MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama opened preseason football camp last week, holding its first practice Wednesday, Aug. 6, and working through three sessions by Friday as the Jaguars began preparation for the 2014 season in the Sun Belt Conference.
The opening week of camp included conditioning checks, installation work for a roster with many newcomers, daily player-of-the-day honors and the announcement that senior wide receiver Jereme Jones will wear the No. 5 jersey this season in memory of former Jaguar Anthony Mostella.
Day One: Conditioning and Teaching
Head coach Joey Jones said after the first practice that roughly 95 percent of the team reported in good shape, though a few players were not where the staff wanted them to be physically. He said those players need to catch up quickly.
“We can’t have any weak links on this team, everybody has to be in shape and ready to go,” Jones said.
Asked about quarterback Brandon Bridge, Jones said it was too early for a full evaluation but noted that Bridge had a good summer and did some good things in the opening session. Jones also addressed the preseason national recognition received by Wes Saxton, describing him as a competitor and saying he does not worry about him heading into the season.
Jones said that until the team is able to practice in full pads, the staff would focus on the passing game. The Jaguars ran two-minute drills without rushing the quarterback and also worked on the kicking game. Jones described the first practice as largely a teaching session, with many new student-athletes learning their roles.
Jereme Jones was named offensive player of the day after catching a 15-yard touchdown pass from Bridge to finish a 60-yard drive by the first-team offense in the two-minute drill. Marvin Shinn received honorable mention for an 18-yard reception on the previous play that converted a fourth-and-1 and set up the score. Davin Hawkins was named defensive player of the day for making several plays at key moments.
Jereme Jones to Wear Mostella’s No. 5
At the close of the first practice, Joey Jones announced that Jereme Jones had been selected to wear No. 5 this season. Each year a member of the senior class is chosen to wear the number in honor of Mostella, who wore No. 5 during South Alabama’s first season of football in 2009. Mostella died as the result of a motorcycle accident on June 13, 2010.
Jereme Jones, a four-year letterwinner, is South Alabama’s career leader in receptions with 121 catches for 1,317 yards and 14 touchdowns. He enters the season having caught a pass in 39 consecutive games.
“It’s a real great honor,” Jereme Jones said. “I knew Mo [Anthony Mostella], we took a class together and getting to know him and the person he is I am really honored to be able to represent him by wearing his number.”
He said the two met during his first semester on campus. “I only knew him one semester, but he showed me where all my classes were and we started hanging out a little bit and I was able to get to know him better as the semester went on,” he said. “The accident really hit me hard when it happened. He was a great person and fun to be around.”
Day Two: Helmets and Shorts
The Jaguars held their second practice Thursday, Aug. 7, again in helmets and shorts. Joey Jones said the session went somewhat better than the first, with players practicing with energy and newcomers beginning to understand their responsibilities. He said the coaching staff must continue installing the schemes progressively without getting ahead of itself, building on what the team does well while continuing to work on areas that need improvement.
Cameron Broadnax was named offensive player of the day. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews cited Broadnax’s route running, ball skills and effort, and Broadnax caught a 37-yard touchdown pass on the first possession of the two-minute drill.
Maleki Harris was named defensive player of the day. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said Harris has taken on a larger leadership role, becoming more vocal and doing everything at full speed, setting an example for younger players.
Hawkins made the play of the day during 7-on-7 work, diving at full extension to intercept a Bridge pass intended for Saxton.
Day Three: First Morning Session in Shells
The third practice was held Friday morning, Aug. 8, the first morning session of camp and the first in shells, with players in helmets and shoulder pads. Joey Jones noted the team had practiced late Thursday night before reporting for 6 a.m. meetings Friday. Some players dealt with cramping and fatigue but pushed through, he said.
Jones said the team must become mentally tougher to contend for a conference championship and said the staff is working on that. He added that the team was beginning to come together and that younger players were starting to pick things up, but that steady progress is required to be ready for the season.
Center Joseph Scelfo was named offensive player of the day. Matthews praised his snaps, pass protection and line calls, noting few missed assignments along the offensive line during blitz and team periods.
Jesse Kelley was named defensive player of the day, an honor Pearson said reflected all three days of practice. Pearson said Kelley, who weighs about 300 pounds, had not missed a rep, arrived at camp ready to play and has been a vocal and emotional leader who sets an example through hard work.
Bridge earned play of the day, rolling right to avoid pressure and hitting Jereme Jones for a 35-yard gain. Bridge also threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Braedon Bowman to open the final team period.
Players Focused on Fundamentals
After Friday’s practice, Harris said the opening days of camp are always the most difficult as players adjust to the heat and workload. He said the sports medicine staff continues to emphasize hydration, cold tubs, nutrition and sleep.
Harris said the defense must improve against the run, describing its first-day performance as only adequate, and said the unit has allowed too many big plays. He said the group’s goal is to play championship-level defense and that a defense of that caliber does not give up big plays.
South Alabama, coached by Joey Jones since the program’s inception, plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
