MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Tuesday night that the Jaguars are “a much improved football team” heading into Thursday’s season opener against Southern Utah, and first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Sherrer outlined a defense that will lean on a four-man front.
Jones and Sherrer appeared on the weekly Joey Jones Show with host Lee Shirvanian. The program is broadcast from Baumhower’s Restaurant on Airport Boulevard in Mobile, its home for the sixth year.
Jones Assesses the 2013 Team
Asked to describe the team in his own words, Jones opened with, “We are a much improved football team.” He said that, looking ahead after last season, the team has developed beyond what he expected, adding that he wanted to give an honest assessment even if it was something he perhaps should not say publicly.
Jones said a number of players have “come through for them” and credited a senior class with considerable experience and maturity. Shirvanian noted that about seven fifth-year seniors could see playing time this season, and Jones said the roster’s experience gives the team confidence it can carry through the year.
Sherrer Brings Alabama Approach
Sherrer joined the Jaguars from the University of Alabama. Jones said Sherrer had been instrumental in helping several former Alabama players land at South Alabama over the past few years and that his time in Tuscaloosa has shaped the Jaguars’ defensive planning. Jones described Sherrer as very organized and a planner who connects with and motivates players.
Sherrer said much of what South Alabama does defensively mirrors Alabama in philosophy, scheme and organization. He said he sat in on many defensive meetings under coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and believes Saban brought an NFL approach to the program.
According to Sherrer, Saban and Smart cover every part of a game plan from top to bottom and divide the work across the week so players know what to focus on each day before Saturday. He cited that approach as one of the main lessons from his time at Alabama.
Division of Duties
Asked how much control a new coordinator receives, Jones said he oversees the program’s overall operation and strategy, including practice length and contact or non-contact days. He said he does not manage the details of the defensive scheme, which is why he hired a defensive coordinator, and noted that he is more involved on the offensive side.
Jones also said he is overseeing special teams to a degree following the departure of Perry after last season.
From 3-4 to 4-2-5
Shirvanian pointed out that the new depth chart lists four down linemen and two linebackers, and asked whether the Jaguars would shift to a 4-2-5 alignment after relying more on a 3-4 look under former defensive coordinator Bill Clark.
Sherrer confirmed the change but said the defense will match personnel to what opposing offenses use. The Jaguars can line up in a 3-4, 4-3, 4-2-5 or a dime package. He said that because most opponents will operate out of one-back formations, the staff believes the 4-2-5 best fits what South Alabama will see most often.
Depth Chart Breakdown
Offense
Jones highlighted new receivers Shavarez Smith and Alabama transfer Danny Woodson Jr., along with running backs Jay Jones and Cris Dinham.
At quarterback, Ross Metheny is the starter, and Jones said both Metheny and Brandon Bridge will play. Asked how this differs from last season’s pairing of Metheny and C.J. Bennett, Jones said the situation is completely different, with both quarterbacks having earned playing time.
Jones said the offensive line has improved and now has a second unit capable of playing when needed. He singled out Ucambre Williams and Chris May.
Defense
Sherrer started with senior Romelle Jones and Jesse Kelley on the interior of the defensive line, adding that the staff will rotate players to keep the front fresh. He named Pat Moore and Alex Page at defensive end and Enrique Williams, Clifton Crews and Maleki Harris at linebacker. Bryson James was mentioned as a hybrid who has played, and will likely continue to play, multiple positions.
In the secondary, Sherrer named Montell Garner, Qudarius Ford, E.J. May, Charles Watson and Terrell Brigham, while emphasizing that the defense’s strength will be its front six.
Pearson Suspended for Opener
Cornerback Tyrell Pearson, a first-team All-Sun Belt selection, does not appear on the depth chart. Jones said Pearson will miss the first game because of a suspension for violating team policy but will return the following week and be ready to play.
Freshmen and Special Teams
Responding to an emailed question about first-year players, Jones said freshman running backs Kaleb Blanchard and Xavier Johnson have been impressive, but given the depth at the position, their chances of playing this season are about 50-50. He said both will play in the future.
On defense, Jones said freshman Devon Earle has stood out at nickel back, a spot the staff calls the “Star” position, and freshman safety Roman Buchanan will play a good amount because of his role on special teams. Jones said those are the freshmen with a chance at playing time this season.
Jones said Aleem Sunanon has solidified himself as the field goal kicker, with the staff working to put pressure on him in practice. The kickoff job is unsettled, with both McKee and Sunanon kicking well. Jones said punting has been inconsistent; McKee can kick the ball a long way, but Garber will start as the staff looks for consistency.
Scheduling, Stadium and Rule Changes
South Carolina Replaces Georgia
Jones addressed a change to next season’s schedule. South Alabama will no longer play Georgia; instead, Troy will face the Bulldogs and the Jaguars will travel to Columbia, S.C., to play South Carolina. Jones said Southeastern Conference scheduling is largely driven by television and that something required the Georgia game to be moved.
On-Campus Stadium
A caller asked about fundraising efforts for campus facilities. Jones said he did not know the specifics but stated that South Alabama will one day have an on-campus stadium, though he did not know when. The Jaguars play home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Targeting and the No-Huddle
Jones discussed college football’s new targeting rule, which can result in ejections. He said he expects players around the country to be ejected under the rule and that he has worked to educate his players on it. He said the rule is aimed at protecting defenseless players, such as a receiver crossing the middle, rather than a running back who lowers his head. If a player is ejected, the call can be reviewed and overturned, allowing the player to return, though the 15-yard penalty still stands.
On no-huddle offenses, a topic at SEC meetings, Jones said there is no doubt the tempo affects defenses. Sherrer said concerns raised by some SEC coaches about increased injuries have merit, but the Jaguars will face no-huddle teams all season and aim to be conditioned for it. He added that when an offense substitutes, the referee is supposed to stand over the ball to give the defense time to substitute, with enforcement up to the officials.
South Alabama, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, opens the season Thursday night against Southern Utah at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
