Reggie Benson, Huntsville Times
Towns says defense still has a ways to go
Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns isn't pleased with his defense. With eight starters returning, Towns figured his unit would be further along. It's not.
"I don't think our kids are really comprehending what we're trying to do," he said. "We're not filling gaps and doing the things fundamentally sound football teams do.
"We've really got to get it together next week."
Part of the problem could be that Towns hasn't had his full unit together very much during preseason practice.
Tackles David Winston and Justin Harper have missed time along with ends Dominique Cummings and Justin Okpara and cornerback Stephan Tucker.
Harper has surgery: Defensive tackle Justin Harper underwent successful surgery on his left thumb Thursday, line coach Ben Blacknall said.
Harper, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound junior, jammed his thumb a week ago during A&M's third preseason scrimmage.
Athletic trainer John Gaines said Harper could be out up to four weeks. He could return for the Grambling game on Sept. 22, Gaines said.
Concern with numbers: A&M coach Anthony Jones says his biggest concern heading into Saturday's season opener is the number of young players the Bulldogs will put on the field. More than a dozen newcomers will play key roles when A&M visits Tennessee State.
"We're going to have new guys on the offensive line," Jones said. "We're confident with what we've been doing with those guys, but we have to wait and see what happens when the lights come on. The same thing goes in the backfield. We've also got some young receivers. When the game starts, will they be staring in the stands or concentrating on the football?
"Defensively, we've got some young guys up front and we've got a couple of linebackers who will play more than they ever have in their careers. We've got a lot more experience on that side of the ball, but how will our defense come together with new leaders?"
Towns says defense still has a ways to go
Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns isn't pleased with his defense. With eight starters returning, Towns figured his unit would be further along. It's not.
"I don't think our kids are really comprehending what we're trying to do," he said. "We're not filling gaps and doing the things fundamentally sound football teams do.
"We've really got to get it together next week."
Part of the problem could be that Towns hasn't had his full unit together very much during preseason practice.
Tackles David Winston and Justin Harper have missed time along with ends Dominique Cummings and Justin Okpara and cornerback Stephan Tucker.
Harper has surgery: Defensive tackle Justin Harper underwent successful surgery on his left thumb Thursday, line coach Ben Blacknall said.
Harper, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound junior, jammed his thumb a week ago during A&M's third preseason scrimmage.
Athletic trainer John Gaines said Harper could be out up to four weeks. He could return for the Grambling game on Sept. 22, Gaines said.
Concern with numbers: A&M coach Anthony Jones says his biggest concern heading into Saturday's season opener is the number of young players the Bulldogs will put on the field. More than a dozen newcomers will play key roles when A&M visits Tennessee State.
"We're going to have new guys on the offensive line," Jones said. "We're confident with what we've been doing with those guys, but we have to wait and see what happens when the lights come on. The same thing goes in the backfield. We've also got some young receivers. When the game starts, will they be staring in the stands or concentrating on the football?
"Defensively, we've got some young guys up front and we've got a couple of linebackers who will play more than they ever have in their careers. We've got a lot more experience on that side of the ball, but how will our defense come together with new leaders?"
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