at Jackson StateBy David Brandt, Clarion
Bad news found Jackson State on Thursday afternoon when players and coaches learned senior linebacker Marcus Smith was out for the season with a broken bone in his ankle.
Smith was injured Thursday morning during a contact drill when making a stutter-step move on defense. Coaches and trainers initially hoped the injury wasn't too serious, but tests in the afternoon confirmed their worst fears.
Smith should have surgery in the next few days and recovery time is about four to six months.
"He's a guy we absolutely hate to lose - not just because of his skill but because of his character," Comegy said. "He was an older guy that you never had to worry about. A good kid with good grades who's parents are very proud of him."
Smith had 50 tackles last season in nine games, which ranked fourth on the team.
True freshman Ryan Rich and junior college transfer Tim Clark are the early candidates to replace Smith.
Comegy said Smith told him that he would take a medical redshirt and be back next season.
WON'T GO AWAY
Comegy came into this year's fall practice looking to revamp a JSU secondary that struggled last season.
But one week into camp, the status quo is looking better than expected.
"Guys like LaBrose Hedgemon and Willie Williams - they're really playing like they want to keep their jobs," Comegy said. "We came into camp concerned about that area, but it's looked a lot better than expected."
Hedgemon, a safety who transferred from Notre Dame before the 2006 season, played last season at a bulky 215 pounds. But according to Comegy, the junior has slimmed down to about 190 pounds and the results have been promising.
"He's quicker to the ball," Comegy said. "We know he has the talent and now he's starting to show it to us."
A BAD MONTH
JSU defensive tackle Corey Clark has heard bad news from home lately as two high school football players from Covington County have died on the field.
On July 16, James Shorts of Collins died after a weightlifting session. On Wednesday, Mount Olive's Lonnie Magee collapsed and died during practice.
Clark, who played in high school at Collins, didn't know the two personally but does know their families.
"It's just sad," Clark said. "You just hope the kids are taking care of themselves and getting enough water."
Bad news found Jackson State on Thursday afternoon when players and coaches learned senior linebacker Marcus Smith was out for the season with a broken bone in his ankle.
Smith was injured Thursday morning during a contact drill when making a stutter-step move on defense. Coaches and trainers initially hoped the injury wasn't too serious, but tests in the afternoon confirmed their worst fears.
Smith should have surgery in the next few days and recovery time is about four to six months.
"He's a guy we absolutely hate to lose - not just because of his skill but because of his character," Comegy said. "He was an older guy that you never had to worry about. A good kid with good grades who's parents are very proud of him."
Smith had 50 tackles last season in nine games, which ranked fourth on the team.
True freshman Ryan Rich and junior college transfer Tim Clark are the early candidates to replace Smith.
Comegy said Smith told him that he would take a medical redshirt and be back next season.
WON'T GO AWAY
Comegy came into this year's fall practice looking to revamp a JSU secondary that struggled last season.
But one week into camp, the status quo is looking better than expected.
"Guys like LaBrose Hedgemon and Willie Williams - they're really playing like they want to keep their jobs," Comegy said. "We came into camp concerned about that area, but it's looked a lot better than expected."
Hedgemon, a safety who transferred from Notre Dame before the 2006 season, played last season at a bulky 215 pounds. But according to Comegy, the junior has slimmed down to about 190 pounds and the results have been promising.
"He's quicker to the ball," Comegy said. "We know he has the talent and now he's starting to show it to us."
A BAD MONTH
JSU defensive tackle Corey Clark has heard bad news from home lately as two high school football players from Covington County have died on the field.
On July 16, James Shorts of Collins died after a weightlifting session. On Wednesday, Mount Olive's Lonnie Magee collapsed and died during practice.
Clark, who played in high school at Collins, didn't know the two personally but does know their families.
"It's just sad," Clark said. "You just hope the kids are taking care of themselves and getting enough water."
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