Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

University of South Alabama Athletics

Navigation Curve divider
#OURCITY
Noah Fisher
USAJaguars.com

Football

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA FOOTBALL PRACTICE REPORT – 8/4

Date: 8/4
Time: 8 a.m.-10 a.m. (CDT)
Place: James A. and Frances H. Yance Football Practice Facility
Practice attire: Shells (helmets and shoulder pads)

Offensive Player of the Day: Noah Fisher, So., OL, Decatur, Ga.
-Offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent on Fisher: "Noah was a redshirt freshman last year; he played late in the year and he really grew up.  He is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound athletic kid at tackle.  His leadership, toughness and work ethic are exactly what we're looking for up front."

Defensive Player of the Day: Jaylan Daniels, Jr., DE, Vienna, Ga.
-Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack on Daniels: "Jaylan had a great day today.  He's been somebody that we've constantly challenged since I arrived here in the spring.  I think he's really bought into what we're trying to do; he's bought into his coaches, he's bought in with the other players and now he's starting to see the success and production out there on the field.  He's been battling a little bit of a toe injury too and he's pushing through that, so we're really proud of what he's doing right now."

Play of the Day: On his second pass attempt during 7-on-7 passing drills, Dallas Davis found Gerald Everett in stride — just over the outstretched hand of the defending safety — for a gain of 25-plus yards.  Also considered was a 30-yard completion from Cole Garvin to Samory Collier during the team period.

Team period highlights: There were two team periods during the Jaguars' first workout in shells, lasting a combined 20 minutes.  The first featured nearly 30 snaps with the offense running first-down plays, the second saw the first- and second-team units have one series of third-down situations.

Miscellaneous Notes
-USA had special teams periods covering both kickoff and punt returns, closing practice with work on field goals.  Gavin Patterson connected on 6-of-7 attempts ranging from 20 to 37 yards, with Corliss Waitman hitting a 20-yard try and Brandon McKee successful from 32 yards out.
-The Jag defense recorded three coverage sacks during skeleton passing period, with Randy Allen and Diantae Thomas credited with sacks during team competition.
-Bobby Flott's interception was the lone takeaway of the morning, and Quinton Dent broke up a pass during the team period as well.  Bull Barge and Tyree Vines deflected passes to prevent completions during 7-on-7 drills.
-Jahmmir Taylor and Sam Harris caught two balls apiece during the team period, while Jordan McCray and Deonta Moore both finished with two receptions in skeleton passing drills.

Head coach Joey Jones
-On the program's first practice in shells: "It was a good day physically, we got a lot of reps in.  We have to watch the film after practice to see what everyone did, but I thought the effort was good.  They got a little tired toward the end, but we had nobody who had to leave practice because of the heat.  I continue to emphasize to them that we had a good summer conditioning-wise, but we have to get into better shape as we go through workouts."
-On what the coaching staff is looking for when watching practice film: "We evaluate guys who we think can win for us and try to find places for them to play on the field.  The film doesn't lie, we tell our players all the time if they want to play they have to show it to us in practice."
-On individuals who have caught his attention the first few days of preseason camp: "Neiko Robinson has been a pleasant surprise at the safety position, he has looked really good.  Offensively, Jordan McCray is coming in as a freshman and has done some really good things at wide receiver."
-On his early impressions of the team: "We have so many new players so we will know more in about two weeks, but right now I love the effort and the intangible part.  They are doing all we are asking them to do, we just have to polish things up on both sides of the ball."

Devon Earl
-On the first three days of practice: "It's been tough, but we're getting better facing adversity every day which is going to help us during the season."
-On how working out under the conditions will prepare the team for the fall: "It's humid, but they are putting us at a good time to be out here.  It's going to be hot during games — we'll play 11 o'clock, 2 o'clock games — so we have to get used to it right now."
-On his impression of the team: "First of all, I think we're really talented.  We're coming together and we're pushing each other.  I know it's the first day in pads but you could tell that there is competition going on; I want to beat the guy in front of me and he wants to beat me.  We're making each other better right now."
-On what the team is using for motivation during camp: "We talked about it last night, we have one common goal — we want to win a conference championship.  That's all the motivation you need right there."

Tyreis Thomas
-On practice so far this week: "We're only three days in, but we're giving a lot of effort out here; that's all that you can do.  It's real hot and we're trying to keep guys healthy but at the same time we're trying to get better as a team."
-On handling the heat: "It's tough, but we have a great strength and conditioning staff.  They prepared us all summer — we ran a lot — so now with pads we're getting into the flow of the game."
-On how he thinks the team looks thus far in the preseason: "We're looking pretty good.  We have some returners, but everyone has to understand their job which is what camp is for.  As of right now I think we are going to be a decent team."
-On the challenges of preseason camp: "The challenge is with your body; when your body is hurt, your mind follows.  You have to erase your mind from the physical aspect and continue to keep going because you have to get better.  It does take a toll on your body, but we prepared for it so we just have to have our mind in the right place each day."

Up next: The Jaguars will once again work out in shells on Friday, with practice scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at the James A. and Frances H. Yance Football Practice Facility
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

—USA—

 
Print Friendly Version