Defense could keep things together for Jaguars

If you thought Southern’s offense would be its strong suit headed into next season, think again.
Sure the offense returns seniors Bryant Lee and Juamorris Stewart.
Sure, Lee won Southwestern Athletic Conference Player or the Year honors passing for 2,682 yards and 20 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.
And, sure, Stewart bested all SWAC receivers with 76 receptions for 1,138 yards and 12 touchdowns.
But, with three probable starters in Lee Almanza, Ramon Chinyoung and Chris Browne all out due to injury, the defense will have to hold steady until the offensive line is put together.
“We’re going to have to improve up there,” SU coach Pete Richardson said. “Part of that is getting all our people back.”
If the teams’ spring game was any indication, the unit will have no problem guiding ship until the offense is ready to take over.
After all, the defense did rack up seven sacks, two interceptions and a whole lot of hurries as quarterbacks Warren Matthews, Gary Hollimon and Jeremiah McGinty all had to scramble away from collapsing pockets in order to make plays down field.
“That helps us on the back end,” SU defensive coordinator Terrence Graves said. “Whenever we can get the pass rush up front, then we’ll be better in the secondary.”
That’s where the question mark may lie. SU lost safeties Toyin Akinwale and Glenn Bell. The secondary also lost a four year starter in Michael Williams.
However, Richardson is with the effort he’s seen from his young defense.
“Defensively we’re ahead of schedule, but we have a long way to go as a football team” Richardson said. “Hopefully we can get our offensive lineman back that didn’t take part (in spring drills) and we should be fine.”
Update on Bryant Lee
Richardson said Lee is about 90 percent and will continue to rehab during the summer. He also said Lee and Stewart plan to attend voluntary workouts.
“He’s been going through everything in spring practice but contact,” Richardson said. “We decided to keep him out, making sure he gets back on the rehab program so we can get him back for August.”
Duran
Kicker Josh Duran made both extra point attempts and kicked the ball deeper on both kickoffs. Richardson said Duran should be able to consistently kick the ball deeper next year.
“The confidence is there and he should step forward,” Richardson said. “His leg is stronger and he’s ready to build on his season last year.”