2016 SFA Fall Camp Report - Defensive Ends
8/20/2016 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 the defensive ends as week two of camp wraps up 14 days before the season opener.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Key Returners: Jamal Allen (Sr.; Frankston), John Franklin (Jr.; Greenville), Kedrick Harrison (Sr.; Coldspring)
Key Losses: None
Key Newcomers: Jerry Blanks (Fr.; Galveston, signee), Malik George (Fr.; Lafayette, La., signee)
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Looking across the Stephen F. Austin two-deep, there are a number of positions that could be listed as strengths for the 2016 team. Experienced returners at quarterback, running back, receiver and in the defensive secondary all give a sense of optimism for the SFA coaching staff as the second week of fall camp draws to a close.
But arguably the position that will be relied upon to shoulder the load this season is at defensive end, an area that returns two experienced seniors and a junior who is already turning eyes on the national stage.
Senior Kedrick Harrison is the undisputed leader among the SFA defensive unit, returning for his fourth year as a starter for the ‘Jacks. His 23 career tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks both sit on the verge of cracking the top-10, and he is joined by fellow senior Jamal Allen, a four year letterwinner that tallied his best season in 2015 with 24 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks.
A lot of eyes will be focused on the right side, however, as junior John Franklin has garnered national attention during the preseason. A first team All-SLC selection, Franklin has been named to a number of watch lists, being named a preseason All-American after leading the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks and will be a key factor to the Lumberjacks’ success on the outside.
As is the case with a number of other positions, SFA’s depth at the defensive end position is filled with a handful of talented underclassmen eager to get their shot. Redshirt freshman Jack Martin and Gary Sampson are entering their second fall in the program and have made great strides from this time last year in the eyes of position coach Tom Howe. Two other freshman bolster the squad as Jerry Blanks and Malik George are both raw but have a great among of potential looking towards the future.
The defensive ends, along with the rest of the defensive unit, were eager for Saturday to roll around as they were anticipating the second scrimmage of fall and having another opportunity to finally make some contact. But those expectations were scrapped Friday as head coach Clint Conque announced the second scrimmage would be foregone due to precautionary measures.
Instead, the Lumberjacks held a controlled situational practice, complete with referees and all the makings of a scrimmage – just without the tackling. As was the case last week, sunny skies filled the sky at the start of the 4:00 practice, but the clouds and dark skies quickly moved in. 70 plays into practice 14, lightning and heavy rain once again descended upon Nacogdoches, giving another early end to an SFA practice session.
The weather has been a factor throughout the entire footprint of the Southland Conference as heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Louisiana while drenching and shortening practices throughout Texas. While it’s not an ideal situation with just two weeks remaining until the season opener, it is something that is affecting every team in the conference, and the key is to use the distractions to an advantage.
With the conclusion of week two of fall camp, we are two weeks from kickoff in Lubbock as the ‘Jacks take on Texas Tech on Saturday, September 3rd, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game are available by contacting the SFA ticket office at (936) 468-JACK (5225), as well as season tickets for the 2016 campaign as well.
2016 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN FALL CAMP SCHEDULE
Monday, August 8 - Opening Day Recap
Tuesday, August 9 - Coaching Staff
Wednesday, August 10 - Safeties
Thursday, August 11 - Tight Ends and Fullbacks
Friday, August 12 - Cornerbacks
Saturday, August 13 - Scrimmage One Recap
Monday, August 15 - Offensive Line
Tuesday, August 16 - Special Teams
Wednesday, August 17 - Linebackers
Thursday, August 18 - SFA/TuneIn Partnership
Friday, August 19 - Running Backs
Saturday, August 20 - Defensive Ends
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-
