MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football has begun preparing for its season finale against Cal Poly, and coach Joey Jones said Tuesday that three extra practice days will be especially valuable for a defense that must prepare for the triple option.
Jones and offensive line coach John Turner discussed the game, the senior class and recruiting on the Joey Jones Show with host Lee Shirvanian.
Preparing for the Triple Option
The Jaguars are practicing Monday through Wednesday this week, after which coaches will recruit Thursday and Friday and players will have Thursday through Saturday off before resuming game-week preparation.
Jones said the triple option is rarely seen anymore at the high school or college level, making the extra time valuable. He said the team is also using the week to work on fundamentals, particularly on special teams, and that he is already seeing results.
Turner said the offensive line has faced many 4-3 base defenses over the past few seasons and is prepared fundamentally. He said the staff will reuse elements of game plans installed earlier this season and add whatever else is needed for Cal Poly.
Injury Update
Safety B.J. Scott is still recovering from a knee injury and is doubtful. Receiver Jereme Jones, who hurt his shoulder against Henderson State, is questionable but improving daily. Defensive back Gabe Loper, who left the Mississippi Valley State game with a hamstring injury, will probably be ready. Bryson James has been slowed by a back injury and is listed as questionable, though Jones said his chances of playing are better than 50 percent.
Running back Brandon Ross has been running in practice and looks good, but Jones estimated he is 75 to 80 percent recovered and said there is no reason to risk his knee for one game. The staff is focused on having him ready next season. Jones said injuries at running back led to more playing time for freshman J.J. Keels.
Senior Class
Jones said the offensive line will be hit hardest by graduation, losing starters Brian Krauskopf, Jon Griffin and Chris Brunson. Griffin has started every game of his South Alabama career. Tight ends Paul Bennett and Kevin Helms are also seniors. Other seniors include cornerbacks Jeremy Roberts and Anton Graphenreed, safety Coleman Hornaday, placekicker Jordan Means, offensive lineman Ryan Norris and wide receivers Lamontis Gardner and Donte Rome.
Jones said he is confident in the leadership and ability of the players recruited to replace them.
Turner named Krauskopf the most improved lineman this season in technique and cited young linemen Tremain Smith, Shawn Artz and Drew Dearman for their progress. Jones said Loper has also improved significantly after stepping into the lineup when needed. Loper began at safety, but the staff believes cornerback is his more natural position, and he has settled in since moving there.
Recruiting Plans
Both coaches said South Alabama plans to sign seven or eight offensive linemen in this class, a mix of junior college and high school players. Jones said the program will sign several junior college offensive linemen and defensive backs and can count some of them toward the previous recruiting class.
Jones said the staff has been careful not to sign players simply to fill numbers, which will allow South Alabama to sign 20 to 24 scholarship players this year rather than about 10.
Looking Ahead to the Sun Belt
Jones said he prefers a conference with divisions and a championship game over a round-robin format. He said this is the Jaguars’ third season without a championship to play for beyond an undefeated record, which makes each week’s preparation more difficult.
Next season South Alabama will play a Sun Belt Conference schedule but will not be eligible for the conference championship or a bowl game. Jones said the season-ending trip to Hawaii gives the team a bowl-like goal, and that while the conference may not recognize the Jaguars if they win more games than anyone else, the school will.
Jones said kickoff times will be more fluid next season because of conference scheduling and television. He said he cares mainly about what is best for fans and does not want 11 a.m. kickoffs that would hurt tailgating. He said he is concerned about quick turnarounds from midweek ESPN games, such as playing on a Saturday and then a Tuesday.
Jones said South Alabama will need some guarantee games for financial stability but hopes to schedule attractive opponents such as Navy. He said he could foresee Alabama or Auburn appearing on the Jaguars’ schedule someday.
