 |  |
SU closes out training camp with successful intrasquad scrimmage
By Matt Green
ROME -- The Shorter University Football Hawks wrapped up their 2011 training camp with an intrasquad scrimmage on a steamy Saturday morning at Ben Brady Field.
Shorter, entering its seventh season as a program, put on a show for the several hundred fans in attendance who were eager to get their first look at the Hawks during what has become an annual fan favorite.
Over 160 players suited up for this year's intrasquad scrimmage as the Shorter coaching staff shuffled in countless offensive and defensive units in hopes of beginning the process of sorting out lineups and creating depth charts for the Sept. 10 season opener at 20th-ranked Webber International.
"There was some good and some bad," said Shorter head coach Phil Jones, who has led the Hawks to 37 victories, four winning seasons and one Mid-South Conference championship in his six years at the helm. "To have four full offenses and then four-plus groups defensively trying to rotate everyone, I thought the kids did a great job.
"We saw some areas where we can improve today," Jones added. "Obviously we cannot turn the ball over. You have a chance if you don't turn the ball over no matter what happens. Defensively we cannot allow the big play.
"That being said, the team's attitude is a plus. They played hard today despite the heat."
Shorter's two major points of emphasis entering the 2011 season including a replacement for three-year starter Ben Williams at quarterback and beefing up a pass rush that ranked at the bottom of the Mid-South last season.
Jones was pleased with how his quarterbacks performed on Saturday, most notably steady senior David Byrd, junior Cory Thacker and highly touted freshman Eric Dodson, who each engineered productive possessions in their opportunities under center.
"We have a lot of quarterbacks," said Jones. "The guys we feel that will rise to the top of the depth chart played well today. The older guys managed the offense pretty well and kept us out of insecure situations.
"We have a couple of young ones that have talent," Jones added. "Dodson is very talented and he is coming along well. It's a matter of adjusting to our system and the speed of the college game.
The offense struck for several big plays -- slotback Roderick Jones and fullback T.J. Telfair scored on lengthy touchdown runs to highlight the morning session -- and the defense showed promise with several athletic combinations in the second and third levels.
All in all, the intrasquad scrimmage was a success and Jones was quick to show his appreciation for the incredible amount of family, friend and community support that once again made its way to Ben Brady Field.
"It warms my heart that people care that much," said Jones. "Obviously it is great having family and friends come out and show their support for their kids, but we have a lot of people from the community that don't have children playing in our program that come out to support us.
"I cannot say enough about that. I just thank the Lord for that."
