Cold shooting costly as Lady Jags fall at the buzzer at FAU, 41-40 http://t.co/BAfmUHD5
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.
17
Jan
Heralded Kicker Pledges to USA
A great ending to 2011 promises to make 2012 and beyond even better for South Alabama football. In late December the Jags received a commitment from kicker Aleem Sunanon of Orlando, one of the South's most heralded kicking prospects.
Sunanon, an honors student who has aspirations towards medical school, was selected All-State, All-Metro and a Central Florida All-Star as a senior. He is projected as a placekicker and kickoff specialist for USA as he hit on 8 of 10 field goal attempts (including game winners of 41 and 48 yards) and 24 of 29 extra point attempts. The five misses on extra points came via four blocks and one bad snap that led to a failed two point attempt. Sunanon also excelled as a punter, averaging 43.7 yards per kick, and is willing to fulfill all three roles at South Alabama, if needed. As a junior he was 10 of 14 on field goals (long of 46), 19 of 19 on extra points and averaged 41.3 yards per punt.
Selecting USA over walk-on offers from several other schools, Aleem had this to say about his choice:
"It's a brand new program and I want to be a part of that history that they're going to create. And looking at the kind of school they have, they support my major (biology) and I know they have a top medical school so I thought 'This is perfect.' As far as football, they're just going to keep getting better and better and I want to be a part of that rising as a program at South Alabama."
Like many kickers, Sulanon started out as a soccer player until encouraged by a coach from the University of Georgia to try kicking the oblong ball. In just a few years he has managed to transform himself into an accomplished football player. USA coach Tommy Perry has requested that he enroll in classes at South Alabama beginning in late May so that he can take part in summer workouts, so expect to see him on the field early as the Jags foray into FBS territory in 2012.
Sunanon, an honors student who has aspirations towards medical school, was selected All-State, All-Metro and a Central Florida All-Star as a senior. He is projected as a placekicker and kickoff specialist for USA as he hit on 8 of 10 field goal attempts (including game winners of 41 and 48 yards) and 24 of 29 extra point attempts. The five misses on extra points came via four blocks and one bad snap that led to a failed two point attempt. Sunanon also excelled as a punter, averaging 43.7 yards per kick, and is willing to fulfill all three roles at South Alabama, if needed. As a junior he was 10 of 14 on field goals (long of 46), 19 of 19 on extra points and averaged 41.3 yards per punt.
Selecting USA over walk-on offers from several other schools, Aleem had this to say about his choice:
"It's a brand new program and I want to be a part of that history that they're going to create. And looking at the kind of school they have, they support my major (biology) and I know they have a top medical school so I thought 'This is perfect.' As far as football, they're just going to keep getting better and better and I want to be a part of that rising as a program at South Alabama."
Like many kickers, Sulanon started out as a soccer player until encouraged by a coach from the University of Georgia to try kicking the oblong ball. In just a few years he has managed to transform himself into an accomplished football player. USA coach Tommy Perry has requested that he enroll in classes at South Alabama beginning in late May so that he can take part in summer workouts, so expect to see him on the field early as the Jags foray into FBS territory in 2012.
