Photo: Dennis Marsh, DL 6-5, 300 lbs., r- SO, Browns Summit, NC
By VICKI L. FRIEDMAN, The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK - A pair of interceptions, Justin Castellat's foot and a touchdown by DeAngelo Branche highlighted Norfolk State's first scrimmage Saturday.
Benefiting from a tipped pass, junior Dustin Johnson picked off Casey Hansen in the quarterback's second series. Sophomore Jamie Short of Ocean Lakes made a leaping grab of backup quarterback Rakeem Kersey's pass down the middle.
"I was just listening to my coach and reading the play," a grinning Short said.
Ray Jennings, a sophomore from Indian River High School, caused backup quarterback Korey Jones to fumble. Short and Jennings sat out last year due to academic issues but are expected to play key roles this season. Short is expected to contribute at strong safety and Jennings as a backup on the defensive line.
Redshirt freshman Jeremy Wicker blocked Brian Jackson's punt, though otherwise the former Tallwood kicker had a sharp day.
Branche played the final series and made the most of his limited time on the field. The Spartans' top returning rusher, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry last season, carried four times for roughly 66 yards, producing the longest play from scrimmage when he broke free for 50 yards down the sideline. The tailback's 4-yard run up the middle was the lone touchdown of the day.
Branche is not listed in the Spartans' media guide; coach Pete Adrian said he is awaiting word on his eligibility.
Among the kickers, Justin Castellat went 3 for 4, all from 47 yards. Former All-Tidewater kicker Ryan Estep of Hickory also made good on a pair of 42-yarders.
"We're definitely ahead of where we were last year," said Adrian, who turned 59 on Saturday. "We were able to run a 74-play scrimmage just our second day in pads."
Late hits unwelcome
Adrian calls them stupid and he's not tolerating them this year.
Late hits.
"They cost us two ballgames last year," he told his players, who had to run from sideline to sideline after being called for the infraction during the scrimmage.
QB Merritt back on field
Until this week, it had been a long time since Dexter Merritt had stepped onto the field.
The former Oscar Smith quarterback winces when describing the knee injury - a torn medial collateral ligament and a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament - that ended his high school career. The injury caused him to miss all but three games of his senior season.
"I couldn't stand sitting on the sideline and watching somebody else run my offense, but I couldn't do anything about it," said Merritt, a backup quarterback for NSU. "I felt the adrenaline rush when I stepped on the field this week. I feel like my old self - if not better. "
Merritt's best throw of the day was a 20-yard completion to T.J. Miner.
A possible redshirt, Merritt spent four days a week in therapy this summer and the other three days working with a personal trainer.
"I was hesitant after the surgery," he said. "Now, I think I have my mind right."
By VICKI L. FRIEDMAN, The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK - A pair of interceptions, Justin Castellat's foot and a touchdown by DeAngelo Branche highlighted Norfolk State's first scrimmage Saturday.
Benefiting from a tipped pass, junior Dustin Johnson picked off Casey Hansen in the quarterback's second series. Sophomore Jamie Short of Ocean Lakes made a leaping grab of backup quarterback Rakeem Kersey's pass down the middle.
"I was just listening to my coach and reading the play," a grinning Short said.
Ray Jennings, a sophomore from Indian River High School, caused backup quarterback Korey Jones to fumble. Short and Jennings sat out last year due to academic issues but are expected to play key roles this season. Short is expected to contribute at strong safety and Jennings as a backup on the defensive line.
Redshirt freshman Jeremy Wicker blocked Brian Jackson's punt, though otherwise the former Tallwood kicker had a sharp day.
Branche played the final series and made the most of his limited time on the field. The Spartans' top returning rusher, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry last season, carried four times for roughly 66 yards, producing the longest play from scrimmage when he broke free for 50 yards down the sideline. The tailback's 4-yard run up the middle was the lone touchdown of the day.
Branche is not listed in the Spartans' media guide; coach Pete Adrian said he is awaiting word on his eligibility.
Among the kickers, Justin Castellat went 3 for 4, all from 47 yards. Former All-Tidewater kicker Ryan Estep of Hickory also made good on a pair of 42-yarders.
"We're definitely ahead of where we were last year," said Adrian, who turned 59 on Saturday. "We were able to run a 74-play scrimmage just our second day in pads."
Late hits unwelcome
Adrian calls them stupid and he's not tolerating them this year.
Late hits.
"They cost us two ballgames last year," he told his players, who had to run from sideline to sideline after being called for the infraction during the scrimmage.
QB Merritt back on field
Until this week, it had been a long time since Dexter Merritt had stepped onto the field.
The former Oscar Smith quarterback winces when describing the knee injury - a torn medial collateral ligament and a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament - that ended his high school career. The injury caused him to miss all but three games of his senior season.
"I couldn't stand sitting on the sideline and watching somebody else run my offense, but I couldn't do anything about it," said Merritt, a backup quarterback for NSU. "I felt the adrenaline rush when I stepped on the field this week. I feel like my old self - if not better. "
Merritt's best throw of the day was a 20-yard completion to T.J. Miner.
A possible redshirt, Merritt spent four days a week in therapy this summer and the other three days working with a personal trainer.
"I was hesitant after the surgery," he said. "Now, I think I have my mind right."
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