Patriots hard at work
Defensive Coordinator Bryan Styles directs the defense in practice
(RECORD PHOTO/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- After one week of practice for Bob Jones the talk has not been so much about touchdowns and field goals but lining up and learning the snap counts. With a young team the focus has been on basics said head coach Kevin Rose.
“I think we have had an excellent week,” Rose said. “Defensively we have a lot of young guys who just need some game experience. We got after it pretty good in shells on Thursday. The first time they get the pads on they are ready to lay the lumber.”
Bob Jones went three days in helmets and shorts and one day in shells before going in full pads on Friday.
“I don’t anticipate a lot of hitting in practice,” Rose said. “We will have some but we never go to the ground, we blow the whistle on contact, and we don’t have pile ups. We will practice full speed next week but limit the contact, cutting, and places where kids get hurt.”
While the first game is three weeks away Rose already has an eye on it.
“Week one we will find out some things. I know we will play hard and compete but when you run eight new starters out there who haven’t been on the field before there is going to be a breakdown here and a bust there. We have to overcome those. Our offense will need to carry us early in the year.”
The offensive line is always a point of concern for Rose and Bob Jones will have two new starters there.
Sophomores Tucker Walters and Kendall Randolph have looked good in practice and according to Rose are competing well for the two openings.
“It is unusual for us to have two sophomores start but they have potential to play in the SEC one day,” Rose said.
Rose has three solid returning starters. Blake Polson moves from guard to center. Shamario Ross played left guard and J.D. Sims played right tackle last season.
After a summer of work in helmets and shorts quarterback Jeremy Frye said he is getting used to the feeling of having the pads on. Frye is a returning starter. Brady Polson and Collins Hess are competing for the important backup job. Rose normally plays two quarterbacks so that competition is crucial in player development.
Transfer Deondre Douglas has been working on defense the first week. He is still recovering from a broken hand.
“I didn’t feel he needed to be catching passes this week,” Rose said. “We will see where he is on Monday and if nothing else teach him formations and plays. Eventually he will be a big part of our offense.”
Rose said special teams still have a long way to go.
Bob Jones will scrimmage next Friday night at 7 p.m. at their turf field. Discovery Middle teams will also scrimmage. It is open to the public. Food trucks will be set up .
