Wednesday, September 12, 2007

JSU big bruiser Owens moves to fullback
























Photo: JSU RB L.D. Briscoe

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Seeking a bigger body to bust open some running room, Jackson State has moved Jamile Owens from defensive tackle to starting fullback.

Owens (6-foot-2, 275 pounds) switched before the Tennessee State game and was one of the biggest reasons why JSU had 198 rushing yards.

“He was running down the field and busting up some of those linebackers,” JSU coach Rick Comegy said. “I think it will be a really good move for him and it’s a great thing for our running backs.”
Owens has experience at fullback, playing the position in high school at Starkville and also at East Mississippi Community College.

Moving into Owens’ spot on the defensive line is junior Dennis Coit, a transfer from Lackawanna (Penn.) CC.

Coit (6-1, 320) has impressed in practice with his big body and tenacity.
“You don’t realize Coit’s such a big boy until you get up next to him,” Comegy said. “He’s really proven to us that he’s ready to help this defense.”

INJURY REPORT

Tight end Marcel Frost (leg) and offensive tackle Wilson Manigat (knee) will not dress for Thursday’s game against Texas Southern. ... Running back L.D. Briscoe will miss the game because of personal reasons.

SCOUTING TEXAS SOUTHERN

This short week is weird. Here's a quick look at some of the guys on Texas Southern that are pretty good.

QB Tino Edgecombe 6-2, 185: Despite the two losses, TSU has proven it can move the ball through the air. The Maroon Tigers have more than 600 passing yards through two games. The problem is, Edgecombe has thrown for one touchdown and four interceptions. With that in mind, it would seem that if JSU's line can put some pressure on Edgecombe, it could force him into some bad decisions...

WR Brian Haith 6-2, 190: Just a sophomore, he's been Edgecombe's favorite target with 15 receptions for 215 yards and a TD. From tape, JSU safety Malcolm Palmer said he expects Haith and Co. to be the fastest receivers the team has seen this season...

TSU's defense: This is something that could play right into Jackson State's hands. TSU has been the worst in the SWAC at stopping the run and right now JSU has healthy RBs Lavarius Giles and Erik Haw to unleash. TSU's defense has been much better against the pass (2nd in the SWAC). Of course, these numbers could be a bit inflated each way considering TSU has played two teams (Alabama St. and Prairie View) that make a living on running the football...

Anyway, the Maroon Tigers should be a pretty dangerous team. They've proven they can move the football, but have had too many turnovers to win. If they take care of the football against JSU, this could get interesting.

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