MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama marked one week of preseason camp with a Wednesday practice that head coach Joey Jones said showed the Jaguars’ improving conditioning.
Conditioning Paying Off
Jones said his players appear to be in strong condition, building stamina and no longer wearing down late in practice. During the first days of camp a week earlier, players tired and a couple needed IVs after cramping. Jones said players are now hydrating well and that their offseason conditioning work is carrying them through each day.
Jones also said the team has a strong group of seniors who understand what it takes to win and are taking on leadership roles with younger players.
Players of the Day
Running back Kendall Houston was named the offensive player of the day. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews cited Houston’s solid running, particularly in a closing team session in which the offense worked on running out the clock with four minutes remaining. Houston moved the ball and picked up first downs in the drill.
Terrell Brigham earned defensive player of the day honors. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson called Brigham the “quarterback of the defense” and said he works through aches, pains and cramps every day without complaint.
“He has improved vastly in his knowledge of the game,” Pearson said. “He understands formations, concepts in the passing game and defending against the run. Just his overall knowledge is very good.”
Play of the Day
The play of the day came in the final team session. Facing third-and-5 from his own 35-yard line while trying to run out the clock, quarterback Brandon Bridge found tight end Wes Saxton for a 13-yard gain and a first down.
“That was a really good throw and catch, that was the most critical play of the day,” Matthews said. “We worked some third downs today, we had a really good session, but that was an unscripted play. It was a game-like scenario and we were able to convert. I was really happy to see that.”
Special Teams
Kickers Aleem Sunanon and Grant McLaurin each attempted four field goals and each made three, including a 42-yarder apiece. The Jaguars worked on kickoff returns early in practice and on punt coverage in the final session.
South Alabama holds another two-a-day practice Thursday as it continues preparing for the 2014 Sun Belt Conference season.
