MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones announced Wednesday that the Jaguars have signed two junior college transfers from Mississippi, tight end Kennedy Helms and defensive back Gabe Loper.
Both players signed national letters of intent and will join the program in January.
Kennedy Helms
Helms, listed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, will be a senior next season. He is the younger brother of South Alabama tight end Kevin Helms.
Helms played at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which has won 19 games over the past two seasons and finished in the top 10 of the final NJCAA poll both years. He caught two touchdown passes in 2010 as the Bulldogs went 10-2, and Jones said he was impressed with Helms’ blocking.
Gabe Loper
Loper played at East Central Community College and was named to the second-team all-MACJC squad this season after recording 39 total tackles, 28 of them solo, and three pass breakups.
As a freshman, Loper made 30 tackles, including 22 solo stops, and intercepted two passes.
Jones said Loper can play cornerback or safety and will begin at safety. Jones cited Loper’s man-to-man coverage skills and range as assets for the Jaguars’ secondary.
Program Background
South Alabama recently completed its second season of football and is preparing for its 2011 schedule as it begins the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Jaguars play home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
