MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama head coach Joey Jones used this week’s edition of his weekly coach’s show to deliver a football injury report, recognize the Jaguars’ outgoing senior class and answer listener questions about the team’s offense. Jones and host Lee Shirvanian were joined by Jinni Frisbey, USA’s assistant athletic director for sports medicine.
Senior Class Recognized
Jones spoke about the seniors who are finishing their careers with the program, which is in its third season of play. He noted that the group arrived knowing they would not be competing for bowl games or conference championships, yet they committed to the program anyway. According to Jones, the seniors set the example for younger players in how to practice and prepare each week.
Injury Report
Frisbey provided updates on several Jaguars ahead of Saturday’s game:
- Jereme Jones has been recovering well and could be available to play Saturday.
- B.J. Scott suffered a knee injury against Georgia State, a partially torn ligament, and will not play.
- Bryson James has a lower back injury sustained in the weight room and will sit out as a precaution.
- Demetre Baker, who dislocated his shoulder against Mississippi Valley State, has progressed well in rehabilitation and is expected to see some playing time this weekend.
Asked whether the season had been better than average from an injury standpoint, Frisbey agreed. She said players have played through some injuries, but the overall injury list has been shorter than in other years.
Frisbey also gave an update on Brandon Ross, who tore his ACL and later needed a second surgery on his MCL, which she described as unusual. Ross has returned to practice but will not play this season.
Most Valuable Players
Asked to name a most valuable player on each side of the ball, Jones said it was difficult to single anyone out. On offense, he pointed to the tight ends as a group because of how critical their play is to the Jaguars’ scheme. On defense, he mentioned Jake Johnson, the team leader in tackles, along with Romelle Jones and Charles Harris, adding that the team has many candidates on both sides of the ball.
Triple Option Question
A caller asked why South Alabama does not run the triple option, given that Jones has called it the best-designed offense in football. Jones explained that the scheme’s advantage is that the offense does not have to block two defenders and can create double teams elsewhere. He said the staff wants to incorporate elements of the option, noting that some teams now run it out of the shotgun and that he ran a shotgun variation at the high school level.
Jones said the Jaguars currently have a throwing quarterback who can run, but the staff did not want to risk injuring him this season. He said the coaches will look at adding option elements to the offense next year.
Another caller asked about Kendall Houston’s eligibility. Jones said Houston is a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining.
Sports Medicine Staff
Frisbey said South Alabama has 11 certified athletic trainers, the most in the conference, and five athletic training facilities, compared with one or two at most schools. She also described the game-day process: when a player comes off the field to see a trainer, she informs the player’s position coach and keeps the staff updated on whether the player is being evaluated, taped or taken to the locker room.
