MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football opens the second week of spring practice Tuesday morning with its fourth session of the spring, as the coaching staff continues to install new elements of the offense and evaluate a roster of more than 100 players.
Coach Joey Jones’ staff has emphasized fundamentals and player evaluation through the first three practices, working to give as many players repetitions as time allows. New plays installed in the opening week have been filmed and broken down by the coaches and reviewed by the players ahead of Tuesday’s workout.
Jay Jones Making Early Impression
Running back Jay Jones has drawn attention through the first three practices, showing the speed to get to the edge as well as the ability to run between the tackles. That combination was what the Jaguars’ staff sought when recruiting him.
Jones ran a similar offense during his first season at Northeast Mississippi Community College, which has helped him learn offensive coordinator Robert Matthews’ system more quickly. He has said he believes Matthews’ scheme suits him and that it factored into his decision to come to South Alabama. By enrolling for the spring, he will have additional time in the playbook, weight room and conditioning program before more newcomers arrive in the summer.
He joins a backfield that includes experienced players Kendall Houston, Demetre Baker and Terrance Timmons. Cristobal Dinham and freshman Kaleb Blanchard are scheduled to join the group in the fall.
Coach Joey Jones has said he values competition at every position, saying it makes players work harder, gives the staff a clearer evaluation and provides more options on game day.
Injury Report
Cornerback Eddy Cabrera will miss the remainder of spring practice with a broken fibula. Cabrera was injured when another player’s leg struck his. Team physician Dr. Albert Pearsall performed surgery, and Cabrera is expected to be available for fall practice.
Two other players are working back from concussions. Defensive back Charles Harris was injured Saturday, and defensive end Ridge James was injured Sunday. Both will return to practice once cleared by the medical staff.
Thursday Scrimmage, Then Spring Break
The Jaguars will work this week toward what Joey Jones called a “half-scrimmage” on Thursday. That session will begin as a regular practice and end with scrimmage work.
Thursday’s practice will be the team’s last for more than a week. The Jaguars will take spring break off and return to the practice field Tuesday, March 19, at 6 a.m.
South Alabama competes in the Sun Belt Conference and plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
