MONTGOMERY, Alabama | With the fifth day of camp and the second day of full-contact at the Houston Markham Complex complete, Alabama State will take off Thursday before returning to practice Friday."It was the second day of contact and 'camp-body' is starting to set in with a few guys, but we are finding some very explosive players on offense," Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "The progress through camp so far has been good and has gone according to plan."
A large focus on the second-portion of Wednesday's practice was geared towards team work as offensive and defensive units begin to mesh and standout players emerge.
The Hornets will take off Thursday before returning to practice Friday. Below are five takeaways through five days of camp:
1. The offensive and defensive lines have had solid camps
Preseason All-SWAC second-team selection Tytus Howard anchors the offensive line from his right tackle position while veteran Carl Thompson gives the Hornets a solid presence on the interior. Defensive linemen Devin Santana, Uvakeious McGee, Ricky Haley and Christian Clark provide defensive coordinator Osita Alaribe's unit with a solid and experienced foundation up front.
2. While emerging, the core leadership from last season is intact
In addition to those aforementioned above, linebacker Malik Bridgers and quarterback Darryl Pearson, Jr. gives Alabama State a strong voice at positions where confidence is a premium.
"Leaders are emerging but we have guys that have been consistent all the way through last year. We have a good group of leaders; our leadership is in the right place. They just need to continue to lead and raise the bar for our expectations."
3. The quarterback position is in good hands
Pearson returns for his sophomore encore following an outstanding freshman year that saw the left-hander pass for 481 yards and four touchdowns while chipping in 58-yards on the ground and two scores. Redshirt sophomore's KHA'Darris Davis and Dakota Rocker have had solid camps and will give the unit depth.
"The quarterback position has looked good, the guys are executing and running the offense well," Eley said.
4. George Golden and Ezra Gray give the Hornets a solid backfield
Preseason All-SWAC second-team member George Golden enters his sophomore season after leading the team in rushing in 2017 with 427 yards while averaging 5.0 yards per rush. Junior Ezra Gray was also productive in 2017, accounting for 340 yards on the ground in addition to hauling in eight receptions. Gray and Golden also double as return specialists.
5. The defense will be stout once again in year two under Osita Alaribe
Entering Alaribe's second year at the helm of the defense, the unit returns Ricky Haley (5.5 sacks in 2017), Bridgers (47 total tackles) and defensive back Jeffrey Hill (11 PBU), giving the Hornets a tone-setter at all three levels.
"The defense is flying around as usual and the pass rush has been good. We have a lot of good 'swarm' guys that have done a great job of running to the football," Eley said.
The Hornets return to the practice field Friday before a scrimmage on Saturday. All practices are open to the public.
Alabama State opens the season at home against Tuskegee September 1 in the Labor Day Classic, with kick set for 5 pm. Season tickets and single game tickets are now sale for the 2018 season. The Hornets play four home games during the campaign with Jackson State, Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State joining Tuskegee. Several options are available for fans this season, including a Young Alumni package and group rates. For more information, call (334) 229-4551 or visit BamaStateSports.com.
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