SU finds a Bright Spot in their Offense

As questions are sure to arise throughout the course of this week for Coach Dawson Odums and the Southern University football team after a convincing loss to University of Louisiana – Lafayette to open the season, the play of true freshmen quarterback Austin Howard can be something worth building upon.
Though junior wide receiver Willie Quinn performed the best of any SU player on Saturday (8 catches for 105 yards), Howard came off the bench in the first half to provide an immediate spark, connecting with Quinn on his first collegiate pass for 56 yards. He completed the game passing 18 of 31 for 181 yards and a touchdown. Teammates and coaches were impressed by his poise.
“I was happy for Howard. He’s been working hard since the first day he got on campus. He got in there and made things happen for us. There are some things, I wouldn’t say that he should be able to do them, but he understands the game. He does things that an older quarterback would.” Junior Tight End Bradley Coleman said.
The struggles of starting redshirt freshmen quarter back Deonte Shorts (passing 2-for-9 for 29 yards) in his first game allowed for Howard to get more snaps under center as the game progressed.
While Howard’s quality performance gives the coaching staff something to consider heading into this weekend’s home opener against Central Methodist, there was another silver lining for the Jaguars that significantly aided the young QB’s composure, the offensive line.
After a last-second effort to certify five starters failed to go through, SU was forced to insert several reserves, including two walk-ons players onto the offensive line. Starting offensive Tackle Reginald Redding and his replacement, Terrell Lee, both were unable to receive authorization to play.
The solid play of Walk-ons Neako Jones, Jamal Boulden, and the rest of the o-line impressed Coach Odums tremendously.
“I don’t think the offensive line gave up a sack. With two walk-ons, they went toe-to-toe with some massive individuals. I’m proud of them,” Coach Odums said.
In addition to not giving up one sack to a FCS program picked in the preseason to win their conference, the Jaguars did not commit a single turnover as well. For a quarterback and two offensive lineman playing in their first collegiate games in a torrential downpour of rain, one would consider that a “blessing in the storm.” Quality contributions from two freshmen defensive backs in the secondary (Danny Johnson and Bryan Anderson each getting an interception) provided a ray of sunshine, as Coach Odums will look to take an optimistic approach towards the remainder of this season.
“I was happy with how we competed. I’m grateful for the young men, and for the families that trust them being in my hands,” said Odums. “Playing the way they did after the way our day started out shows what kind of young men that we have in our program,” finished Odums.