MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama returned to the practice field Monday for the first time since its second preseason scrimmage, working for nearly two hours in shells as the coaching staff began firming up the depth chart ahead of the Sept. 6 opener at Kent State.
Defense Has the Edge Monday
Head coach Joey Jones said the defense played well and with emotion, while the offense struggled.
“The offense didn’t execute very well,” Jones said. “We didn’t have the attitude we needed to have, but that’s one of the few bad days we have had offensively. There’s always tomorrow, and we will see how they respond.”
Senior offensive lineman Drew Dearman was named offensive player of the day.
“Drew brings a lot of experience and consistency to the offensive line,” offensive coordinator Robert Matthews said. “He is a tough guy, and we know that we can count on him.”
Junior defensive end/outside linebacker Jimmie Gipson III earned defensive player of the day honors. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said Gipson brings speed and power to the defense.
Defensive back Margo Reed made the play of the day, intercepting a Matt Floyd pass with an over-the-shoulder catch in the corner of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills. In team drills, Floyd connected with freshman tight end Jarrius Hackworth for a gain of more than 30 yards.
Phase Two of Preseason Camp
Saturday’s scrimmage ended the first phase of preseason preparation. The second phase centers on settling the starting lineup and backup roles. Once those decisions are made, most practice repetitions will go to the first- and second-team units, with occasional work for players further down the depth chart.
Jones said most starting jobs were settled after the second scrimmage, but many backup positions remain open. He hopes to finalize those roles by the end of the week while still giving players competing for them as much opportunity as possible.
Because South Alabama does not play during the opening week of the college football season, its preseason camp started a week later than most teams, giving the Jaguars the same amount of time to make depth chart decisions.
With the opener on the road, the staff also must determine a 70-player travel roster, which will include roughly 20 players beyond the top two units, including special teams.
Kent State Preparation Begins
Players have already reviewed film of Kent State and were scheduled to begin on-field preparation for the Golden Flashes on Tuesday. The team will move into its normal game-week schedule by Sunday.
The open weekend will also give the Jaguars a chance to watch several upcoming opponents, including Kent State, which hosts Ohio this week. Elsewhere, Sun Belt Conference member Georgia State opens Wednesday against Abilene Christian at the Georgia Dome.
Depth and Senior Leadership
The coaching staff’s primary focus, as in every season, is developing depth behind the starters so that reserves can maintain a high level of play when called upon.
South Alabama has 30 seniors on this season’s roster, the largest senior class in the program’s history. The program began play in 2009.
The Jaguars open the season Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. against Kent State in Kent, Ohio.
