MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones announced Tuesday morning on WNSP radio that Ross Metheny will start at quarterback when the Jaguars open the 2013 season against Southern Utah at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in just over a week.
The decision came after the coaching staff reviewed film from Saturday’s scrimmage and began finalizing the depth chart ahead of game-week preparations. Brandon Bridge will also play, according to Jones.
Two Quarterbacks in the Plan
Quarterback was the central position battle of the offseason. Bridge, a transfer from Alcorn State, became eligible after sitting out a year under NCAA transfer rules and had a strong spring practice.
Jones said he believes he has two quarterbacks the Jaguars can win with and that he will find ways to get both on the field. Trey Fetner is expected to continue running the wildcat formation when called upon. Last season, South Alabama rotated Metheny and C.J. Bennett at quarterback; Jones indicated this season’s usage will differ from that rotation.
Offense: Backs, Receivers and Tight Ends
Running Back
Transfers Jay Jones and Cris Dinham will share carries with Kendall Houston, while Julien Valentin and Terrance Timmons are also expected to see playing time. Jones singled out Valentin’s performance in Saturday’s scrimmage. Kaleb Blanchard and Xavier Johnson could redshirt this season.
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver is the deepest position on the offense and will feature a heavy rotation. Senior Bryant Lavender, junior college transfer Shavarez Smith and transfer Danny Woodson Jr., who is eligible immediately, are slated for significant time on the outside. Jereme Jones and T.J. Glover will work as slot receivers.
Corey Besteda, Cameron Broadnax, Nathan Sassaman, Corey Waldon and Jake Howton will also play, with their roles in the rotation to be determined.
Tight End and Fullback
Preseason All-Sun Belt selection Wes Saxton will start at tight end, with Rush Hendricks and Davin Hawkins also expected to play. Ryan Onkka could line up at tight end or fullback in short-yardage situations. Onkka, Jared Palmer and Kyle Sappington will all see action, with the extent of their roles still to be decided.
Offensive Line
Senior Matt Calcagnini will start at center, flanked by juniors Drew Dearman and Shaun Artz at guard. Junior Ucambre Williams and sophomore Chris May will start at tackle.
Defense: Deep Up Front
Defensive Line
The defensive line is the deepest unit on the defense. Alex Page and Pat Moore will start at end, with Theo Rich in the rotation. Senior Romelle Jones and Montavious Williams will anchor the interior.
Jesse Kelley, Ceasare Johnson, Jerome McClain and Randon Carnathan will rotate inside and may also play end. Ridge James is listed as a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker.
Linebacker
Enrique Williams, Clifton Crews, Bryson James and Maleki Harris make up the top four linebackers, with Harris serving as a hybrid linebacker and safety. Desmond LaVelle will also play, and each of the linebackers can line up inside or outside.
Secondary
The secondary received the most attention from the staff during the offseason. Junior college transfer Montel Garner is likely to start at cornerback on opening day, with Qudarius Ford, C.J. May, Anthony Harris, Tyrell Pearson and Darrius Morrow competing for snaps.
At safety, Terrell Brigham, Charles Watson, Steffon Fuller and Steven Fuller are in contention. Charles Harris has moved to linebacker and could join Maleki Harris and David Hawkins in hybrid safety-linebacker roles.
Special Teams Still Unsettled
Glover and Smith were named as kickoff returners, with Jereme Jones also in the mix. Glover will return punts, though Jones or Smith could also be used.
Aleem Sunanon has been mentioned as the field goal kicker but faces competition from Logan Gunn. Incoming freshman Brandon McKee is the likely kickoff specialist, with Gunn also a possibility. Senior Scott Garber remains the punter, with McKee pushing him for the job.
South Alabama, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, opens the season against Southern Utah at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
