Soccer Notebook: Spring Practice Recap

Football
10.4.2023 14:00:00

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ^__With spring practice in the background, the Alabama A&M football program is in a period of reflection and looking ahead to more ways to improve the team before the summer.

Despite already having six quarterbacks on campus and two more to come, A&M’s quarterbacks coach Jason Mai said, don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs don’t bring in another over the summer.

Currently a junior Xavier Lankford is the manager of the clubhouse going to summer training, but a junior Quincy Casey is expected to return to compete for a job in fall camp. Casey was a starter last season but suffered a left shoulder injury against Jackson State. He tried to play against Texas Southern before sitting out the rest of the season.

Casey had surgery in December and is making good progress, according to Mai. Still, Mai said the Bulldogs won’t stop trying to improve their team.

“If we find someone who we think can make us better, we’re going to evaluate them,” Mai said. “Recruiting is the name of the game. As a coach, you can never stop recruiting or trying to improve your program.”

Defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware believes Alabama A&M has a group of defensive linemen that will be one of the best units in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The roster includes a redshirt sophomore Zareon Hayesredshirt junior Jordan Mitchelland Freshmen Demetrie Morgan.

“Hayes is an animal,” said Boulware, who also coaches linebackers. “He’s a dogmatic guy with that kind of aggression. Mitchell is the same way. Morgan had a great game Saturday with a sack and a loss.

“The center of our defense is up front. We build our defense from front to back. We believe if we can win from the front, we can win.”

Malik Pertee had two sacks Saturday while Morgan had 1.5. Christopher Wilkins and Jamarion Ellis each had one.

Boulware said five or six linemen were held for injuries or to avoid injury.

“We have a lot of depth,” he said. “If we can keep everyone healthy and play at a high level, we have a chance to be a good unit.”

Head football coach at Alabama A&M Connell Maynor said he and his staff will evaluate the squad over the next few weeks and add players to the necessary positions if needed.

“We don’t hesitate to use the transfer portal,” Maynor said. “The portal will reopen soon and we will be ready.”

Maynor did not specify the locations needed. However, he said he hoped to have five or six kids who could become starters or provide much-needed depth.

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