JACKSON, Mississippi – With SWAC Football Media Day in the rear-view mirror, the 2018 football season is nearly upon us. We sat down with Jackson State Head Football Coach Tony Hughes and asked five questions about the upcoming season.
Question: What are you expectations for the 2018 season?
Coach Hughes: We want to win the east division and compete for the SWAC championship. To do that, we need to improve our win-loss record and get better each and every day. Our student-athletes have worked hard throughout the summer and are putting in the effort to elevate their game.
Q: With the addition of Hal Mumme to serve as offensive coordinator, how was spring practice and the growth of the AirRaid Offense?
CH: The addition of Coach Mumme has given our offense tremendous confidence. Each offensive position group (QB, RB, WR, TE, OL) elevated themselves this past spring and continue to compete each day. Spring practice was great and there was great attention to detail and we had some great practices and moments. The offensive players are excited because of the opportunity to play in an up-tempo and exciting offense.
Q: There are three quarterbacks vying for the starting job: Derrick Ponder, Jarrad Hayes, and true freshman Jack Strouse. When do you expect to name a starting quarterback for the 2018 season?
CH: Probably before the first game. I don’t know if it will be the week off the season opener or the first week of practice. They will compete for the position and I’m confident it will work itself out in training camp.
Q: You will run the 3-3-5 stack defense in 2018. How did the defense progress in spring practice and what are your expectations for the unit?CH: The 3-3-5 stack defense allows a defense to compete and adjust to the spread offense, which nearly every program in the country runs a version of. Our defense will allow us to be aggressive and use various packages to disrupt the offense. We had a great spring and our student-athletes really have bought into the system and I expect our defense to be a strong unit and play tough and composed.
Q: The SWAC recently announced the conference football championship is returning and will be played in Birmingham on December 1. What are your thoughts on the return of the conference championship?
CH: I’m absolutely elated. I think it’s great for our league, it’s great for our student-athletes and it’s great for Jackson State. We will have the opportunity to play for a conference championship at the end of the season and settle it on the field.
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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