MOBILE, Ala. — Coming off a 31-3 win over Georgia Military College that improved South Alabama to 3-0 in its first season, coach Joey Jones said Tuesday that the Jaguars’ goal remains an undefeated season as they prepare to face Louisburg College.
Jones and assistant coach Dameyune Craig joined host Lee Shirvanian for the Joey Jones Show at Baumhower’s Wings on Airport Boulevard.
Measuring the Jaguars
Jones had said before the game that Georgia Military would likely be the toughest opponent on the schedule. Asked where the Jaguars stand against higher levels of competition, Jones was reluctant to compare scores but noted that the No. 2 junior college team in the country beat Georgia Military 28-8. He said that suggests South Alabama could compete with some of the best junior college teams, though not necessarily beat them.
Jones said the Jaguars could probably take the field with many Division I-AA programs, though not with traditional powers in that division such as Appalachian State.
Craig said it was difficult to judge because the roster includes many freshmen, but said the team could do well in Division II and perhaps Division I-AA, and could probably compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Shirvanian noted that South Alabama tried to schedule Alabama State this season, but it did not work out. Jones said he hopes to schedule the Hornets in the future.
Georgia Military Review
Jones said the staff knew Georgia Military was strong defensively but saw weaknesses on its offensive line that it could exploit by pressuring the quarterback. The Jaguars hurried and hit the quarterback repeatedly, including on nearly every pass, and at one point he suffered full-body cramps.
The South Alabama offense scored two touchdowns and threw sparingly. Jones said players are focused on doing their part within the game plan.
One Jaguars punt bounced into the end zone for a touchback after the coverage team had a chance to down it near the goal line. Jones said players are instructed to catch the ball in that situation and have worked on it. He said he takes full responsibility, questioning whether the staff had practiced the situation enough for it to become second nature.
Craig credited defensive coordinator Bill Clark and strength and conditioning coach Schwind, saying the summer workouts that prepared players for camp made a significant difference. Craig said the biggest lesson he has learned on the staff is that freshmen can be ready to play right away if they arrive in the summer to train.
Injury Update
Jones said Michel Chapuseaux is fine after a hard hit that looked worse than it was. Offensive guard Jon Griffin turned an ankle but is expected to play Saturday. John Mark Patrick remains out with a knee injury.
Recruiting Priorities
Jones said the junior college linemen on the roster have brought a maturity that has carried over to younger players, helping the team stay calm when things go wrong. He said the staff will continue to look for ways to improve the roster, including transfers, citing running back Brandon Ross and Charlie Higgenbotham as players who expressed interest in South Alabama. He said the Jaguars took Ross despite depth at running back because he could make a difference.
Craig said the staff’s recruiting priorities are defensive ends, cornerbacks and safeties, along with offensive linemen. He said the staff feels good about its receivers and running backs. Craig said junior college defensive backs would add experience and depth to a secondary that includes Zach Brownell, explaining that a single injury at a thin position can change a game plan.
Receivers
Asked about receivers with professional potential, Craig said Courtney Smith has the size and speed and is willing to work on areas he needs to improve. He also mentioned Kelly Vail of LeFlore High School and several young receivers who are redshirting. Craig said Lim Windham or Corey Besteda has the best hands on the team.
Looking Ahead to Louisburg
The Jaguars now play on consecutive weekends for the first time. Jones said the team used its earlier open weeks wisely.
Jones said he does not like to talk about going undefeated but acknowledged it is the team’s goal. He said the way to get there is for players to work for two hours in practice each day and improve a little at a time.
Jones said Louisburg may not be as talented as Georgia Military but has players committed to schools such as Temple. He said the program likes to show visiting teams its field house and facilities, which he believes rank among the best in the Sun Belt Conference.
