Alabama A&M: Fuller named Bulldogs' running backs coach

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Andy Fuller, who has been a part-time assistant coach at Alabama A&M over the last five years under head coach Anthony Jones, has moved up to full-time status.

Fuller, who has served as the Bulldogs' tight ends coach over the years, is now the running backs coach. His new position became official late last week.

"I want to thank Coach Jones for this opportunity," Fuller said. "I'm going to be the best coach I can be and help us win the SWAC championship."

Fuller replaces Errol Jones, who left just before training camp began to become the boys basketball coach and assistant football coach at Deshler High School.

With Fuller moving to running backs, Michael Brown, a former A&M wide receiver, is coaching the tight ends. Brown, who teaches in the English department, was elevated to a part-time assistant position.

No timetable on Isabelle

Jones said there was no timetable when backup quarterback David Isabelle would play.

Isabelle, a transfer from the University of Alabama-Birmingham, lost out on his bid to unseat Deaunte Mason as the starter, but outlasted Chris Leachman to win the backup job. Mason went the whole way in last Saturday's 21-20 loss to Hampton.

"Isabelle is our backup quarterback and we're going to play it as such," Jones said. "I'm trying to get him ready to play. David gets reps in practice. If something were to happen to Deaunte and we had to play him, he's familiar with the offense."

Little difference in quarterbacks

Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns says there's little difference between Southern's two quarterbacks.

The Jaguars played two quarterbacks in their 33-7 loss to Tennessee State last week and Southern coach Stump Mitchell says he'll continue to play two quarterbacks.

Starter Dray Joseph completed 9-of-18 passes for 122 yards and an interception, while backup J.P. Douglas came off the bench and completed 7-of-15 passes for 141 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

"Both of them did a good job of getting the ball out of their hands," Towns said. "They're very similar. They do a good job with the quick passing game.

"We've got to be alert, get a good pass rush, get our hands up and pursue the football after the ball is gone."

Quick hits

Towns said cornerback Clarence Morris, who sustained a pulled hamstring early in training camp and missed the season opener against Hampton, will play 12-15 plays Saturday against Southern. If he doesn't re-aggravate the injury, Towns said Morris could play a half in A&M's home opener against Tuskegee on Sept. 17. ... Joshua Udeh, who at one time was the starter at strong safety during training camp, has moved ahead of backup Tae Keith on the depth chart, while true freshman Jimelle James has moved ahead of redshirt sophomore Cuevas Dargan at inside linebacker. ... Jones is 5-2 against Southern and has won the last four meetings. ... Southern hasn't won a SWAC championship since 2003 and is ineligible for the championship this year due to APR penalties.