MOBILE, Ala. — The South Alabama defense drew praise from head coach Joey Jones during the second week of spring practice, as the Jaguars prepared for a scrimmage of two hours or more on Saturday that will coincide with the program’s Junior Day.
Defensive Front Sets The Pace Monday
Monday’s practice was a difficult one for the offense, particularly the quarterbacks, who struggled throwing the ball. The defensive line and linebackers were active throughout, and Theo Rich knocked down several passes.
Jesse Kelley has emerged as a leader for the defensive line. Kelley and Jerome McClain have worked to teach the system to younger linemen.
Kelley tied for 11th on the team in tackles in 2013 with 34 stops, including 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Quarterbacks Rebound Wednesday
The quarterbacks were more accurate in Wednesday’s practice. Brandon Bridge, who entered spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback, has begun to take on more of a leadership role.
Jones again was pleased with the defense, citing the work of the secondary and linebackers in coverage. Montell Garner intercepted a pass during the session.
Kickers Put Coaches On The Spot
Jones ended Wednesday’s practice with a challenge. Aleem Sunanon, representing the defense, and Zac Henry, representing the offense, each attempted a 45-yard field goal. If only one kicker made his attempt, the other unit would do pushups; if both made their kicks, the coaches would do pushups.
Both kickers missed their first attempts but made their second tries, and the coaching staff did the pushups.
Saturday Scrimmage And Junior Day
South Alabama returns to the field Saturday for a scrimmage scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
“We’ll have a long scrimmage,” Jones told AL.com. “It will be every bit of two hours because we want to get as many people on the field as we can and get them some reps.”
Jones said the staff wants to improve fundamentally, especially up front. “The only way the offensive line can get better is by going with the speed of the game and blocking guys at a full-speed rate,” he said. “So we get our offensive line better and our defensive line better playing fast out here at practice and they’re doing a good job with the practice tempo.”
Saturday also is Junior Day for the Jaguars, with between 200 and 300 prospective student-athletes expected on campus. Visitors will tour the campus and watch the scrimmage. Jones said that getting prospects to campus gives the program a good chance to eventually sign them.
South Alabama competes in the Sun Belt Conference and plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
