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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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(Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

Jaguars Seek an Efficient Philosophy Change on Defense

The offense isn’t the only side of the ball that is seeking changes. Wommack and new defensive coordinator Corey Batoon are switching the defensive format from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme.

The defense made some significant improvements in 2020 compared to the previous season. There were great moments from their top players, but as a whole, the entire defense struggled.

On the defensive line, the Jaguars were able to get productivity against the running game. As a unit, the defensive line was among the least productive pass rush units in the country. Last season, the Jaguars accounted for 13 sacks in the season. Among the top returning leaders, nose tackle Gi’Narious Johnson, defensive end Jamie Sheriff, and defensive end Charles Coleman III, all accounted for one sack.

The Jaguars need more impact from the defensive line at getting to the quarterback and finishing the plays. The defensive line was not able to give the secondary much support as the opposing quarterback eventually found ways to connect to their receiver.

Johnson and Sheriff return as the starters in 2021. Maurice Strong transitions from end to a more comfortable three-technique defensive tackle. Senior Chris Henderson becomes the full-time bandit linebacker and will stick to the line of scrimmage as the main edge rusher. Henderson returns as the Jaguars’ leader in tackles for loss last season with 4.5.

The Jaguars will miss the tremendous impact of Riley Cole as someone who can consistently chase the ball carrier from the opposite side of the field and create chaos in the backfield.

South Alabama’s defense ranked 76th in rushing yards allowed per game (174.5). The Jaguars will have several players returning and fighting for a starting spot, including Nick Mobley and Kelvin Johnson. There have been younger players like Quentin Wilfawn and Doug Sullivan that have stepped during the offseason.

What was a weakness a few seasons ago in their secondary will now be a strength in the upcoming 2021 season. The defense feels good in the hands of senior safety Keith Gallmon, who accounted for 84 total tackles, 59 solo tackles (team-high), and ten pass breakups (team-high).

South Alabama will also return their main man coverage cornerbacks in Ryan Melton and Devin Rockette. Tre Young steps into the starting strong safety lineup after the sudden transfer of DeWayne Betts. A.J. DeShazor will step up as South’s flex player at linebacker and safety.

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