MOBILE, Ala. – Now that preseason camp has ended and game week is officially here, University of South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones, wide receiver Bryant Lavender and defensive lineman Andy Dalgleish sat down with the media Monday to discuss the upcoming season and preview the Sept. 1 season opener against West Alabama.

A few highlights from Monday’s press conference are below.

Head coach Joey Jones
On West Alabama:
 “Looking at West Alabama from last year, they were 7-4. They didn’t lose a game by more than four points last year. They are a very talented team. Fourteen of their 22 starters are junior college transfers. They have some experience and brought in some very talented guys. They are very well-coached. When you play schools like that, they tend to have some very good players so we look for a good game out of West Alabama. Gary Johnston, who we think is going to be their quarterback, is from Gulf Shores High School. We watched him play in high school. He is one of the best leaders and toughest guys I have seen on the field – a very good football player. They have some really good receivers. Gerald Worsham caught 80 balls last year. He is extremely quick and a very good football player. Defensively they have a lot of size up front – big guys inside – so it is going to be tough on us to run the football but we look forward to the challenge. It is a very talented football team we are going to play this week.”

 On the team's progression:
“I feel good about our team and where we are. We’ve been building this thing for three years now, and the kids have gotten bigger, faster, stronger and more mature and experienced. One thing we focus on is us. I feel real good about our football team. How it compares to the teams we are playing, I don’t know. But the bottom line is I think we are where we want to be. We didn’t lose too many starters from last year, so you kind of know what to expect from your guys. We have a lot of experienced guys back, but you still want to see them against another ball team. You don’t know how good you are until you play someone else.”

On the fans:
“Traditionally, things are good in years one and two for upstart programs and then tail off in years three and four. But our ticket sales are going higher so that is a great thing for us. It just shows the excitement in this town, and I think these fans are real excited about it. They enjoy going to the game, tailgating and [seeing] the teams we are playing against. It’s exciting for us and our players to see that kind of support.”

On how good the team is in year three:
“This is a building process, and it’s going to be for years to get where we want to be. How do we compare to certain teams we are playing during the year? That will give us a barometer for where we are as a football program, but I think you have to look at the entire year. I think if you look at the whole season, then judge us from that.”

On opening Thursday night:
“I am as excited about this season as any season we’ve been involved with. The first year was exciting because it was the first game, but there is something about a new year. One thing about coaching and playing football – it’s always a new season. Our players are very excited. The level of intensity we have had during practice is amazing. Their emotion levels have really been up the last couple of days, so I am looking forward to watching them Thursday.”

Andy Dalgleish – Defensive Lineman
On expectations for the opener and the upcoming season:
“On the defensive side of the ball, we are real excited about our game plan for West Alabama. With it being the first game of the season and them only returning two starting linemen from last year, it’s hard to expect what they have with their new personnel. I’m real confident though that our coaches will have us ready and prepared. We have an amazing coaching staff. They are covering every scheme, every little trick play that they can think of. As far as the whole year goes, we are expecting and hoping to go undefeated again and just keep this tradition alive.”

Bryant Lavender – Wide Receiver
On C.J. Bennett’s progression as a quarterback since he arrived:
“This is my third year in the program. When C.J. came in as a freshman, he came ready to work and get better any way he could. He has really put together a great campaign for himself. He has worked hard at becoming a leader and understanding what it takes to be a Division I quarterback.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).