two hours. This is the third consecutive day they have practiced in shells after the teams scrimmage last Saturday.
“I thought we fought through pretty well, the guys were a little fatigued — we’ve talked about that the last few days — but they have a good spirit about them,” head coach Joey Jones commented on the practice. “It’s been fun to watch them get better, we’ve got several guys on this team who have improved. If we continue to do that we’ll be going in the right direction.”
Jones responded about if he thought the team was ready for the second scrimmage of preseason camp quickly approaching on Saturday. “I don’t know if you’re ever satisfied, there is always something to work on and something to get better at, but we’re ready for a scrimmage,” he replied. “Our guys would rather do that than practice, that’s for sure, but they are doing the necessary things in practice to make them good in scrimmages and games, and that’s what counts.”
Speaking about the defense Jones said, “We’ve got some guys in there who are new who don’t have as much playing experience. We feel that our starters have really got it, but now we are starting to find depth. It just takes time sometimes. You have transfers coming in who might have been here in the spring where they have had spring practice, summer workouts and two weeks of camp, those guys need more reps. They are going to continue to get better, so we just have to do a good job as coaches getting them reps and helping them improve.”
Offensive player of the day went to Nathan Sassaman. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews praised Sassaman for his willingness to learn and his hard work. “Nathan has been a guy playing a couple of different positions at wide receiver, so he is having to learn both inside and outside routes,” Matthews explained. “During team periods today he came away with three really big catches where he ran good routes and got himself open. He’s a kid who works every day, he’s a wonderful young man and he’s really gotten better. I’m proud of him.”
Defensive player of the day went to Margo Reed. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson had glowing remarks about Reed’s performance. “This kids is absolutely playing lights out,’ Pearson explained. “He’s still learning, but every day Margo comes out here and gets my attention, there is something he does that I see and say, ‘This kid made another play.’ I’m excited to see if he can sustain that throughout this camp and take it into the season.”
Play of the day went to Davin Hawkins who made a big leaping deflection of a pass during 7-on-7 passing drills that was almost intercepted by a diving Margo Reed. Hawkins would break up another pass later during 7-on-7’s and stopped Kendall Houston in the backfield during the final team period of the day.
In the first team session, the defense worked on blitz packages while the offense worked on picking up the blitz. Sassaman hauled in four receptions during the two team periods, three of those came when the defense was blitzing. The only turnover was an interception on the first play of the final team segment when Maleki Harris stepped in front of the pass and hauled it in.
Brandon Bridge had two touchdown passes during 7-on-7 sessions. One to Tony Ray Parnell for 40-yards, the other was to Marvin Shinn from six yards out.
The team will hit the practice field again on Thursday as they prepare for their second scrimmage of camp on Saturday. The scrimmage will be held at the Fairhope Municipal Park & Stadium beginning at 9am and will be open to the public.
Jaguar Volleyball Picked Fifth; Daniel Earns Preseason All-SBC Honors
Sophomore Mechell Daniel was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt team as the Jaguars were voted to finish fifth in the conference this season. Photo by Brad Puckett | usajaguars.com
South Alabama’s Mechell Daniel is starting off this season as she left off last season, earning conference honors.
Daniel, a sophomore from Chelmsford, England, was named to the Sun Belt Conference preseason All-Conference team earlier this week. Last season as a true freshman, Daniel was one of the top players in the Sun Belt as she ranked third in kills (423, 3.81 per set) and points (4.33 per set). She was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the week four times, offensive player of the week, Freshman of the Year and earning first-team All-Conference honors.
Her 423 kills last season was the most ever by a freshman at USA and the sixth most in a single season. She had 24 double-figure kill matches including four 20-plus kills in a match. She recorded 14 double-doubles on the season with 13 coming in conference play and a streak of nine-consecutive.
The Jaguar volleyball team was voted to finish fifth in the conference this season with one first-place vote. Arkansas-Little Rock was selected to win the conference with four first place votes.
Team (First place votes) – Points
1. Arkansas-Little Rock (4) – 110
2. Texas State (3) – 99
3. Georgia Southern (2) – 95
4. Texas-Arlington – 83
5. South Alabama (1) – 76
6. Louisiana-Lafayette (1) – 63
7. Appalachian State – 62
8. Arkansas State – 58
9. Troy – 41
10. Georgia State – 28
11. Louisiana-Monroe – 11
Jags Practice In Shells For Second Consecutive Day
Tuesday’s practice had the Jaguars in shells again for the second consecutive day for a practice that lasted over two hours.
“I thought we were a little tired,” head coach Joey Jones commented after practice. “We are at that midway-point of camp. We hit the weights pretty hard yesterday on their legs and they came out a little tired, but they fought through it. We just have to keep fighting through it. I told them it’s like the light at the end of the tunnel is coming, we just have to keep working.”
Though they appeared tired, Jones said that the team has improved on both sides of the ball. “We have gotten sharper offensively,” Jones explained. “Since the scrimmage, we have come back and had two good days of practice defensively. It’s kind of hard to tell on special teams. Our kickers are doing well, but we’ll find out a little more about it this weekend in the scrimmage.”
One position Jones said that has stood out is running back. “We feel like we have four or five guys who can really play at running back,” Jones said. “It seems like every one of those guys has stepped his game, and that has been encouraging. Defensively we didn’t know how many defensive ends we might have, but I feel like we are creating some depth there.”
Offensive player of the day was awarded to Xavier Johnson. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews said that he had a good day and has progressed during preseason camp. “He made some really good cuts today, and continues to run the ball well for a young guy,” Matthews observed. “We’re hoping he is going to be able to contribute some for us on Saturdays.”
Defensive player of the day was awarded to Roman Buchanan. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said that Buchanan was been a consistent player and understands the defense. He is a good communicator as well. “I think he is really starting to understand the defense,” Pearson explained. “His role is very important. He has to make a lot of checks and be in a lot of different places, and he understands that.”
Play of the day went to Shavarez Smith for the second day in a row after making a one-handed touchdown grab over a defender in the back corner of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills.
Other highlights included Matt Floyd and Claude Garrett hooking up for a touchdown in the back of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills. Margo Reed intercepted a Brandon Bridge pass in the back of the end zone to end a drive. Defensive end Theo Rich tackled Bridge in space to stop what looked to be a big gain during one of the team drills. DeMarion Harper recorded back-to-back sacks of Hunter Vaughn during the team period as well.
The Jags will return to practice on Wednesday.
Jaguar Football Fan Day
The Jaguar football team will hold their annual “Fan Day” at the Mitchell Center on Sunday, August 24 from 4-6pm. Head coach Joey Jones, his staff and student-athletes will be there for fans to take photographs and get autographs.
Additionally, the ticket sales office will be there so you can purchase tickets for the 2014 season and the bookstore will be there for you to purchase game day merchandise.
What: Fan Day
Where: Mitchell Center
When: Sunday, August 24 4-6PM
Practice Resumes After Off Day
Head coach Joey Jones observes the Jaguars scrimmage on Saturday, August 15 2014 at St. Paul’s Episcopal School.
The Jags returned to the practice field on Monday after their first day off in 12 days. They practiced for almost two hours in shells.
“Not bad,” Head coach Joey Jones described how the team responded to their first practice since their scrimmage on Saturday. “I thought the offense came out and executed really well again today, doing all the necessary things. We just have to make sure that we are a disciplined football team. Practice becomes monotonous at times, but if they can fall in love with the work and the details of practice then we have a chance to become better. We had a bunch of guys jumping offside today on defense, and in a game that’s a bunch of five-yard penalties. We’re in a cave right now, it’s dark and there’s no game next week so we have to just keep working.”
“I would say there are still a lot of positions up for grabs, there always are,” Jones answered when asked how many positions are up for grabs. “Especially with depth issues, we don’t know who our twos are right now in a lot of places. We have two or three guys fighting for that spot. We’re going to keep trying to put them in team situations where we can evaluate them better. On the defensive front we have to find guys who can play, we have five or six bodies who are working hard at it, but it will come down to the guys who can show us they can do it and that we can trust them.”
Offensive player of the day went to Steven Foster, who offensive coordinator said was working to elevate his game as he has been working with the ones and twos. “He is pushing through [camp]; he’s tough. Steven is assignment-sound, and is a guy we can depend on. He gained some valuable experience last year as a young player.” Foster is a sophomore this season.
Jaguars Hold First Scrimmage At St. Paul’s
Head coach Joey Jones speaks to his team after their first scrimmage of preseason camp at St. Paul’s Episcopal School on Saturday, August 15, 2014.
After a short practice on Friday, the Jaguars traveled to St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s E.E. Delaney Field for their first scrimmage of preseason camp.
Brandon Bridge was 10-of-18 for 131 yards and three touchdowns, Hunter Vaughn went 6-of-9 for 173 yards and two touchdowns and Matt Floyd went 5-of-7 for 42 yards.
T.J. Glover, who has moved back to running from wide receiver, carried seven times for 64 yards and a touchdown, Terrance Timmons rushed 10 times for 38 yards and two touchdowns, Jay Jones has seven carries for 26 yards and a touchdown, Matt Floyd rushed four times for 22 yards, Xavier Johnson rushed seven times for 21 yards and Hunter Vaughn rushed three times for 20 yards.
Wes Saxton caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown, Shavarez Smith caught three as well for 24 yards and a touchdown, T.J. Glover caught two for 59 yards and a touchdown and Terrance Timmons caught two for 28 yards.
Defensively Roman Buchanan led the way with five tackles, four of them solo. Davin Hawkins, Steffon Fuller, Antonio Carter, Desmond LaVelle, and Andrew Philon all also had five total tackles as well.
Grant McLaurin went 4-for-4 kicking field goals with a long of 52 yards that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights. Aleem Sunanon went 2-for-4 with a long of 42.
Corliss Waitman punted twice for an average of 52.0 yards per punt. Brandon KcKee punted twice for an average of 46.0 yards per punt.
During the hour-and-a-half scrimmage the offense ran 81 plays and gained 562 yards, an average of 6.94 yards per snap.
“When you look at a scrimmage like this from my side, I want both of them [offense and defense] to play well, and that’s really not possible,” head coach Joey Jones stated after the scrimmage. “Somebody is going to play better. I don’t get into who won, I look at individual performances. What we needed to do was come here to St. Paul’s and come to a different atmosphere, get our kids used to playing on a different field.”
It was a point he also echoed in his post-scrimmage talk with the team. He wanted to get his team away from the friendly confines of the Jaguar Practice Facility and into a place that was unknown to them. They have to learn to keep their focus and play with the same intensity they do at home as they do away, which was the point of the practice at St. Paul’s.
Jones said the offense executed pretty well for a first scrimmage but the defense gave up too many big plays. “You can’t give up big plays and win ballgames. We’re going to watch that on film and correct it before next week. Coach [Travis] Pearson was talking to the players about that, he will get that corrected.”
The coaching staff also got lots of reps to a number of quarterbacks they were trying to get to understand different game-like situations.
The Jags will took Sunday off and will return to practice on Monday morning. “Next week will be really big, our guys understand that playing time is on the line,” Jones explained about the upcoming week of practice. “I don’t care who the mommas or the daddies are, the best players are going to play. That’s just the way it works.”
The play of the day came from none other than Jereme Jones. On the first-team’s second series of the scrimmage, he hauled in a one-handed touchdown reception from Brandon Bridge for the first points of the scrimmage.
Another big play was T.J. Glover taking a swing pass into the flat for a 44-yard touchdown. Tony Ray Parnell caught a 35-yard touchdown from Vaughn. He racked up 123 all-purpose yards for the day.
Jaguar Soccer To Play Friendly Match Friday Evening Against JSU
South Alabama women’s soccer team will host Jacksonville State for a friendly match on Friday at The Cage beginning at 7pm.
The Jaguars, after winning the Sun Belt Conference title last season, began their training this week with four days in Gulf Shores to allow the coaches and players to focus on training without the distractions of campus life.
“They’re working extremely hard,” head coach Graham Winkworth stated. “We went away and got everything we wanted achieved: we increased the intensity on our workload while we were away, we managed to train in the heat on a nice, quality field and we became closer as a team. I give us an A-grade in terms of our attitudes. From a playing standpoint, we’re at a C-plus right now and have some work to do, but we are putting the effort in and hopefully by the time we start playing games on a regular basis, we can start getting used to playing with one another. We look like we just met each other a week ago, which we did, but we’re getting there and have a long way to go.”
Winkworth has 12 new faces on the team and, after practicing against each other, he is eager to see how they will match up against another team.
“I want to get some match fitness, but more importantly, just get us used to playing with one another,” Winkworth said. “We just met a week ago and so we’ve had to learn how I want the game played from scratch, so we’re a long way behind where we were this time last year with respect to that. The more we practice and the more we get used to playing with one another, the better it will be. Playing against another team, who we’ve never seen before, gives us an opportunity to see us in that setting because we only carry 22 players and we don’t get to train 11-v-11 very often, so it gives us an opportunity to try a few things out against somebody that hasn’t seen us. Along with that, we have so many new faces it will give them a chance to get their first-game fears and nerves out of the way so they’re a little more relaxed going into the UAB game next week.”
Jacksonville State had a 4-13-2 record last season while going 0-9-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference in head coach Neal Macdonald’s first season. They return eight starters from last years team while adding two transfers from Mississippi State University.
Come out to The Cage to see the 2014 Jaguar Soccer team in action.
Jags Continue Prep For Saturday Scrimmage
The Jaguars hit the practice fields for another tune-up prior to the team’s first scrimmage on Saturday. They dressed in full pads and went for about 1.5 hours.
After practice head coach Joey Jones thought it was one of the most spirited practices they have had so far this year with regards to being mentally ready to practice. Jones called that a “championship-type practice.” However he was quick to point out that “champions do it every day and not just once every other day.”
Jones also said that he has seen lots of improvement from lots of players. He mentioned that they have players they did not think would be factoring in for playing time who are starting to factor into the equation. He pointed to the defensive unit as really improving and the offense continues to do really good things. “We just have to put it all together and keep working,” Jones said. “It’s always a work in progress. Perfection is never there. You have to keep striving to be perfect and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
With the first scrimmage quickly approaching on Saturday, Jones addressed how important the first scrimmage is to the team and the coaches. “The first scrimmage is always important from a depth-chart standpoint,” Jones explained. “Guys are vying for playing time because we’ll probably go one more week, and we’ll have to start getting guys ready for the first ballgame. It’s important to have all these little things we are working on fundamentally in practice to start coming together so we can execute.”
During the hour-and-a-half practice, among other things the team focused on the red zone passing game, open field 7-on-7 skeleton passing drills, and three separate team sessions.
The Offensive player of the Day was Chris May who offensive coordinator Robert Matthews explained that May did a very good job of helping the offense move the ball out of their own end zone. Plus he gave very good pass protection during play-action pass drills.
The Defensive player of the Day was Roman Buchanan. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said that he has progressed very well during preseason camp so far. “I think he is understanding the football-side of it just by being around Terrell (Brigham),” Pearson explained. “They are constantly communicating and studying together, and this kid has played through some bumps and bruises. He’s always showing up in crucial times.”
The play of the day went to defensive lineman Will Thompson who recovered a fumble and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown during the play-action drill. Thompson is returned after missing the entire 2013 season due to an injury suffered during preseason camp last year.
Other plays of note was Terrance Timmons and T.J. Glover both breaking 50+ yard runs during the team period. Both times the plays were blown dead prior to them reaching the end zone though.
The Jaguars will hold one more practice on Friday prior to their scrimmage scheduled for 9AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal school. According to coach Jones they expect to run around 130 plays with one’s-, two’s-, and three’s- all seeing playing time.
Jones Pleased With Wednesday’s Practice
South Alabama took to the practice fields on Wednesday, which marked one week since they began preseason camp.
Head coach Joey Jones was pleased with Wednesday’s practice as he observed that his team seemed to be in great condition and that they are building up stamina and are not wearing down at the end of practice. A week ago they were getting tired and a couple guys needed IVs after cramping up. But one week in they are hydrating well and their offseason conditioning work is helping them get through practice each day.
Jones pointed out that they have a good group of seniors that understand what they need to do in order to win and are taking on leadership roles for the younger players.
The Offensive Player of the Day was Kendall Houston. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews pointed out Kendall’s solid running on the day. During a team session at the end of practice, the offense was working on running out the clock with four-minutes remaining. Kendall moved the ball and got first downs.
Defensive player of the Day was Terrell Brigham. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson calls Brigham the “quarterback of the defense.” He consistently works through aches, pains and cramps every day without complaints according to Pearson. “He has improved vastly in his knowledge of the game,” Pearson said. “He understands formations, concepts in the passing game and defending against the run. Just his overall knowledge is very good.”
Play of the day occurred in the final team session of the day. Brandon Bridge, facing third-and-five from their own 35 yard line, was looking to run out the clock but needed to convert in order to do so. Bridge found Wes Saxton for a 13-yard gain to move the chains and keep possession of the ball. “That was a really good throw and catch, that was the most critical play of the day,” coach Matthews said after practice. “We worked some third downs today, we had a really good session, but that was an unscripted play. It was a game-like scenario and we were able to convert. I was really happy to see that.”
Special teams continue to be worked on each practice. On Wednesday, both Aleem Sunanon and Grant McLaurin both attempted four field goals and both converted three of them. Each made a kick from 42-yards out. Early in the practice, they worked on kickoff returns while punt coverage was focused on in the final session.
The Jaguars will hold their another two-a-day practice on Thursday.
Media Day
Head Coach Joey Jones oversees the Jaguars pre-game warm-ups at N.C. State.
The South Alabama Jaguar football team held their annual preseason media day at the Jaguar Football Fieldhouse on Tuesday. Along with Head coach Joey Jones, offensive coordinator Robert Matthews and defensive coordinator they also had defensive back Terrell Brigham, defensive lineman Jesse Kelley, wide receiver Jake Howton and offensive lineman Ucambre Williams.
Below are some excerps from the press conference.
Head Coach Joey Jones:
Talking about expectations for the 2014 season and recapping the opening week of preseason camp. “We’re very excited about this season, our guys are ready to get after it. We’ve been practice six or seven days, they are bringing a lot of energy to practice and to the season, so we are excited about where we are at this point and looking forward to the schedule we have. It’s obviously a tough schedule, we know about all the teams in the Sun Belt and we’re playing Mississippi State, South Carolina, Navy and Kent State. The kids know what is ahead of them and are excited about the opportunity.”
The Jaguars have played some tough teams closer than expected through their first few seasons against FBS competition. Jones talked about how that previous experience helped prepare the program for the upcoming 2014 season.
“First of all, our guys want to play the best. They want to play SEC schools, they want to play ACC schools, they enjoy playing in those venues. The teams we’ve played in the past, we’ve played N.C. State a couple of times, Mississippi State on the road, we’ve been working our way up as the years have gone by. Right now I believe our schedule is probably the toughest in the Sun Belt, that’s what some publications are saying, but we don’t care about that.”
“We’re just worried about becoming a great football team, and doing what we have to do to have a chance to win fundamentally,” Jones continued. “When Saturdays come we hope to perform well, that’s what it’s all about. We raise our expectations every year. Two years ago we played a Division I [Football Bowl Subdivision] schedule even though we weren’t a Division I team yet, but we wanted to play teams like that. Last year was our first year in Division I and we faired fairly well, but we want to do better so our guy’s expectations are higher just like any teams are. Our goal is to go out and do the very best we can.”
Coach Jones then talked about who he considers to be standout players for the upcoming season. “I will mention a few names. I believe that any football team is built on the line of scrimmage, it all starts there, I’ve told my guys that every year. On the defensive line we have Jesse Kelley and Jerome McClain who will anchor the inside of our defensive line. They’re very good football players that we are counting on to play extremely well. Theo Rich is another who I think is going to be an NFL player, he’s really come on at defensive end. On the offensive side of the ball, Chris May and Ucambre Williams are our tackles and both are preseason all-conference, that doesn’t mean anything, but I know they are good football players. Melvin Meggs is back and having a great summer picking up where he left off two years ago.
“At the skill positions, you have to start at quarterback. Brandon Bridge is going to need to play well for us, any quarterback needs to play well for their team to have a chance to do well. He’s had a great summer, I’m looking for great things out of him. I think our receiving corps is real deep with Marvin Shinn, Danny Woodson II, Shavarez Smith, Wes Saxton, Jeremé Jones and on down the line. We have more depth on offense at wide receiver and on the line.”
He also talked about the progression of the defense. “I thought today on goal line was one of the best defensive goal-line practices we’ve had since I’ve been here. The offense ran close to 20 plays and didn’t score on any of them. Our defense is really flying to the football, Coach Pearson has done a great job of coaching effort, defense is a lot about effort, and simplifying some things, which is really paying off. We’ve got to get some more depth at certain positions. We have depth in the secondary, but we need to find more up front to have a chance because you’re going to have injuries during the season. We’ve progressed, but my biggest question mark is finding depth on the defensive front.”
Jones also talked about the quarterback situation. Ross Metheny graduated after last season and they have some new faces fighting for playing time along with Brandon Bridge. “Right now Brandon is the starting quarterback, that’s pretty much a slam dunk. Our question mark is who is our No. 2, and I don’t know the answer to that right now. We have to give that some more time. We have some ideas with the three guys who are fighting for the job, and after the scrimmage on Saturday we’re going to have to start cutting reps for one of them and after another week or so we’ll have the guy elevate to No. 2.
“I’ve been somewhat happy [with the guys behind Brandon], some of the problem is we’re giving all three of the back-up guys reps so you don’t have time to evaluate them. It’s not our fault, we just need more time. I feel like all three guys have the ability, but who that No. 2 guy is I don’t know yet.”
Jones talked about what kept the team from winning a couple more games last season and what they have done to correct that.
“It’s coming through in the fourth quarter. There were three games last year where we were ahead with about a minute left in the game and lost the ballgame. You look at Louisiana-Lafayette last year, they had two or three games that they won very late in the game, and that’s the difference between a great team and an average team. We have to find ways to make those plays at the end of games, we’ve talked about that throughout the offseason, we don’t want to dwell on that because this is a new team, a different year, but we are talking about finishing. Our guys have done a great job, at today’s practice they finished well. We’re working on finishing every practice and every play.
“Last year we were a little thin with our depth at times, we were tired at the end of games. Although now we have more depth, that does factor into it, but it’s also just a mentality that we are going to finish this ballgame and we’re going to win it. I think that comes with time. Our program is growing, we went from not winning many games the year before to trying to learn how to win, and now we need to learn how to close out close games.”
Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews
Matthews talked about his expectations for the offense this season. “We expect to win every game we play, but it’s a process. We have to take care of one day at a time. You can’t look too far into the future. We have to take care of today, then we have to take care of tomorrow then Saturdays take care of themselves if we do what we’re supposed to do.
“I think the guys are really excited about the season. Their expectations are extremely high, and when your players are excited and enjoy playing the game and coming to practice every day working together then you have a chance. And we have that with this group. You have to play every game, no matter who you are playing, to the highest of your ability. If you don’t, anybody can beat anybody on any given Saturday.”
Talking about the offense’s progression so far this preseason camp. “The first week of camp has gone really well. Guys are competing, and that has been fun to watch. We have more depth at the wide receiver position, so it’s good to see those guys get out there competing for balls. We also have more depth at running back and more depth upfront, so it’s been fun to watch those guys get out there and really practice hard.”
He also talked about the experience returning on offense. “We do have a lot of talent. We have guys who can run and catch at wide receiver on the outside. We have Wes Saxton coming back, and he has a chance to have a really good year. I’m excited about our perimeter can be in throwing the football. We just have to have guys who go out and perform. The thing I told them today is as you get into days eight, nine and 10 at camp, guys get dinged up so the next guy has to step up and play. We’re not going to change who we are and what we do because one guy goes out.”
Matthews also talkeda bout Brandon Bridge and how he is a better quarterback from last season. “I think the game is slower for him with the experience he got last year, the continued reps he got in spring practice and the work he has put in in the film room and on the field this offseason. He understands the concepts and coverages better, and he has a lot more confidence in himself because of the hard work he has put in to it.
“From a physical-ability standpoint, Brandon has all the tools that you want. He has to understand that it’s not about everyone else. You just play within yourself, and I think he will do a really good job of that.”
Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson
Coach Pearson talked about the expectations for the defense this coming season and how the first week of camp has gone. “Our expectations are the same I guess as they are everywhere else in the United States, it’s to win. That’s our expectation coming into every year. We expect to come in and get better every year. We expect to come in and get better every day and that’s the way we take it, day by day. As far as camp, it’s going as expected. I think the kids are battling every day. Their energy’s at a high level right now, we just have to build off that.”
With several experienced defensive players, primarily in the front seven, who graduated after last season, pearson talked about replacing that talent. “We lost some key guys up front in Romelle Jones, Montavious Williams, Alex Page, Clifton Crews and Pat Moore, but we’ve got guys (returning) like Jesse Kelley, who started every game last season, and Jerome McClain. He’s another guy who played in every game last season.
“The roles are being filled really well. I think our guys understand that it’s a package deal. We just can’t rely on two guys to make this happen, they understand that. The leadership is quietly coming. In this business, if one (leader) hasn’t already jumped out to you, it’s going to take a little bit for them to jump out. But it’s quietly coming and I’m pleased with that.”
He also talked about what he wants the identity of the defense to be this season. “Fast and relentless. (I want them to) think fast, play fast and be relentless in our pursuit of that win. That’s what I want to be our identity.
“We want everyone to know that we’re coming out to play and that we’re going to play fast, especially with the tempo offenses are playing with now. The identity of this team is that we’re going to be fast and we’re going to be relentless. We’re going to build walls and do our very best to keep the deep balls to a minimum because we understand that’s what can get us beat. As long as they understand that, and keep everything in front of them and get it on the ground, we’ve got a shot to win.”
Pearson talked about what he sees as the mission of the defense this season. “We have several missions. I want to get better in the red zone. I want to get better in our goal line area. I think the Texas State, Troy, Arkansas State and Southern Utah games were learning tools for us, the kids never leave it. They understand that if you don’t finish it, those are the things that can happen. We walked out of those games with our heads held down when we were up.
“We’ve got to learn to finish the game, we always talk about that. When you get tired and there’s a moment that you think you can’t make it, let those four games run through your mind. You are in total control of the feeling we have when we walk off that field. So, those things are definitely character builders. I thought those games brought our team closer. Those guys rallied behind those losses and we turned this thing around and started going the right direction.
“I think those four losses really helped us.”
Offensive lineman Ucambre Williams
Talking about the depth of the offensive line. “We have some younger guys who have stepped up, the depth is there. Last year we didn’t really have a lot of depth, but it has improved each year. Now we can really get some substitutions in there if you need a breather. We push each other at practice and help each other as well. But the depth has been good for the offensive line.”
Williams talked about Mississippi State, the Jaguars home opener this season. “We’re not thinking about that game. We have Kent State first. We got beat in our first game last year, so we are just going to take it one week at a time. We have to take care of business against Kent State, then we will focus on Mississippi State.”
He also talked about how the finishing last season helped the team in the offseason. The Jaguars won their final three games, including a 30-8 win over conference co-champion Louisiana-Lafayette. “We beat the conference champions, and it showed us that we can be number one in this conference. We just have to work a little bit harder than last year to achieve our goals.”
Wide Receiver Jake Howton
Howton talkeda bout the first week of preseason camp. “We have the potential to be very good on offense. We have a lot of veteran guys up front with three senior starters returning. And there is a ton of talent at receiver this year, and we have guys back in the backfield. And of course Brandon at quarterback, who brings a big-play element to our offense. But I believe we have the opportunity to be really good.”
He also talked about how finishing last season helped the team heading into this season. “We have a lot of high expectations. We finished strong last year, and felt like we were a really good football team over the last four or five games of the season. We have a lot of starters back and a lot of guys who have been here a long time and played who have to step up this year, myself included. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Defensive Lineman Jesse Kelley
Kelley talked about the expectations for the season and how the first week of camp has been. “Our expectations going into the season are pretty high. For myself, I want to win a championship and I want to win a bowl game.
“On the defensive line, we had a lot of growing pains after losing five or six seniors, but we have a great group of guys that coach (Brian) Turner brought in and we are just maturing each and every day. By September 6 when we play Kent State, I believe we will be ready to go.”
He also talked about how today’s offensive concepts have changed the way defenses play. “It’s been the same thing since back in the day. The teams are going to win the football game by establishing the run game. It’s my job, and our defensive linemen’s job, to stop the run first and wreak havoc on the quarterback, so our secondary guys can have some fun back there and take some picks and get the ball back to the offense so they can score.”
Kelley talked about the depth on the defensive line, one of the concerns coming into the season after the graduation of several defensive lineman last season. “We have lots of depth. We have a lot of new guys who are still trying to get their feet wet. We’re just going to have to keep harping on the fundamentals to them right now. The fundamentals aren’t where they should be right now, but day by day, our fundamentals are getting better. As I mentioned before, come next month, everything should be ready to go.”
Defensive Back Terrell Brigham
Brigham talked about the expectations for the upcoming season. “I feel like we have high expectations just like pretty much everybody around the country. We want to win the conference championship and then go to a bowl game. We have some experience back in the secondary with three seniors and a sophomore who got playing time last year. With that experience coming back, I feel we have high expectations.”
He also talked about the experience level of the secondary that has developed over the last couple of seasons. “I feel like the experience and exposure that we’ve received over the years has helped us learn more and apply more to the game. That’s really helped us out to where we can teach the young guys and show them how we play and do things here.”
South Alabama will hold an open scrimmage at St. Paul’s Episcopal School on Saturday at 9am. They begin their 2014 season in Kent, Ohio against Kent State on Saturday, September 6.