MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama football's fifth spring practice Tuesday morning marked its first first full-contact workout of the spring. The Jaguars hit the practice field at 7:30 a.m., and just over an hour later, the sound of helmets and pads popping in 11-on-11 drills filled the air.
"I thought we had a good, physical day today," USA head coach Joey Jones said. "I thought the offense picked it back up today. The defense got after the offense yesterday, and did a great job down on the goal line. But the offense responded today, and there was good competition out here."
Following agility work at their respective positions, the Jaguars went briefly through special teams before working on fundamentals at each position.
At 8:45 a.m., the offense and defense lined up against each other, with only the quarterbacks designated for non-contact. USA ran 20 total plays between the first and second units. After 15 minutes in 11-on-11, the offensive and defensive lines worked on skeleton pass rush, while the secondary, coupled with the offense's backs and receivers, worked on skeleton pass drills.
USA broke from skeleton drills and went into 11-on-11 drills for 30 minutes to close practice, and as the temperature outside dropped, the intensity on the practice field increased.
"They [offense and defense] are both fighting, and that's good," Jones said. "That's been pleasing to see. I think the defense has stepped up against the run compared to last fall. Coach [Justin] Schwind and coach [Chuck] Dunn have done a great job with them in the weight room during the offseason. They've gained weight, gotten faster and stronger and are playing more physical. Offensively, we're trying to concentrate a little more on throwing the ball well, and running it. We know one of the biggest areas we have to improve upon is throwing the ball well."
The Jaguars will return to the practice field Thursday morning to continue spring workouts.
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), and football season-ticket holders will have an opportunity to choose where they will sit at Ladd-Peebles Stadium during the 2010 campaign when a special select a seat event begins on March 10 at 4 p.m. at the stadium prior to the program's annual spring game.
-USA-
