MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama opened spring practice Thursday morning as the Jaguars began preparations for 2013, their first season as a full member of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
The 2013 South Alabama spring practice period follows a 2-11 season in 2012, the program’s first year of Sun Belt Conference play. Head coach Joey Jones’ staff includes a new defensive coordinator, and several key positions are open after the departure of veteran starters.
Sherrer Takes Over the Defense
Bill Clark, who served as South Alabama’s defensive coordinator, left to become head coach at Jacksonville State. Kevin Sherrer, who joins the Jaguars from Alabama, replaces him as defensive coordinator and will also coach the secondary.
Sherrer inherits a group of returning defensive linemen that includes Romelle Jones, Montavious Williams, Randon Carnathan, Alex Page and Pat Moore. Several linebackers also return.
Offensive Line Reloads
Robert Matthews, entering his second season as offensive coordinator, must replace offensive lineman Trey Clark, who started every game South Alabama played over the past four years.
Drew Dearman and Melvin Meggs return up front, and redshirt freshmen Joseph Scelfo and Clay Machen are among the players competing for more playing time.
Quarterback Competition
Ross Metheny returns after winning the starting quarterback job from C.J. Bennett last season. He is joined this spring by several other candidates:
- Trey Fetner saw action last season on designed runs in short-yardage situations on third and fourth down.
- Brandon Bridge, a transfer from Alcorn State, is getting his first spring work with the Jaguars.
- Grant Powell, a redshirt freshman, and Kolt Peavey are also seeking playing time.
Receivers and Tight Ends
South Alabama must replace two pass catchers from last season. Gabe Loper, who was converted from defensive back to wide receiver in 2012, has graduated, and tight end Greg Hollinger is no longer with the team after the season.
Additional players, mostly freshmen, will join the roster in time for preseason camp in the fall. Jones and his staff will use the spring to evaluate how returning players have developed since last season.
