MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football players report to preseason camp Wednesday, with the first practice of the 2012 season set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Jaguar Practice Facility.
The 2012 season is the program’s first with a full Division I schedule and its first as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Head coach Joey Jones said the Jaguars are approaching the challenge with respect for their opponents and confidence in their own preparation.
‘The Toughest Schedule We’ve Played’
“The thing you look at as we go into Division I is obviously we have a tough schedule and we really respect all the teams we’re going to play,” Jones said. “But I also have a lot of respect for our team and our staff and everyone involved in our football organization and the price they’ve paid to get us where we are. It’s an exciting time for us.”
“The thing is, to get better you’ve got to play the best,” he said. “I think we’re at the point where we’re playing the best. This is going to be the toughest schedule we’ve played, and I’m excited to see our kids step up to the challenge.”
Staying Steady Through 13 Games in 14 Weeks
South Alabama plays 13 games over 14 weeks with only one open date. Jones pointed to a stretch that includes N.C. State, Mississippi State, Troy and Arkansas State in succession.
“There’s no doubt that the kids are excited about this season. But then you look at 13 games in 14 weeks, you’ve got to be steady in what you do. You can’t get too high or too low at any point in the season,” Jones said. “You start looking at a run like that and there’s no way you can play that roller-coaster game. You’ve got to stay steady.”
Jones said the staff worked during the offseason to prepare players for the demands of a schedule with a single open date. “We’re going to have to do a good job of monitoring that and monitoring our team’s health and their legs and even their mental side,” he said. “We’ve got to be smart about what we do.”
Line Play a Priority
Jones said the offensive and defensive lines will carry much of the load.
“If our offensive and defensive lines will hold up, we’ll be in pretty good shape,” he said. “I think a lot of pressure will be put on those guys, as it always is, to be successful. I think our team’s success will definitely be on their shoulders, but I tell them that every year.”
Competing in a Conference
Jones said joining the Sun Belt gives the program a new measuring stick.
“When you’re not in a conference, you kind of play for wins and losses and that’s all well and good. But when you come up against competition against other teams in your conference, that’s what it’s all about,” Jones said. “It makes you competitive in recruiting, it makes you competitive on the field and every day you’ve got to get better.”
Jones said he is ready for camp to begin. “It’s been a good break for everyone, and we’re ready to go to work,” he said.
South Alabama plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
