MOBILE, Ala. — Myles Gibbon and C.J. Bennett have moved ahead in the South Alabama quarterback race as the Jaguars scale back contact before their final scrimmage of the preseason, which has been moved from Saturday to Friday.
Light Week Before Final Scrimmage
Tuesday’s session was South Alabama’s last full-contact practice before the scrimmage. For the rest of the week, the Jaguars will work in drills with limited or no contact, giving players time to recover from the bumps and bruises of the past several weeks of camp.
Saturday has been set aside for a fan event at which supporters can meet the players and coaches. Fans will also be able to pick up a copy of Tommy Hicks’ book, “Kickoff: The Story of the University of South Alabama’s Inaugural Football Season,” which chronicles the program’s first year.
South Alabama Quarterback Race
Four quarterbacks have competed during camp: Gibbon, Bennett, Brennan Sim and Raymond Cotton. Gibbon and Bennett have separated themselves from Sim and Cotton. Sim had appeared to be the front-runner for the starting job coming out of spring practice.
- Myles Gibbon has added about 20 pounds since last season. He started for the Jaguars in 2009 before an ankle injury late in the season.
- C.J. Bennett has picked up the offense quickly and has been splitting time with Gibbon with the first- and second-team offenses. Coach Gregory called Bennett a polished passer who is as good as any he has seen, while noting he can improve his ball handling in the running game.
- Brennan Sim has added about 15 pounds but has been slowed by shoulder problems and has missed some practice time this preseason. Sim started the 2009 season finale in place of the injured Gibbon.
- Raymond Cotton transferred from Ole Miss shortly before preseason camp opened and has been learning a new system. He injured his shoulder during spring practice at Ole Miss, and there was concern at the time that it might require surgery.
Program Background
South Alabama is entering its second season of football under head coach Joey Jones. The Jaguars went 7-0 in their inaugural 2009 season and play their home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
