Drc - Dodge Ball Set For Debut

[MeanGreen61]

Dodge Ball set for debut

10:13 AM CDT on Sunday, April 22, 2007

By Brett Vito/Staff Writer

Sometime later in his tenure at North Texas, head coach Todd Dodge might have a spring game where he worries about fine-tuning his offense and putting on a show for the fans on the stands.

Dodge has much bigger concerns heading into today's 3 p.m. Green and White Game at Fouts Field, including sorting out his quarterback situation and seeing if his offensive line can hold up in game-like conditions.

"This will be as close to a game as we can make it, but it's just our 15 th practice," Dodge said. "Some programs are in a position that they can try to get through healthy and put on a dog and pony show for the fans. For us, it's a chance to get more video and reps."

The format for the scrimmage, which is open to the public, might turn out to be even more interesting than a typical spring game because so much is at stake.

Several position battles are still in progress and Dodge's staff needs every snap it can get to continue installing a new offensive system.

UNT will get that critical time when the Mean Green's offense faces off against the squad's defense in a competition that will use a modified scoring system. UNT's offense will earn points for touchdowns, long plays, and series with at least three first downs. The Mean Green's defense will score points for turnovers forced, quarterback sacks, defensive touchdowns and series where it limits UNT's offense to three plays.

UNT spring game was held on a weeknight the last few seasons, but will now be part of an afternoon of events, including tailgating and live music beginning at 1 p.m.

The scrimmage is scheduled to conclude at 4:30 p.m.

"I hope a lot of people come out," UNT senior wide receiver Brandon Jackson said. "We want people at North Texas to believe in the Green and coach Dodge's system. Hopefully, it will be a good time and we can get things rolling."

Jackson is expected to be a key cog in an offense that has undergone a dramatic change in spring workouts. UNT switched from a run-based attack to a spread offense that emphasizes the passing game.

UNT's defense also switched back to a 4-3 alignment after spending last year in the 3-4.

"The fans will see some of what we are going to do and what we have to offer," UNT senior linebacker Brandon Monroe said. "I am excited about it."

Monroe and the rest of the Mean Green's defense have provided most of the highlights in spring practice thus far. UNT returns 10 defensive starters who dominated the Mean Green's last scrimmage, holding its counterparts on offense without a touchdown for more than 100 plays.

UNT will have one last chance to show some life offensively in the spring today.

"We have to be more consistent," Dodge said. "But even though we have been inconsistent, we are starting to get the feel of putting the ball in a lot of different hands. It's really important for them to understand how our offense works."

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect to the spring game will be the progress of the Mean Green's quarterbacks. Junior Daniel Meager has been the most consistent quarterback in spring practice and is looking to tighten his grip on the starting job. Redshirt freshman Nathan Tune and juniors Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson are also competing for playing time.

Dodge has said he will settle on a starting quarterback before the Mean Green's season opener against Oklahoma on Sept. 1, but the competition for the starting job is expected to last into fall workouts.

"We have got to stop having the unforced errors offensively with procedure penalties and that type of thing," Dodge said.

UNT will look to reach that goal while simulating what Dodge wants in game-like conditions.

"In the first year with a team you want to paint a picture of what the expectations are," Dodge said. "You want to show your players what you want."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

UNT storylines

The following are five of the key issues UNT will look to address in its Green and White Game today.

How does the arms race progress?

Daniel Meager has separated himself from the competition in the race for the starting quarterback job. A good showing today would solidify his standing on the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Nathan Tune and juniors Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson will look to make up ground.

Can UNT's line hold it together?

The Mean Green's offensive line has struggled at times during spring practice and will face a key test today against the Mean Green's defense, which features a solid pass rusher in senior defensive end Jeremiah Chapman. Sophomore Kelvin Drake and junior Chad Rose have both played center and guard in the spring. The spring game could show how Dodge will use both.

Is Jamario back to form?

Senior Jamario Thomas has looked better in spring practice than he has in a while and appears as if he might be ready to overcome the injury bug that has plagued him the last two seasons. UNT needs Thomas to be at his best next season. He still appears to be the best running back on the team and can show that he is ready to go.

Who will start at linebacker?

UNT has an abundance of experienced linebackers and will have one less starting spot in the 4-3 this year as opposed to last season's 3-4. Senior Maurice Holman will start. The question is who will join him in UNT's lineup.

Who will start at cornerback?

UNT returns all four of the cornerbacks from its two-deep depth chart from last year, but Baylor walk-on Latif Nurudeen quickly worked his way into the starting lineup before suffering an injury that will keep him out of the spring game. If Nurudeen holds on to a starting job, Antoine Bush, Desmon Chatman and Dominique Green will be left to compete for one job. Korey Washington has moved to wide receiver. Print E-mail this article Forums