The Jags will play ULL tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. USA lost to ULL earlier today 9-2.
13
Aug
Rangy South Florida WR Chooses Jags
I caught up with Caleb Alves this Saturday after football practice to congratulate him on his commitment to the University of South Alabama. Alves assured me he’s excited to be a Jaguar.
He was also hearing from Memphis, Bowling Green, UMass, FAU, FIU, Florida A&M, Bethune Cookman & Elon. Florida Atlantic and Florida International had both indicated they would offer.
When asked about his reasons for choosing South Alabama Football, Alves responded, “I committed to USA because I like the area. I can see myself there for the next 4 years. It’s a school that is on the rise. They work extremely hard. Plus, it’s only 8 hours from home. South has been recruiting me since the spring and they offered around the end of April or early May.”
While Caleb hasn’t been on campus yet, he’s excited about his first visit and has researched the area and the school extensively on the internet. He doesn’t plan on visiting any other schools, however if the situation comes up he’s says it will just be for the experience, stating “I’m all Jag. I’m happy to be a Jag.”
Academically, Caleb Alves has a 2.9 gpa and has received an 18 on his ACT (with plans to take it again to score higher). He’d like to study sports medicine or sports business.
When asked about the possibility of playing both Football and Basketball, another sport Alves excels in, on the next level, Caleb replied, “I would definitely love to play both sports in college. I’ve played both all my life. If it’s possible, I would play both.”
Not only does he excel at two sports, as a football player he gets it done on both sides of the football. He sounds like he’d have no problem being a contributor on either side, “The thing I love most about football is making plays. Also, I love to hit people. They say football a contact sport but they’re wrong, it’s a collision sport. I love the game. I am a receiver but I’d love to play db in college. Wherever I’m used to help my team. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Personally, I’m excited about the prospects of a 6’3 athletic wide receiver with a linebacker’s mentality (or a safety with wide receiver ball skills, however it works out).
He was also hearing from Memphis, Bowling Green, UMass, FAU, FIU, Florida A&M, Bethune Cookman & Elon. Florida Atlantic and Florida International had both indicated they would offer.
When asked about his reasons for choosing South Alabama Football, Alves responded, “I committed to USA because I like the area. I can see myself there for the next 4 years. It’s a school that is on the rise. They work extremely hard. Plus, it’s only 8 hours from home. South has been recruiting me since the spring and they offered around the end of April or early May.”
While Caleb hasn’t been on campus yet, he’s excited about his first visit and has researched the area and the school extensively on the internet. He doesn’t plan on visiting any other schools, however if the situation comes up he’s says it will just be for the experience, stating “I’m all Jag. I’m happy to be a Jag.”
Academically, Caleb Alves has a 2.9 gpa and has received an 18 on his ACT (with plans to take it again to score higher). He’d like to study sports medicine or sports business.
When asked about the possibility of playing both Football and Basketball, another sport Alves excels in, on the next level, Caleb replied, “I would definitely love to play both sports in college. I’ve played both all my life. If it’s possible, I would play both.”
Not only does he excel at two sports, as a football player he gets it done on both sides of the football. He sounds like he’d have no problem being a contributor on either side, “The thing I love most about football is making plays. Also, I love to hit people. They say football a contact sport but they’re wrong, it’s a collision sport. I love the game. I am a receiver but I’d love to play db in college. Wherever I’m used to help my team. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Personally, I’m excited about the prospects of a 6’3 athletic wide receiver with a linebacker’s mentality (or a safety with wide receiver ball skills, however it works out).
09
Aug
Practice Report: 8/9
The Jags started their first 2-a-day of the season on Thursday morning. The first practice pushed the offense to their limits, with the second practice being more efficient and also more laid back.
On offense, the team worked primary on running routes during drills. Wide receivers were put in charge of getting away from defenders and in some cases, improvising a route on the fly. Wide receiver Nathan Sassaman burned the defender on an impromptu fly route for a touchdown. During 11-on-11 drills, CJ Bennett had trouble finding the offense, with the defense making at least three interceptions. Ross Metheny did not pass the ball much better, but he did however show great speed scrambling out of the pocket. Wide receiver Corey Besteda once again impressed at practice, making an amazing behind the back one handed catch that left everyone asking “How did he do that?” Jereme Jones also had a good day of practice, catching a deep touchdown pass from CJ Bennett.
The second half had running backs working on holding blocks on passing plays. Terrance Timmons was impressive blocking out of the backfield. After 11-on-11, the team moved to red zone passing. Wide receiver Bryant Lavender and tight end Greg Hollinger had good days, both making great jumping catches over defenders. The team also practiced the 2-minute drill for the first time. The 1’s, led by CJ Bennett, had their drive stopped at the 34 yard line after failing to convert on 4th down. The 2’s, led by Ross Metheny, made it down to the 26 yard line with 10 seconds left before they settled for a field goal.
The defense caused problems all morning. A string of three pass defenses in a row and an interception by a defensive lineman had the defense chanting “D-Block.” Linebacker Ben Giles made a few good plays in zones, while Enrique Williams plowed over running back Demetre Baker on a run up the middle. Defensive Back Eddy Cabrera broke up a few passes as while.
Kicker Michel Chapuseaux was kicking well in what appeared to be his first full day kicking the ball. He and Aleem Sunanon were hitting 45+ yard field goals with ease. Chapuseaux also made a 47 yard field goal on a hurry up play with 3 seconds remaining.
The Jags will have a final practice Friday before their first scrimmage of the fall season Saturday.
On offense, the team worked primary on running routes during drills. Wide receivers were put in charge of getting away from defenders and in some cases, improvising a route on the fly. Wide receiver Nathan Sassaman burned the defender on an impromptu fly route for a touchdown. During 11-on-11 drills, CJ Bennett had trouble finding the offense, with the defense making at least three interceptions. Ross Metheny did not pass the ball much better, but he did however show great speed scrambling out of the pocket. Wide receiver Corey Besteda once again impressed at practice, making an amazing behind the back one handed catch that left everyone asking “How did he do that?” Jereme Jones also had a good day of practice, catching a deep touchdown pass from CJ Bennett.
The second half had running backs working on holding blocks on passing plays. Terrance Timmons was impressive blocking out of the backfield. After 11-on-11, the team moved to red zone passing. Wide receiver Bryant Lavender and tight end Greg Hollinger had good days, both making great jumping catches over defenders. The team also practiced the 2-minute drill for the first time. The 1’s, led by CJ Bennett, had their drive stopped at the 34 yard line after failing to convert on 4th down. The 2’s, led by Ross Metheny, made it down to the 26 yard line with 10 seconds left before they settled for a field goal.
The defense caused problems all morning. A string of three pass defenses in a row and an interception by a defensive lineman had the defense chanting “D-Block.” Linebacker Ben Giles made a few good plays in zones, while Enrique Williams plowed over running back Demetre Baker on a run up the middle. Defensive Back Eddy Cabrera broke up a few passes as while.
Kicker Michel Chapuseaux was kicking well in what appeared to be his first full day kicking the ball. He and Aleem Sunanon were hitting 45+ yard field goals with ease. Chapuseaux also made a 47 yard field goal on a hurry up play with 3 seconds remaining.
The Jags will have a final practice Friday before their first scrimmage of the fall season Saturday.
08
Aug
Practice Report: 8/8
The Jags were back on the field Wednesday morning, in full pads and going after each other relentlessly.
On offense, Brandon Ross was participating and looked strong running individual drills. Greg Hollinger continued to show that he is perfectly suited to play tight end. He seems to be manhandling players with one hand while catching passes with the other. Wide receiver Tyrone Bivins had some impressive catches today also. CJ Bennett looked good today during 11-on-11 drills. Ross Metheny had a few hiccups, and overthrew a wide open receiver on one play. He did have a few good fade passes for touchdowns. Demetre Baker and Kendall Houston butted heads with the defense in the redzone. On one particular play, Baker went head-to-head with linebacker Enrique Williams and drove him back.
The defensive line was causing problems all day, almost seeming as if there was no offensive line on a few plays. The pass defense has improved, and on field play recognition by defensive back Charles Watson gained praise from the coaching staff. The defense also caused a few fumbles during 7-on-7 drills as well. Defensive back Tyrell Pearson has practiced well this week also.
Special teams worked on kickoff coverage and return for the first time. Jereme Jones and TJ Glover were the primary returners. Aleem Sunanon was showing off his leg with kicks that regularly landed at the edge of the goal line.
The Jags will return to practice tomorrow and go through their first 2-a-day of the summer, a tough task considering many of the players are finding the heat hard to deal with.
06
Aug
Practice Report: Day Four
The Jags were put back to work on Monday after an off day, and the elements were not kind. But what can you expect when you’re playing outdoors in southern Alabama?
The offense today was highlighted by Greg Hollinger. Hollinger appears to have found a natural position at tight end, making several impressive catches over the middle, as well as a few flat routes. Junior tight end Jared Palmer also saw a few reps with the first team. Wide receiver Corey Besteda continued his impressive work today, using his 6-3 frame to his advantage to catch high passes over the shorter defenders. He also made a sliding one handed catch that caused Coach Joey Jones to run over and give him congratulations. Jereme Jones had a great day in the pass skeleton, not dropping a single pass and even fell down and continued his route to make another catch as well.
The defense was fiery today, causing two fumbles during drills. During a full 11-on-11, linebacker Enrique Williams barreled over running back Demetre Baker. He also recorded a sack later in the drill. Defensive back Darrius Marrow had a good day defending the pass, while Eddy Cabrera added two interceptions in the red zone during the pass skeleton. During 7-on-7 drills, Marrow and Jonathon Cameron were taunting the offense to pass the ball their way. Marrow backed up his talk the next play by breaking up a pass.
Special teams had Jereme Jones, TJ Glover, and BJ Scott on punt return duty. Kicker/punter Aleem Sunanon was drilling 44-yard field goals with ease.
The players are still being worked hard. A few players suffered from heat exhaustion today, but nothing beyond throwing up. Several coaches were preaching the players to stay outside on plays and that the inside is where you get crushed. No injuries today and the Jags looked healthy and improved going into Tuesday’s workouts.
