JSU Defense shines as pads go on, add excitement

Photo: Jackson State University head coach Rick Comegy

By: David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Jackson State broke out the full pads for the first time on Wednesday, spending just over two hours on the practice field in the searing heat.

"There's a lot of excitement that surrounds the first day of hitting," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "I thought the guys looked pretty sharp. It certainly was better than last year because now guys have a better feeling on where to go."

There's plenty of competition brewing on defense, especially at defensive end where coaches have been impressed by the play of junior college transfers Marcus Benard (6-4, 255) and Terrance Jones (6-4, 245).

The two are pushing projected starters Idrees Abdur-Rashied (6-2, 260) and Sam Washington (6-3, 250) for time with the first team in practice.

"That's one place in particular where we did a nice job of recruiting," Comegy said. "We didn't make any mistakes at that spot so we're pretty loaded right now. I like the competition and depth we've created."

Quarterback Jimmy Oliver continues to draw rave reviews from Comegy for his newfound intensity, as does backup Tray Rutland, who has picked up the playbook even faster than imagined.

"You know, there's a few mistakes here and there, but really they've both been excellent," Comegy said. "We like how both of them are mobile in the pocket. You have to be able to move to play quarterback in this conference."

FROST RETURNS

Marcel Frost returned to the Jackson State practice field for the first time since the spring game last March.

Frost (6-5, 260), who broke the fibula bone in his left leg during the final few minutes of the spring game, was cleared by doctors on Tuesday to practice in shoulder pads and shorts. He could be ready for the opener against Delta State on Sept. 1, but coaches are aiming for the beginning of Southwestern Athletic Conference play against Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 22.

"It's great to see," Comegy said. "His presence might be the final piece of the puzzle we need."

TIGER FOOTBALL BASH

The JSU Blue Bengal Athletic Association will host the Annual Tiger Football Bash from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

General admission season tickets will also be available for $50.

The event is open to the public and admission is $10 at the door. Contact Calvin Younger at (601) 940-4147, Lysandra Webster at (601) 259-9473 or Willie Richardson at (601) 260-2283 for more information.