MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama returned to the practice field Monday after its first day off in 12 days, working for nearly two hours in shells.
It was the Jaguars’ first practice since Saturday’s preseason scrimmage. Monday was also the first day of fall classes at the University of South Alabama, with the season opener at Kent State 18 days away.
Jones Wants More Discipline
Head coach Joey Jones described the session as “not bad” and said the offense executed well, but he pointed to penalties on defense.
“I thought the offense came out and executed really well again today, doing all the necessary things,” Jones said. “We just have to make sure that we are a disciplined football team. Practice becomes monotonous at times, but if they can fall in love with the work and the details of practice then we have a chance to become better. We had a bunch of guys jumping offside today on defense, and in a game that’s a bunch of five-yard penalties.”
“We’re in a cave right now, it’s dark and there’s no game next week so we have to just keep working,” he added.
Depth Chart Still Taking Shape
Jones said many spots remain open, particularly on the second team.
“I would say there are still a lot of positions up for grabs, there always are,” Jones said. “Especially with depth issues, we don’t know who our twos are right now in a lot of places. We have two or three guys fighting for that spot. We’re going to keep trying to put them in team situations where we can evaluate them better.”
“On the defensive front we have to find guys who can play, we have five or six bodies who are working hard at it, but it will come down to the guys who can show us they can do it and that we can trust them,” he said.
Players of the Day
Sophomore Steven Foster was named offensive player of the day. Foster has been working with the first and second units.
“He is pushing through [camp]; he’s tough,” the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator said. “Steven is assignment-sound, and is a guy we can depend on. He gained some valuable experience last year as a young player.”
Davin Hawkins was the defensive player of the day.
“Davin has gotten better since the spring, and coming off an injury he has worked his tail off,” defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said. “He is slowly but surely taking control of the defense, making all the calls, and I’m excited about that. I think he is going to have a big year this season if he continues doing the things he has been doing.”
Practice Highlights
Wide receiver Shavarez Smith made the play of the day, hauling in a juggling catch from quarterback Brandon Bridge for a gain of more than 20 yards. On defense, Margo Reed broke up a deep pass intended for Smith in one-on-one coverage.
Xavier Johnson had the longest run of the session, cutting back past a defender for a gain of more than 20 yards. Jereme Jones caught a long pass from Bridge on the first play of the second team period.
The only turnover came when Andrew Philon intercepted a deflected pass intended for receiver Nathan Sassaman.
South Alabama opens the 2014 season at Kent State on Sept. 6.
