Cold shooting costly as Lady Jags fall at the buzzer at FAU, 41-40 http://t.co/BAfmUHD5
16
Feb
Practice Report - Feb 15
The Spring of 2012 will be a season of change for the USA Jaguars. Coaches have new assignments. Coordinators are coaching positions. Everyone is stepping up in preparation for
the transition for FBS.
The biggest questions for me this spring are what the new offense would look like and how it would be developed with our players. I can answer a few questions after watching practice.
We learned from CJJ the offense will be basically a spread with the quarterback operating out of the shotgun. Practice gives every indication there will be multiple sets with at times as many as 2 backs and at others as many as 5 receivers. I had a chance to see all the Qbs throw lots of balls in a drill where two Qbs worked at one time throwing to one receiver at a time running routes. Fast moving drill with lots of throws at all distances. For my untrained eye Brandon Bridge was the best of the group.
The one thing we can count on from this year’s offense is speed. Everything moves FAST. This no huddle offense is no huddle with the team running to the line to snap the ball for the next play.
Last year the no huddle seemed almost in slow motion by comparison. The offense spent about 30 min, running play after play moving down the field at high speed. It appears the communications is different too. The QB receives the basic set and play group as he moves toward the line after a play . As the line sets in position the play is called . Then the backs and receivers look to the sideline for a quick signal. The quick signal appears to be the specific play in the play group. The whole process is nonstop. Obviously the entire offense will have to be in great shape.
06
Feb
Signee Spotlight: Joseph Scelfo
In a class widely considered the best ever for South Alabama in terms of talent and fulfilling needs, Joseph Scelfo stands out as the most high-profile member of the newest group of Jaguars. Despite the recognizability of his name due to his father, Chris, a former head coach at Tulane and current tight end coach for the Atlanta Falcons, and his uncle, Frank, who was recently the quarterback coach at the University of Arizona, Joseph has earned notoriety in his own right by earning accolades like being named the twelfth-best center prospect in the nation by ESPN.
Scelfo definitely caught some people by surprise when he announced his decision to join USA, the newest FBS program in the NCAA. He took a few minutes with JagsJungle.com to talk about his choice and his expectations for the future.
JJ - First and foremost, congratulations on a successful Signing Day. Was it a stressful process?
JS - It was pretty stressful for about six months. At first it was fun but then it got serious as I realized that I needed to pick a school and that it couldn't just keep going on.
JJ - Coach Jones stated after your signing that you had been committed to South Alabama for a couple of weeks. Once you had committed, were there any doubts?
JS - I was solid. I gave my commitment to Coach Jones and it's not me to break my commitment. Once I committed I was all in. There were some teams that came in after I committed but I turned them down and told them I was going to South.
JJ - Who were some of the notable schools that were after you late in the recruiting period?
JS - North Carolina came in late. Florida State was in it for a while. They wanted me to grayshirt after they filled up (their recruiting class). Southern Miss and Syracuse also were there.
JJ - What made you decide on South Alabama over these and other schools?
JS - I just fell in love with it. It just fits me good. I don't care about a big name, I just want a place where I can be happy and I think South Alabama gives me the best opportunity to be happy. I love the campus, love the people, love the program, so why not go there? I like being comfortable and the name stuff isn't important. People have criticized me and asked why I'd want to go the South, but they don't have to live in my shoes and walk to class everyday. It's where I felt right.
JJ - Are you expecting a redshirt year?
JS - I'm coming in expecting to start. The center there now is really good, Trey Clark, and I've spent some time with him and I'm excited to learn from him. I'm going in there with the attitude that I'm going to be ready to start, that I'm going to work hard every day, and that I'm going to push myself to the limit expecting to start. If I get redshirted then I'll spend that time getting bigger, stronger and smarter.
JJ - Have you had a chance to meet the other offensive line signees?
JS - Oh sure. I met Daniel Aust and Clay (Machen). Me and Clay are probably going to be roommates. We hit it of pretty good this past weekend. And then there's big Steven (Foster) from Demopolis. That's my buddy, there. We all just clicked good. Steve McKenzie, he and I are both Georgia boys. We're a good group. It'll be fun.
JJ- You guys all seem to be a pretty good bunch of guys. I guess that similarity will help you guys get along.
JS - Exactly. There's no individual in the group, which I like a lot. There's no one in the offensive line group that thinks they're better than anybody else or is going to be trouble. There all really good kids and the kind of people I want to surround myself with. That's another reason I was sold on South.
JJ - How much input did your father or your uncle have in the recruiting process?
JS - Honestly, my Dad said 'this is your decision, I'm not going to say anything. Go where you want to go.' That's exactly what he told me when this whole thing first started. He would tell some things about a school that he didn't think that I would like but for the majority of the process he said 'go where you want to go.'
JJ- Did he have a good perspective for you in terms of honoring a commitment, things like that?
JS - Yes, sir. He made it perfectly clear that this is the coaches' livelihood and that when you decide to give a commitment, you don't break a promise. I grew up being taught that. I wouldn't do that to somebody, especially someone I've had a relationship with for a year and a half.
JJ - Tell us who was your primary recruiter and your thoughts about him.
JS - Coach John Turner. He was the only one (from USA) who recruited me. He seems like he really cares about his players. He's a high-energy guy. I could tell that he was full of energy and excitement and he made it clear that he wanted me really bad. I want to play for a guy like that, so it worked out perfect. I hope he's my coach the whole time. i know how the coaching world works but I hope he doesn't go anywhere.
Joseph Scelfo was a great interview. Polite, well-spoken and intelligent. In short, everything that we want a representative of South Alabama to be. Welcome aboard.
Scelfo definitely caught some people by surprise when he announced his decision to join USA, the newest FBS program in the NCAA. He took a few minutes with JagsJungle.com to talk about his choice and his expectations for the future.
JJ - First and foremost, congratulations on a successful Signing Day. Was it a stressful process?
JS - It was pretty stressful for about six months. At first it was fun but then it got serious as I realized that I needed to pick a school and that it couldn't just keep going on.
JJ - Coach Jones stated after your signing that you had been committed to South Alabama for a couple of weeks. Once you had committed, were there any doubts?
JS - I was solid. I gave my commitment to Coach Jones and it's not me to break my commitment. Once I committed I was all in. There were some teams that came in after I committed but I turned them down and told them I was going to South.
JJ - Who were some of the notable schools that were after you late in the recruiting period?
JS - North Carolina came in late. Florida State was in it for a while. They wanted me to grayshirt after they filled up (their recruiting class). Southern Miss and Syracuse also were there.
JJ - What made you decide on South Alabama over these and other schools?
JS - I just fell in love with it. It just fits me good. I don't care about a big name, I just want a place where I can be happy and I think South Alabama gives me the best opportunity to be happy. I love the campus, love the people, love the program, so why not go there? I like being comfortable and the name stuff isn't important. People have criticized me and asked why I'd want to go the South, but they don't have to live in my shoes and walk to class everyday. It's where I felt right.
JJ - Are you expecting a redshirt year?
JS - I'm coming in expecting to start. The center there now is really good, Trey Clark, and I've spent some time with him and I'm excited to learn from him. I'm going in there with the attitude that I'm going to be ready to start, that I'm going to work hard every day, and that I'm going to push myself to the limit expecting to start. If I get redshirted then I'll spend that time getting bigger, stronger and smarter.
JJ - Have you had a chance to meet the other offensive line signees?
JS - Oh sure. I met Daniel Aust and Clay (Machen). Me and Clay are probably going to be roommates. We hit it of pretty good this past weekend. And then there's big Steven (Foster) from Demopolis. That's my buddy, there. We all just clicked good. Steve McKenzie, he and I are both Georgia boys. We're a good group. It'll be fun.
JJ- You guys all seem to be a pretty good bunch of guys. I guess that similarity will help you guys get along.
JS - Exactly. There's no individual in the group, which I like a lot. There's no one in the offensive line group that thinks they're better than anybody else or is going to be trouble. There all really good kids and the kind of people I want to surround myself with. That's another reason I was sold on South.
JJ - How much input did your father or your uncle have in the recruiting process?
JS - Honestly, my Dad said 'this is your decision, I'm not going to say anything. Go where you want to go.' That's exactly what he told me when this whole thing first started. He would tell some things about a school that he didn't think that I would like but for the majority of the process he said 'go where you want to go.'
JJ- Did he have a good perspective for you in terms of honoring a commitment, things like that?
JS - Yes, sir. He made it perfectly clear that this is the coaches' livelihood and that when you decide to give a commitment, you don't break a promise. I grew up being taught that. I wouldn't do that to somebody, especially someone I've had a relationship with for a year and a half.
JJ - Tell us who was your primary recruiter and your thoughts about him.
JS - Coach John Turner. He was the only one (from USA) who recruited me. He seems like he really cares about his players. He's a high-energy guy. I could tell that he was full of energy and excitement and he made it clear that he wanted me really bad. I want to play for a guy like that, so it worked out perfect. I hope he's my coach the whole time. i know how the coaching world works but I hope he doesn't go anywhere.
Joseph Scelfo was a great interview. Polite, well-spoken and intelligent. In short, everything that we want a representative of South Alabama to be. Welcome aboard.
31
Jan
Jags Snatch Ballhawking Cornerback
We spoke to Mesa Community College cornerback Tyrell Pearson (originally from Greenville, South Carolina) about his recent visit to South Alabama.
JagsJungle: Tyrell, thanks for your time. What schools were recruiting you?
Tyrell Pearson: Charleston Southern, South Alabama, Southern Miss and New Mexico.
JJ: Did you visit this past weekend?
TP: Yes I did. I loved it!
JJ: Anything in particular that stood out?
TP: Ellis Hill, Corey Waldon, & Bryant Lavender were my host and they were great. Everything stood out really, from the athletic department, the weight room, the stadium, the coaches, everything. Everybody I met wants to win and make history!
JJ: What are your personal goals?
TP: My goal is to reach the NFL, which I feel I can do if I get the right exposure. I feel like South Alabama was my best opportunity to get that exposure.
JJ: You have a track record as being a cornerback that makes a lot of interceptions. What do you think sets you apart as a ball hawk?
TP: Reading the QB’s drops and studying my opponent, as far as him coming off the ball. And when the ball is in the air its mine!
JJ: Do you prefer man coverage or playing zone? Did Coach Clark and Coach Walker talk to you about how they want to use you?
TP: We are going to play man and everything else is going to play off that. I like to play zone so I can read the QB, but I can play either, it doesn’t matter really.
JJ: When are you planning on getting to campus?
TP: This summer.
JJ: Sounds great. Everyone will be excited to hear you’re committed.
TP: Thanks. I'm very excited and I truly appreciate your time.
24
Jan
USA SNAGS LOCAL CORNERBACK
The University of South Alabama Football team has secured a commitment from LeFlore High School CB Sir’Vegias Steele (c/o ’12). We spoke to Sir’Vegias about his decision to commit to USA...
JagsJungle: What schools are recruiting you? Who is recruiting you the hardest?
Sir'Vegias Steele: LA Tech, South Alabama, Savanna State, Middle Tennessee State, Alcorn State, Auburn, and a couple others but Savanna State, South and La Tech are recruiting me the hardest.
JagsJungle: Do you have a favorite, or are you committed to anyone?
Sir'Vegias Steele: Yes, La Tech and South were my favorites, but I committed to South Alabama.
JagsJungle: AWESOME. Great news. What were the biggest factors in your decision?
Sir'Vegias Steele: Thanks, that’s nice to hear. South is in my home town, the coaches are nice and they are always checking up on me. I’ve got a chance to play early. I like the campus and it just fits me.
JagsJungle: Speaking of playing early, will you try to enroll this summer and get a head start with summer workouts, or will you wait until August?
Sir'Vegias Steele: I’m going to try to enroll this summer.
JagsJungle: One last question, are you taking any official visits anywhere else and have you taken a visit to South?
Sir'Vegias Steele: Yes, I have an official visit at South on the 27th, even though I’ve visited many times before, and an official visit to Savanna State. That’s all for now.
JagsJungle: Thank you for your time. I'm thrilled you're headed to South. Good luck.
Sir'Vegias Steele: Thank you, and so am I.
Highlights (warning explicit song lyrics):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlH5zBBmIgU&context=C397611dADOEgsToPDskJo9WD6DczlpxMTE-3X_Wr9
JagsJungle Player Evaluation:
Steele is a confident and aggressive corner. He has good top end speed, natural cover skills and outstanding ball skills. At this point, Steele is an underrated and overlooked prospect and this is a good job by Joey Jones and his coaching staff of evaluating local talent.
