South Alabama Football Practices in Shells as Waldrop, Smith Address Team Before Second Scrimmage

MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football worked for nearly two hours in shells during Thursday morning’s preseason practice, two days before the Jaguars’ second scrimmage of fall camp, and closed the session by hearing from two university leaders.

University of South Alabama president Tony Waldrop and Dr. John Smith, the university’s vice president of student affairs and special assistant to the president, each spoke to the team after practice.

Jones Points to Critical Third Week

Head coach Joey Jones said the Jaguars continued to push through another hot day as the second week of camp neared its end.

“They are working hard and doing the things necessary to win, so I am proud of what they’re doing,” Jones said. “They are continuing to work hard through the heat. But we can’t let that bother us, it can’t be a factor. We just have to keep working.”

Jones said the coming week, the third of camp, is traditionally the most demanding stretch of the preseason. The Jaguars are scheduled to practice Monday through Thursday before shifting into game-week preparation.

“The toughest time is always at that third week of camp,” Jones said. “Next week is going to be very critical. We’re going to work Monday through Thursday, and we have to have great practices that week because after that we are in game week. We have to understand that every minute and every rep matters.”

He added that the staff has seen a number of players improve during camp and that continued development across the roster will determine how good the team can be.

Bridge, McClain Earn Player of the Day Honors

Quarterback Brandon Bridge was named the offensive player of the day. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews said Bridge made good throws and sound decisions during situational periods that included two-minute and third-down work.

“He just continues to come out here and grind every day and try to make himself a better player, so I am happy to see that,” Matthews said. “There are times he shows things that are really, really good, and there are some times where he is still learning. But he just needs to take it one day at a time and continue to press. He will be fine.”

Defensive lineman Jerome McClain was selected the defensive player of the day. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson credited McClain’s consistency and conditioning throughout camp.

“Jerome has been really consistent and played really well through camp,” Pearson said. “I’m impressed with his conditioning. His play has increased. Everyone expects him to be the best. I expect him to work like he’s the best, and he’s doing that.”

Notable Plays

The play of the day went to Marvin Shinn, who caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Bridge in the back corner of the end zone on the final snap of a two-minute drill during the last team period.

Transfer quarterback Hunter Vaughn also broke a run of more than 50 yards before it was whistled dead during a period in which the first team was concentrating on third-down conversions.

Up Next

The Jaguars, members of the Sun Belt Conference, will practice once more Friday before a 9 a.m. scrimmage Saturday at Fairhope Municipal Stadium.