JSU Tigers search for TE in case Frost can't go

By: David Brandt, david.brandt@clarionledger.com

The jury's still out on whether Jackson State senior tight end Marcel Frost will be able to play this season, so the coaching staff is searching for a replacement in case they get bad news.

Frost broke the fibula bone in his left leg in the JSU spring game and hasn't been cleared to practice.

"It would be bad if Frost can't play, but we've got some young guys who are working hard," JSU quarterback Jimmy Oliver said. "There's a lot of older receivers for young guys to learn from so they should be OK."

JSU coach Rick Comegy said redshirt freshman Cedric Dixon, junior Chris Manogin and sophomore Antoine Ott-Terrell, a transfer from Tennessee, are all in contention for the starting position.

Dixon, from Stone Mountain, Ga., is the highest on the current depth chart, though Comegy said the race was wide open.

"Last year was my time to watch and learn," Dixon said. "But now, if they need me I'm definitely ready to help."

Comegy said another option for the offense is cutting the tight end out of more formations and using an extra receiver.

"We've thought about that," Comegy said. "But there's going to be some sets, like down at the goal line, where we are going to have to have a tight end. So somebody's got to be ready for it."

MALIGNED DEFENSE

Cornerback Willie Williams says the team's defense - and specifically the secondary - has bonded over the criticism they received as the Tigers lost four of their last five games last season.

After a decent first half of the season, the Tigers gave up an average of 30 points over the last six games of the season.

And if there's improvement this season, it will have to come from a lot of the same faces. Nine out last season's 11 starters are projected to be on the field again this year.

"Being familiar with each other is going to make all the difference in the world," Williams said. "There's more trust now. Instead of hoping that everyone knows where to go, we're positive everyone knows where to go."

EXTRA POINTS

Several players succumbed to the weather as the heat index went into the triple digits by the end of Monday's practice. Offensive tackle Wilson Manigat, defensive tackle Jamile Owens and receiver Carlos Simpson all missed part of practice to cool off. ...

The team wore shoulder pads for the first time on Monday and will do the same thing today. Wednesday will be the first day in full pads.

To comment on this story, call David Brandt at (601) 961-7190.