The Southern Jaguars opened preseason practice under clear, blue skies and intense, energy-zapping heat Thursday afternoon as preparations for the Sept 3. season opener got underway.
Sophomore Dray Joseph received a majority of the reps as the No. 1 quarterback but head coach Stump Mitchell is expecting more from the QB unit as a whole than what they produced on day one.
“I think that there’s still going to be competition before it is all said and done but I think (quarterback) Dray (Joseph) is going to be the guy,” said Mitchell. “I’m not looking for an interception on the first 7-on-7 pass. Guys can’t be overconfident.”
Several Jaguar veterans, led by senior LaQuinton Evans, had impressive outings but it was the Jaguar defense that took advantage of the offense in team drills during the first practice of fall camp.
“(LaQuinton) Smoke (Evans) came out in spring ball. For pro day, he ran a 4.43 and a 4.37 (in the 40-yd dash),” said Mitchell. “He put up some times people are excited about.”
With the season opener against Tennessee State only 30 day away, Mitchell expressed his eagerness to put 2010 behind him and continue pressing towards the start of the 2011 season one practice at a time.
“I was glad when 12:01 hit the clock and I knew it was time for a new season.”
Southern returns to the practice field in the shadows of A.W. Mumford Stadium bright and early Friday morning in an attempt to avoid the scorching Louisiana heat. Practice begins at 9 a.m.
REVISED PREASEASON CAMP SCHEDULE
(changes denoted in bold)
Aug. 5 – Practice begins at 9 a.m.
Aug. 6 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 7 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 8 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 9 – Practice begins at 9 a.m. (First day of Full Gear)
Aug. 10 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 11 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 12 – 1st Practice at 9 a.m.; 2nd practice at 3:30 p.m. (First two-a-day)
Aug. 13 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 14 – Southern Jaguars Media Day (closed to public)
Aug. 15 – 1st Practice at 9 a.m.; 2nd practice at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 16 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 17 – 1st Practice at 9 a.m.; 2nd practice at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 19 – 1st Practice at 9 a.m.; 2nd practice at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 20 – Practice begins at 3:30 p.m. (Scrimmage and camp concludes)
Aug. 22 – Fall Classes begin
