NORMAL – On the first official day of practice for the 2011 Alabama A&M University football team the offensive line took center stage.
The Nasty Dogs, as they liked to be called, gave up 16 sacks in the first three games of 2010 but only 14 over the final eight. A total of 37 sacks were given up by A&M last season the most in head coach Anthony Jones tenure.
This year the Maroon & White front line has a little help from the defensive side of the ball with A&M graduate Anthony Jackson switching to the offensive side.
"Tony graduated and was going to explore other opportunities, but he decided he still wanted to play," Jones said. "We're short offensive linemen and I asked him if he could help us there, so we're going to move him to tackle to see if he can help us shore up some of those positions."
During Jackson’s first day with the line his inexperience showed as O-line coach Cedric Pearl told him this side of the ball was another world.
Jackson was worn out after a few drills but coach Pearl reminded him after the first one, “Don’t get tired we have 99 more drills to go.”
They were 11 linemen dressed out and two watching waiting for their opportunity to earn some time on the field.
Three starters, left tackle Jamaal Johnson-Webb, center Joaquenssi Eugene and right guard Justin Goodrich return from last year's unit. Jackson will battle redshirt freshmen Alan Cruz and Giba Goba for the right tackle spot, while Nathan Woodard is the leading candidate at left guard.
“The first day was more so an instructional two hours for the newcomers and a refresher for the old heads,” mentioned Pearl. “We have a long way to go before we can really name starters but they will work hard and the best will show up.
Season and single football game tickets are still available by calling the A&M ticket office at 256-372-4059 or by visiting the Bulldog ticket office web site at WWW.ALLABOUTTICKETS.COM.
