Morgan County football’s staff recently used the spring to search for areas where their team could improve.
Under head coach Clint Jenkins, the team’s staff has evaluated its players over the past few weeks. They utilized the early practice period to get players into the weight room, onto the practice field, and to review film.
“Spring is all about player evaluation, so we had a chance to get some guys some reps that usually wouldn’t have gotten reps,” Jenkins told the Lake Oconee News. “We were missing quite a few guys since the baseball team went far into the playoffs, but I thought it was a really good spring and we got better in some spots.”
Jenkins said his team needed to improve in the trenches, at quarterback, and at the linebacker position.
“We improved in several different spots during the spring,” Jenkins added.
Jenkins noted that he observed a difference in his players from the beginning of spring to the end, particularly among the incoming freshmen. He stated that they gained valuable experience in their first spring.
“We brought over some eighth graders and just tried to get them acclimated this spring,” Jenkins said. “They’ve been doing offseason stuff with us. To be able to bring them over and get them acclimated around our coaches, bring them over to teach the fundamentals, is good. We’re teaching them blocking and tackling.”
Everything that the coaching staff taught and corrected with the players came together during the spring scrimmage against Walnut Grove. The Dogs fared well for most of it, allowing each player to gain valuable reps.
Jenkins pointed out that his team showed toughness against Walnut Grove, particularly on the offensive line. He also mentioned that backup quarterback Gunner Braswell performed well in place of starter Davis Strickland.
“We did have all our offensive linemen and a few of our top running backs,” Jenkins said. “I thought our running game looked good at times. Getting Gunner Braswell reps was important since Davis Strickland was playing baseball. Those reps will be very valuable for Gunner in the future. And again, there were opportunities for younger kids, especially the rising freshmen, to step up, and I thought they played pretty well.”
Jenkins said the linebackers and defensive line contained the run, but the secondary still needed some work.
“I thought the interior of our defensive line and inside linebackers stopped the run and played well,” Jenkins said. “If there was a con, it was probably on the perimeter. It wasn’t as good as it’s been, but that’s why we used the spring to figure out where we are at. What areas need improvement? That’s what spring is for.”
Jenkins will continue to push his players to improve during the summer practice period, which begins on June 2.