JSU simplifies defensive scheme

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Keep it simple, stupid.

Don't take that as an insult. Jackson State's defense certainly hasn't.

Alonzo Lee, the Tigers' new defensive coordinator hired in February, hasn't been with the football program long, but the system he's installed is allowing JSU to see results early in spring practice.

In 2014, Jackson State (5-7, 3-6 in SWAC games) ranked third in total defense (354.8 ypg), fourth in scoring defense (27.6 ppg), second in pass defense (195.2 ypg) and fifth in run defense (171.6 ypg) among its conference opponents.

Lee's first step in creating a new identity began with going back to the basics. The defensive coordinator switched the Tigers' base defense from a 3-4 to a traditional 4-3. The move did exactly what JSU coach Harold Jackson wanted in making the Tigers' scheme easier for his players to grasp.

"You just can't put too much on their plate. You have to be simple with it," Jackson said. "What I've seen Coach Lee do out there with those guys this spring, they're running around like they know where they're going because they've put time into understanding the playbook."

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