Incumbent JSU QB Oliver shines in scrimmage

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

In the ongoing race for Jackson State's starting quarterback spot, senior Jimmy Oliver might have separated himself from sophomore Tray Rutland on Saturday morning.

Oliver threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another to lead the Tigers in the third and final scrimmage of preseason practice. The scrimmage lasted two hours at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium and was closed to the public and media.

"Jimmy had a very, very good day," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Now we'll go back, look at the tape and make our decision. Both guys have given us plenty to think about and would give us a good chance to win games."

Oliver threw for 1,906 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season while Rutland is a transfer from Mississippi State.

Both quarterbacks have played well in preseason practice and have seen plenty of time with the first-team offense.

Comegy said he was pleased that the offense looked crisp on Saturday under both quarterbacks and the team avoided any major injuries.

Photo: WR Jaymar Johnson

Running back Erik Haw sat out of the scrimmage because of a stomach virus and defensive tackle Corey Clark still has not returned to the team while taking care of "personal" problems.

Comegy said he still expects Clark to return to the team in time to start against Delta State on Saturday.

BROOKS ADJUSTS TO NEW ROLE

During the past week, senior Daniel Brooks has been moved from middle linebacker to the defensive line.

And after watching Brooks' performance in Saturday's scrimmage, Comegy said the change would probably be permanent.

"We like what Daniel brings in that spot," Comegy said. "He's a fantastic pass rusher and can really put pressure on that side of the offensive line. With him on one side and Marcus (Benard) on the other, we should have a very good pass rush."

In Brooks' place, junior Marcellus Speaks has been promoted to first-team middle linebacker. Senior Idrees Abdur-Rashied has moved from defensive end to defensive tackle to make room for Brooks. The odd man out of the starting lineup won't be apparent until Clark returns.

There are times Brooks said he misses playing middle linebacker, basically being the quarterback of the defense. But he also said the new position is growing on him.

"I'll do whatever the team and the coaches want, and I completely understand why they did it," Brooks said. "I think it's a good thing to get myself, Marcus Jamison and Speaks out on the field at the same time."