2016 SFA Fall Camp Report: Tight Ends and Fullbacks
8/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
The 2016 season is just around the corner as your Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks have begun fall camp, beginning the countdown to the 90th season of Lumberjack football in 2016. Throughout camp, SFAJacks.com will break down each position, taking a look at both the tight end and fullback positions on day four.
TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS
Key Returners: Jabralon Allen (Sr.; Frankston), Lucas Askew (So.; Big Sandy), Will Taylor (Jr.; Euless)
Key Losses: Jayson Clements (So.; transfer)
Key Newcomers: Nick Jones (Jr.; Brownsboro, transfer), Bubu Alvarez (So.; Waco, position change)
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – When head coach Clint Conque took over the reigns of the Stephen F. Austin football program three years ago, a number of things changed to adapt to his style. Practice style, play calling, team rules and attitude were all elements Conque brought to Nacogdoches to put his stamp on the program.
Tight End/Fullback Photo Gallery
One of those changes came on the offensive side of the ball as Conque’s offensive philosophy includes a heavy focus on the tight end and fullback positions, a wrinkle SFA fans hadn’t seen at Homer Bryce Stadium for quite some time.
While the contributions of this group don’t necessarily show up on the box score, it has provided a crucial role in both the rushing and passing aspects of the Lumberjack offensive scheme.
But make no mistake – these groups can contribute offensively when the need arises. In 2014, the tight ends and fullbacks combined for 18 catches for 226 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, that production fell slightly to five catches and 47 yards, but it should see a renewed emphasis under offensive coordinator Gary Crowton.
The most experienced of the group is senior fullback Jabralon Allen who made the transition from defense in 2014. His defensive mindset has proven useful, especially on blocking plays, being able to understand defensive philosophies and pick up blitzes. He has also proven he has the hands to catch passes out of the backfield.
Junior tight end Will Taylor has put together the most productive numbers of the group, catching five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in his two seasons at SFA. He is rejoined by sophomore Lucas Askew who saw action in nine games for the ‘Jacks in 2015 after transferring from Texas State and has both the length and the quickness to be a formidable receiving option.
Looking to beef up the position this offseason, Conque brought in transfer Nick Jones, who was a second team All-American selection at Trinity Valley Community College. The Brownsboro native spent two years at Louisiana-Monroe and has two seasons of eligibility remaining at SFA.
Another addition came from within as sophomore Bubu Alvarez is making the transition from defensive tackle to fullback during fall camp, providing some help to Allen.
Both the tight ends and fullbacks played a key role in practice four of fall camp Thursday afternoon, held once again on the grass practice fields north of Homer Bryce Stadium. Shells again were the equipment of the day and the conditions were nearly identical to the past few afternoons – high of 97, heat index of 110 – but with a little bit of cloud cover to appease the late afternoon heat.
Special teams again was a focus early in practice as both positions figure to play prominently into all aspects. After individual drills, the tight ends and fullbacks joined the rest of the offense for seven-on-seven drills as catches from Jones, Askew, Taylor and Allen once again showed the renewed emphasis of adding those two groups as offensive weapons.
Tempo began to be a major emphasis as the three-day installation period had come to an end on both sides of the ball and it became time to see just how well the players had acclimated. Coaches counted the time between each play as each side had bright spots. Long touchdown passes to Trae Hart and Kiki Hill and a deep ball to Joshawa West highlighted the offense while interceptions by Zack Starnes and Teddy Britton within five plays of each other helped set the tone defensively.
As the second half of practice wore on, some dark skies and high winds started to move into the area as trainers and coaches alike kept tabs on the weather and monitoring storm cells moving into the area. But the rain and lightning held off long enough for the ‘Jacks to complete their 19-period practice.
Friday is a day that has been anticipated since the schedule was released as it marks the first day of full pad workouts for the Lumberjacks as it is anticipated a portion of practice will be dedicated to “live” play. Practice five gets underway once again at 3:45 p.m. and will be the final tuneup before the first scrimmage of fall camp, getting underway at 6 p.m. Saturday at Homer Bryce Stadium.
2016 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN FALL CAMP SCHEDULE
Friday, August 12 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, August 13 - 4:00 p.m. – SCRIMMAGE ONE
Monday, August 15 – 9:15 a.m. / 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 – 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 – 9:15 a.m. / 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, August 18 – 3:45 p.m.
Friday, August 19 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, August 20 – 4:00 p.m. – SCRIMMAGE TWO
Monday, August 22 – 9:15 a.m. / 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, August 23 – 9:15 a.m. – MEET THE JACKS (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, August 24 – 7:00 p.m. – SCRIMMAGE THREE
Thursday, August 25 – 9:15 a.m. / 3:45 p.m.
Friday, August 26 – 3:45 p.m
Saturday, August 27 – 9:00 a.m.
-SFA-
