Jackson State defense '90 percent' complete

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State’s defense is almost ready.

Linebacker Kwame Bowens described the group as “a good 90 percent” adjusted to its duties within new defensive coordinator John Hendrick’s system. The senior said something holding back the unit is players not knowing their reads and responsibilities.

Bowens used the Tigers’ nickel package as an example, saying a nickel cornerback would line up as a strongside linebacker but be unsure of what to do on the play because he’s at a new spot.

“A lot of personnel changes have occurred,” Bowens said. “It’s a lot of movement as far as who’s playing when, and we’re struggling all coming together as one and just know exactly what kind of defense we want to be. In the second game, I feel we started jelling as we thought about stopping the run and see how that’s just going to affect us in our focus towards the passing game.

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