The transition to a new head coach has been difficult for Southern since the end of last season. The Jaguars barely had enough men on the offensive line to make it through spring practice.
But since then, many new faces have arrived. Southern previously had five scholarship players on the offensive line, supplemented by walk-ons, but now the team has 20 in training camp as the Jaguars look to improve an offense that has been disappointing for two consecutive seasons.
The Jaguars have used up to 13 linemen for much of the first week of training camp, and coach Terrence Graves is confident the new additions will catch up to those remaining on a line that returns two starters.
“Not at all,” Graves said when asked if the offensive line was a question mark. “In the spring we had 12, now we have 20. Some are young guys and walk-ons, but after the spring we have some transfers. They have experience and were here this summer.”
“When I was hired, I knew we weren’t going to get much done in January. I told the staff and the team it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The staff did a great job evaluating the talent and communicating it to coach (offensive coordinator Mark) Frederick and the staff.
“I’m excited about our experience. It’s about them working together and getting along well. We have the depth and experience needed.”
Graves has veteran Josh Trask, who started eight games at center and three at guard last season. Also back is left tackle Cameron Foster, who was expected to play the entire season but suffered a wrist injury the week before the opening game. Foster managed to return for the final two games, and adding Trask gives the unit a solid foundation.
“Last year we had a depth issue, but we brought in a lot of new guys,” Foster said. “We have so many good players, we can trade them and still be good. It’s a tough battle, but we’ll have it sorted out by August 31.”
Transfers Antonio Sanders and Carmelo Crump arrived in time for spring practice, while Chris Garcia and Baton Rouge native D’Andre Richard arrived from Northwestern State in the summer. Joseph Gonzales is a transfer from McNeese State who arrived a year ago and is expected to be part of the team.
“We have a lot of new guys that have to get used to the system and we’re slowly getting it,” Trask said. “I’m going over the plays with them and trying to get them used to the playbook and get them accustomed to the system. I’ve learned some leadership skills and had to take on that role in camp.”
The coaching staff was able to get some of the new recruits on campus by the start of summer practice, and Frederick said that sped up development.
“The summer really helped these guys,” he said. “They met with coach (Damon) Nivens, learned the system and did productive OTA work. We’ll only go as far as they take us.”
Offensive lines are always critical to a team’s success, and both Trask and Foster like the idea of Frederick putting an emphasis on the running game.
“We love to play the ball and get people out of the way,” said Foster, who has dropped to 305 pounds and is feeling more athletic. “The chemistry is right. We’ve only been wearing protective gear for three or four days and we’re already playing the ball really well.”
