MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama football program, under the direction of second-year head coach Kane Wommack, went through a nearly two-hour practice Friday morning at the James A. and Frances H. Yance Football Practice Facility.
South Alabama is scheduled to practice Wednesday and Friday morning from 9-10:45 a.m. All practices will be closed to the general public.
Below are highlights from post practice interviews with the media.
Head coach Kane Wommack
- Opening statement: "I like the direction that we're moving physically, I think we're becoming a more physical football team across the board. That starts with the offensive and defensive lines, our coaches have done a great job of challenging our players. Our players are challenging themselves and each other. There's more accountability because the expectation is there. Everybody knows what to expect, they know what we're trying to establish. Some of these young guys are doing some really good things and some of these guys we're bringing into this program are doing what we expected them to do as older transfers coming in. I think we're moving in the right direction but there's so much work to be done."
- On the first day in pads: "It was good. Our guys understand how to practice and what we're trying to get done from a schematic's standpoint. Fundamentals can always continue to improve, but there was energy and physicality. When you start having systems in place, guys can start taking those extra steps that make the difference in a good practice. Execution across the board is starting to improve."
- On goals moving forward: "The number one thing we're focused on in the spring going into our second season is physicality. The culture is in place and the systems are in place. How we do what we do with a physical mindset starting up front and moving all the way into every single position— our kicker should be more physical in the spring time going into our second season. So, I think physicality overall. Then the small details of understanding who we are offensively, defensively and in special teams. Those things showed themselves at the end of last season. The small relentless details that we have to have in order to get ourselves to the next level, I think those are the main things."
Quarterback Carter Bradley
- On the first week of practice: "I feel good about this week. I have been trying to focus on the flow of things and where everyone is going to be, how they play. I think that has been a big part of this week. There is a lot to learn, a lot to get better on. Tanner [McGee] and Desmond [Trotter] have done a great job helping me, along with coach Applewhite, but even when he's not around. I am excited to get this rolling into week two."
- On what he accomplished this week: "I was just going out there and making sure my eyes were right where they needed to be. For the most part I felt like I did a pretty good job. Everyone has been helping me in the film room so if I didn't do something they would show me how it is supposed to be. I think we are going into a positive stretch next week so I'm excited."
- On the first day in pads: "It felt great to be back in pads. I wish we could have done it sooner so we could just get back into it but the wait was worth it."
Wide Receiver Nae'Saan Dickerson
- On the first week of practice: "It [practice] felt good. We had 14 OTAs [organized team activities] without the ball, so coming out with the ball and being prepared for that felt good. Plus, now everything is faster."
- On the first day in pads: "It felt great to be back in pads. Just the physicality and putting in the work we've been putting in. I know coach Wommack preaches physicality, so it was great to get out here."
- On his goals: "Today was a good, hard and physical practice getting out on the perimeter blocking. I was catching the ball, knew the assignments, what routes to run and just finishing and competing. I just have to get better every day."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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