JSU coach Rick Comegy
Jackson State will begin spring football practices two weeks from today.
Once they do, the defending SWAC Eastern Division champions will look to begin the process of reloading for another run at Birmingham. With that in mind, I thought I’d throw out some key question marks that Rick Comegy and his staff might try to use spring camp to at least begin to address.
It’s a short window to work with – JSU’s spring game is set for Saturday, April 13 – but it should be enough time to get a good glimpse.
On offense…
How do the Tigers replace Rico Richardson? Richardson was one of the best to ever suit up at JSU. They will no doubt miss his production – he was just the fifth player to reach or surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark. They will also be hard-pressed to find a similar homerun threat.
Zachary Pendleton emerged as a reliable, physical receiver last season. He will be looked at as a leader this season. Younger players like DeSean McKenzie and Jarius Moll will also have to step up.
Reshuffling the O-line. You can’t underestimate the job done by JSU’s offensive line last season, particularly when it came to helping the Tigers establish a ground game. That success on the ground was key in the Tigers’ 5-game winning streak that enabled them to reach the SWAC title game.
There is some experience returning, but replacing Stephen Capler and Zion Pyatt means more than simply plugging in their starting spots.
How’s Moore? How far along is Ivy? Clayton Moore had a great debut at JSU. He passed for 1,863 yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for 633 more yard and 11 touchdowns. He was named the SWAC’s Newcomer of the Week three times.
JSU QB Clayton Moore could be poised for a big senior season in ’13.
Now with a full offseason under his belt, it will be interesting to see where he and the JSU offense can/will go moving forward.
It will also be a very intriguing camp for LaMontiez Ivy, who last summer rose as high as No.2 on the preseason depth chart. There’s no denying Ivy has the tools physically and his decision-making in the passing game appeared ahead of the curve, at times, as well. Consistency is the key, as is health.
On defense…
Can the Tigers reload along the front? JSU will have to replace all four defensive line starters from last December’s SWAC title game. That’s an unenviable position for any defensive coordinator.
It helps that JSU employed a deep rotation and that several of those players return. Still, graduating the likes of Joseph LeBeau, Luis McLeod and Johnathan Billups will be tough. Some of the answers may not be on campus until August.
How will young Tigers’ progress? Cameron Loeffler, Ryan Griffin, Tedderick Terrell and John McNabb burst onto the scene over the course of last season and all earned starting spots. Now, as returning (successful) starters, what comes next?
Who starts opposite of Qua Cox? JSU will have a strong competition for the starting corner spot opposite of Cox. Caleb Lester, Mike Johnson and Antonio Sutton each received a lot of playing time last season. Don’t count incoming JUCO transfer Jose Patterson, who could surpass everyone.
And on special teams…
How did Deising spend his offseason? Is Williamson ready for the Show? Ryan Diesing had an up-and-down freshman season. He kicked the game winner at Alabama State, but also missed more than his fair share of kicks. Darcy Williamson was in line to take over the Tigers’ punting duties – maybe even kickoff – before being ruled ineligible. The leg strength is there, but doing it in practice and on Saturday’s is two different things.
Remember, we took a look at what JSU has coming back at each position earlier this offseason on the blog. You can revisit those here. Think of it as a primer for spring ball.
Thank you all again for making this blog what it is. It was a real pleasure and honor to report on a program that is followed with such passion. I won’t be at the games but I’ll be keeping my eye on JSU from afar.
A real quick thanks to all the coaches and student-athletes for working with me. Also, I’d like to thank Wesley Peterson for being a real pro.
And with that, I bid you adieu. It’s been a pleasure.
TD
