Jags end drills with spring game Saturday

Southern coach Pete Richardson isn’t worried about much these days.
Entering his 17th season at SU, Richardson has seen it all. He’s been to the mountain top and back. And now, his only thought is making his way back to the top.
How’s he going to get there?
On Wednesday, Richardson, a man that usually reserves his emotion beamed as he talked about Gary Chatman, Bryant Lee and Juamorris Stewart, and their shared experience.
“More than anything else, these guys bring experience,” Richardson said. “That will help us out immensely because these individuals will be very instrumental in what we do on both sides of the ball.”
Richardson also said his staff has given reserve players a lot of work so they have an understanding what will be asked of them this season.
“We want our younger players to build confidence and compete when they come back in August,” Richardson said. “They have a vague understanding of some of it, and it should give them an easier time to deal with it.”
Richardson said Lee is at 95 percent and has been effective throwing the ball in practice, but hasn’t taken part in any contact drills. Lee won’t be involved in any contact work this spring.
“He’ll be 100 percent when he comes back in August,” Richardson said. “The key is for him to get the confidence he needs.”
Richardson also said Stewart has had an amazing spring, and that the quarterback-wide receiver duo has been quite impressive.
Special Teams
Wideout Curry Allen has practiced as SU’s long snapper in spring drills and will assume the duties in Saturday’s 1 p.m. spring game inside Mumford Stadium. Richardson said the team signed a freshman long snapper that will likely take over next season.
Darian Prentiss and Isaiah Nelson have split punt return and kick return duties. Although Richardson said he doesn’t know who will return kicks next season, he said it will likely be a running back or receiver.
Signing Class
Richardson didn’t add any receivers on signing day and said the position should be just as deep and competitive as it was last season. Along with Stewart, Allen, Corderious Gregory and LaQuinton Evans return.
“Overall we were looking to add some depth to our football team,” Richardson said. “I’m pleased from that aspect. We’ve got some young guys we think are going to compete. Now it’s just a matter of them learning the system and having an opportunity to play.”
Moves
Junior linebacker Gary Chatman, a player that will be counted on heavily, has seen work at strong safety in addition to his linebacker duties. Richardson said Chatman has shown progression in learning the defensive packages and making the calls. He also said if he continues to improve, he could see time at safety next season.
“We just want to see how he’s going to come into the position, and whether we’ll have to move him back to outside linebacker.”
“It’s a different type of venue for him, but I think his leadership and confidence will help.”
D-Line
SU lost seniors Vincent Lands and Frank Harry, two key pieces to the puzzle that helped the Jaguars pressure the passer. This year, Dexter James and Don Holloway will be counted on to play more, and could possibly start.