South Alabama football observations after first scrimmage of 2024 preseason camp

[Jonnyeagle]

South Alabama’s first scrimmage of 2024 preseason camp is in the books, a 110-play practice session under the lights at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Saturday night.

The Jaguars are now 10 practices into the preseason, with 15 more to go before the Aug. 31 season-opener vs. North Texas. South Alabama will scrimmage once more next Saturday, before a walk-through/game day simulation scrimmage a week later.

Below are some observations taken from in-person practice viewing as well as conversations with Jaguars players and coaches. Take them with the reminder that we’re still nearly three weeks from the start of the season, so all of it is subject to change:

• The Jaguars were in desperate need of some pass-rushers this season after defensive ends Jamie Sheriff and Brock Higdon and outside linebacker Quentin Wilfawn — who combined for 12.5 sacks last season — all graduated and linebacker Khalil Jacobs (who had three sacks) transferred to Missouri. It appears they may have some candidates in transfer imports Aakil Washington (Liberty), Courtney McBride (Florida Atlantic) and Jalyn Durgan (East Mississippi Community College). Washington ended the spring as the starter at Wolf (outside) linebacker, though McBride has made quite an impression in camp. Durgan has been competing at Bandit defensive end with redshirt freshman Jordan Norman, among others. Veteran Lamondre Brooks, who has had injury troubles in the past, has worked at both positions during camp.

• Gio Lopez did not scrimmage for precautionary reasons, but is not expected to miss any additional time. He’s been the No. 1 quarterback throughout camp, and that’s not likely to change. However, backup Bishop Davenport acquitted himself well running the first-team offense on Saturday, showing good mobility and arm strength. Freshman Jared Hollins moved up to run the second team, but appears to be well behind Davenport in the pecking order. He’ll almost certainly redshirt this year.

Read more:  https://www.al.com/usa/2024/08/south-alabama-football-observations-after-first-scrimmage-of-2024-preseason-camp.html