MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama head coach Joey Jones fielded fan questions on the Jaguars’ new spread offense, freshmen contributors and the team’s bowl hopes Monday as the first participant in the C Spire CIRCLE Blitz college football question-and-answer series, in which area coaches respond to questions submitted online.
Freshmen on the Two-Deep
Asked whether any true freshmen could make the two-deep depth chart, Jones named receiver Cam Broadnax and said guard Daniel Aust is a possibility.
Why the Spread
Jones said personnel was the main reason for South Alabama’s move to a spread offense, adding that the change also creates the kind of tempo offense he is accustomed to running.
“First of all, the offensive staff and players have totally bought in to the new offense,” Jones wrote. “I am extremely happy where we are at this point. We are not a finished product yet, but I have seen tons of progress. The tempo offense is also an equalizer in my opinion.”
On distributing carries among the Jaguars’ running backs, Jones said the staff wants backs who can do everything, but if they cannot, they will be used in more specialized packages. He said it is too early to say how many carries each back will receive.
Defining Success and Bowl Eligibility
Jones acknowledged that most preseason projections pick South Alabama to win two games.
“I don’t want to settle for less though,” he wrote. “We just need to prepare every game, regardless of how people say we match up on paper.”
Asked whether players know about recent changes to bowl eligibility requirements that give South Alabama a chance to become bowl eligible this season, Jones said they do, and that it is a big motivation for the team to have a chance to reach a bowl.
Facilities and Future Schedules
Jones said no major facility projects are currently planned, though there will always be discussion of an on-campus stadium and an indoor facility, both of which he said would be tremendous for recruiting.
With Navy and Tennessee on the Jaguars’ 2013 schedule, Jones was asked how the program is progressing. “To be the best, we have to play the best,” he wrote. “We will continue to play those types of schools to make us better.”
South Alabama, which plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, is entering its fourth season of football and its first season of Sun Belt Conference play.
