HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ^__ With spring practice in the rearview, the Alabama A&M football program is in a period of reflection as well as looking ahead on more ways to improve the team before the summer.

Despite already having six quarterbacks on campus and two more on the way, A&M quarterbacks coach Jason Mai said don't be surprised if the Bulldogs don't bring in another one over the summer.
 
Currently, junior Xavier Lankford is the leader in the clubhouse going into summer workouts, but junior Quincy Casey is expected to be back to compete for the job in fall camp. Casey was the starter heading into last season, but sustained an injury to his left shoulder against Jackson State. He tried to play against Texas Southern before being held out the rest of the season.
 
Casey underwent surgery in December and is making good progress, according to Mai. Still, Mai said the Bulldogs won't stop trying to improve their team.
 
"If we find somebody that we think can make us better, we're going to evaluate them," Mai said. "Recruiting is the name of the game. As a coach, you can never stop recruiting or trying to make your program better."
 
Defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware believes Alabama A&M has a group of defensive linemen that will be among the best units in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
 
The list includes redshirt sophomore Zareon Hayes, redshirt junior Jordan Mitchell, and freshmen Demetrie Morgan.
 
"Hayes is an animal," said Boulware, who also coaches linebackers. "He's a dogmatic type of guy with that aggression. Mitchell is the same way. Morgan had a great game Saturday with sacks and tackles for loss.
 
"The focal point of our defense is up front. We build our defense from the front to the back. We believe if we can win up front, we can win."
 
Malik Pertee had two sacks Saturday, while Morgan had 1.5. Kristopher Wilkins and Jamarion Ellis had one each.
 
Boulware said five or six linemen were held out due to injuries or to keep from getting injured.
 
"We've got a lot of depth," he said. "If we can keep everybody healthy and play at a high level, we're going to have a chance to be a good unit."
 
Alabama A&M head football coach Connell Maynor said he and his staff will evaluate the team over the next few weeks and if necessary, will add players at positions of need.
 
"We won't hesitate to use the transfer portal," Maynor said. "The portal opens again soon and we're going to be ready."
 
Maynor wouldn't specify positions of need. He did say, however, that he hoped to sign five or six kids that could become starters or provide some much-needed depth.

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