MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama football team held its final practice of preseason camp before suiting up in full gear with a two-hour session Saturday morning at the practice fields on campus.

“I thought today was the best practice we have had, because we practiced hard and we stayed off the ground for the most part,” head coach Joey Jones said. “If we can go full speed and just lock up on the ball carrier and not fall to the ground, then we have a chance to get better but also not get anyone hurt. I liked the fact that we practiced well today. And our kids are full of passion every day. It has been gratifying to watch, because they understand what it takes to win and they are starting to do that. And they are starting to understand that everything matters. We’re not perfect yet, but we’re getting close to having a complete practice every day.

“We have some young guys who have come along, and part of that is having older guys who can actually direct those guys. They know what they’re doing now, and they can help those young guys along. I’m real pleased with the way it’s going so far.”

Saturday’s practice opened with work on punt return and punt block, while the offensive linemen worked on double teams.
 
The Jaguars then went into individual work at their respective positions, with the offensive linemen working on pass fundamentals and screen drill. Receivers worked on blocking fundamentals, then came together with the quarterbacks, running backs and tight ends to work on pass routes.

USA spent 20 minutes working on the inside and outside running game and play-action pass plays. Soon after, the Jags worked on pass fundamentals which led into skeleton pass drills while the offensive line worked on pass protection against the defense.

Following a break, South Alabama worked on team offense against both scout team and the Jag defense. Third-down conversion work with the offense followed, and practice closed with special teams work in kickoff coverage and field goal team.

Following practice, Jones announced to the team that USA senior tight end Paul Bennett would wear No. 5 this fall in honor of former teammate Anthony Mostella. Bennett was chosen by his teammates to wear the former running back’s jersey, a tradition that started last season when former linebacker Justin Dunn was chosen to wear Mostella’s number.

“When you think of a South Alabama football player, Anthony Mostella is the kind of person that our players need to model themselves after as a person and a player. And I want to honor his family by giving the jersey each year to a player deserving of that. We think Paul Bennett has those character traits. He is the kind of person who leads his football team; he is a hard worker and you can count on him. He has all those intangibles you need to be a winning football player here at South Alabama.”

Bennett will be the first Jaguar on offense to wear No. 5 since Mostella.

“It’s an honor to wear number five,” he said. “Mo was one of my closest friends. We came to South Alabama at the same time. He always came to practice with a smile on his face. He loved to work hard; he had a great work ethic. The best thing about him was that he was a humble guy. He just came to work every day and did his job. Honestly, it’s just a huge honor to represent him and his family and everything he has done for this program. I’m very blessed to be wearing number five this year.”

South Alabama will take Sunday off before returning to practice in full gear Monday at 6:15 a.m. at the practice fields on campus.

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).

-USA-