Alabama A&M: Isabelle could have increased role (Notes)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Backup quarterback David Isabelle, who had a 42-yard catch and run in Saturday's loss to Southern, could have an increased role, Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones said Sunday.

Isabelle, the former Johnson High star who transferred to A&M from UAB, lost out on his bid to unseat starting quarterback Deaunte Mason, but came on in the second half and made a big play for the Bulldogs after lining up in the backfield.

"We put a small package together for him and he handled it well," Jones said. "I didn't want him to think I was changing him from the quarterback position because he is our backup quarterback. I brought him in Monday and told him I wanted to use him in that capacity and he accepted it.

"There's some things we've got to work on, but we'll try to find more ways to use him. He's an excellent athlete. He's proven to me he's a team player and I'm going to try to use him."

Hampton hangover

Jones said A&M spent too much time last week talking about the loss to Hampton instead of focusing on Southern. As a result, the Bulldogs fell 21-6 to the Jaguars. He said he won't let that happen again this week.

"Every now and then you've got to get slapped in the face to get a wake-up call," Jones said. "We played Hampton well and we were still talking about that when we were getting ready to play Southern and it was obvious our focus wasn't all the way there.

"We've got to take care of our business and move forward. Last week was time to move forward.



We didn't do a good job of that. We'll do a better job this week."

Injury update

The Bulldogs, who played without three defensive linemen against Southernn due to injuries, sustained some more Saturday.

Inside linebacker Willie Fuller sustained a hip injury and was on crutches at the end of the game, while will linebacker Vernon Marshall and offensive lineman Bryant Ross sustained ankle injuries.

There was no news on the status of defensive tackle Tim Tillman (hamstring) and defensive ends Clarence Lovell (ankle) and Melvin Payne (ankle) who missed the Southern game.

Conversion issues

A&M has been very effective on third down and in the red zone in recent years, but the Bulldogs have struggled in those areas through their first two games.

A&M has converted just 13-of-34 third down conversions and is 5-of-8 in the red zone, but has only two touchdowns through two games.

"That is definitely an area we've got to improve upon," Jones said. "In order for us to be successful, we have to be efficient in those areas."