Stillman coach sees progress in preseason camp

TUSCALOOSA | The Stillman College football players were able to leave after Saturdays practice session, but first-year coach Teddy Keaton and his staff had more work to do.

Keaton planned to draw up a depth chart based on the results of the final scrimmage of preseason camp. The Tigers open at home on Saturday, facing Shaw University from North Carolina. Shaw University is ranked second behind Albany State in the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Division II HBCU poll.

Keaton said the scrimmage featured live hitting, all except for takedowns. Keaton brought in a crew of referees, who told him it was a crisp session with only seven penalties. Keaton said the Tigers committed 14 penalties during an earlier scrimmage.

I think were coming along fine, Keaton said. This was a really, really good camp. Im surprised at the younger kids and the upperclassmen that are buying into the system. Ultimately, well never know until get another opponent in front of us.

The ones, we like the way theyre going. They played sharp. Its the twos that are still making some mental mistakes, jumping offsides here and there and not knowing their assignments completely.



Its a lot of mental things when it gets hot. Were trying to get them to focus for four quarters and get them understanding that if something goes wrong adversity is a part of life. Dont let minor setbacks defeat you. Were trying to learn to play through adversity.

Redshirt freshman Brandon Allen and true freshman Dondre Purnell are the top two candidates at quarterback.

Our quarterback play was pretty consistent, Keaton said. I thought they did a good job of managing the offense. I think we can get out of the huddle a little bit faster. Right now theyre pretty tight. Both of them have good attributes. They bring good things to the table. Theyre both making good decisions with the football. Theyre managing the offense, and thats what we want from our quarterback. Theyre doing what theyre supposed to do, so Im happy.

Our running game improved this week. I thought it went well. Were still not sharp or crisp in our passing game yet, but that comes with time. You have to rep, rep, rep passing. Were on course right now.

The rotation at running back includes Schley Devereux and Deandre Holley.

Both of those guys are seniors, and theyve done a good job, Keaton said.

Jaquail Rutledge, who played in nine games and rushed for 82 yards as a true freshman, has been limited at times by a sore hamstring.

Hes looked good at certain times, Keaton said.

Keaton said DeAndre Davis wont be able to play in the opener because of a foot facture. Davis was slated for duty at left offensive tackle. Keaton said Davis is expected to be out three weeks.

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.

References

1. ^{^} Buy Photo (reprints.tuscaloosanews.com)