MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama opened spring football practice Thursday morning with 115 players in helmets, beginning preparations for its second season after going 7-0 in the program’s inaugural year.
Head coach Joey Jones said every position is open this spring and that the staff will emphasize toughness and fundamentals, with a heavy workload for the running game.
New Faces
Most of the players and coaches on the field were returning from last season, but the Jaguars also welcomed newcomers who enrolled for the spring semester, including Jonathon Cameron and Jereme Jones.
There is also a change on the coaching staff. Ron Antoine is the new wide receivers coach, replacing Dameyune Craig, who left to join Jimbo Fisher’s staff at Florida State.
Quarterback Competition
The quarterback job is the most closely watched position battle. Brennan Sim, who transferred from Oregon State last year, missed most of the preseason conditioning work last summer while recovering from an illness that required surgery. He is healthy this year and has taken part in offseason workouts and conditioning.
Sim gained playing time as last season progressed and started the final game after Myles Gibbon was injured in the sixth game. Sim and Gibbon begin spring practice on equal footing.
Nick Owens, the third-string quarterback last season, has left the team and returned to California, leaving Gabe Graham as the third quarterback this spring.
C.J. Bennett, who is expected to arrive in August, could also join the competition for the starting job when fall camp begins.
A Program With Experience
A year ago, the Jaguars opened spring practice for the first time with no game experience. This spring, returning players know the system and are helping newcomers learn it as Jones and his staff continue building the program. South Alabama plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
