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South Alabama Football: Jaguars look to get ahead of rebuild in 2021

By Michael Hanich

STATESBORO, GA - OCTOBER 29: Kawaan Baker #15 of the South Alabama Jaguars is brought down in the fourth quarter by Zyon McGee #21 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 29, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA - OCTOBER 29: Kawaan Baker #15 of the South Alabama Jaguars is brought down in the fourth quarter by Zyon McGee #21 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 29, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /
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Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Tolbert and Jake Bentley Lead the Jaguars Offense

Before the start of last season, the Jaguars believed they found the answers to create an efficient offense. Through the first five games of last season, the Jaguars produced efficiency on the field, mostly through the passing game.

The Jaguars averaged 26.8 points per game through the first five games of the season. They accumulated an overall record of 3-2. Midway through the season, the Jaguars found it difficult to score consistently as they averaged 14.2 points per game. They lost five of the last six games of the season as a result.

Coach Wommack brought in former Alabama, Texas, and Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite to completely take over the offense. He will attempt to stabilize this Jaguars offense led by 2020 Sun Belt First-Team wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. Last season, Tolbert caught 64 receptions for 1,085 yards and eight touchdowns. Tolbert will lead a group of talented and experienced receivers despite the loss of dynamic receiver Kawaan Baker.

The Jaguars will be starting former South Carolina Gamecocks and Utah Utes starting quarterback Jake Bentley this 2021 season. Bentley looks to finish his collegiate career strong after some disappointing seasons. His ability to lead and drive an offense will be a beneficiary to Applewhite’s offense.

The rushing game will attempt to seek an assertive starter in the remaining offseason. It didn’t help the Jaguars when their leading rusher from last year in Carlos Davis, was arrested for drug trafficking and was indefinitely suspended by the program.

Two experienced backs in senior Terrion Avery and junior Jared Wilson are the leading contenders to be the main rushers of the offense. Last season, South Alabama ranked 113th in the nation in rushing yards per game (112). They will look to be more aggressive in the rushing game under Applewhite in 2021.

The biggest downfall of the Jaguars last season was the inefficiency of the offensive line. Last season, the Jaguars gave up 40 sacks, which was the second-least in the nation behind the Kansas Jayhawks.

The Jaguars look to secure their starting offensive line in the remaining offseason if they haven’t done so already. South Alabama will rely on former Louisiana Tech Bulldogs tackle Antwan Lewis as South Alabama’s starting left tackle. The rest of the players are young but have some experience. They also possess the raw potential to develop into a consistent offensive line under a stable and well-balanced offense.

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