Spring fever

The offense completed 71.9 percent of its passes (23-for-32) against the defense in the annual spring football game Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

The secondary already has been a problem area for the defense, finishing last season with the 118th ranked pass defense. Quarterbacks threw for a combined 213 yards in the intrasquad scrimmage that concludes spring practices.

The scrimmage put the offense against the defense in different game-like scenarios with a modified scoring system in preparation for the regular season, which begins on Sept. 5.

For coach Butch Jones, the game was more about evaluating the roster – starters and backups – than the final outcome.

“We put them in all kinds of situations tonight,” he said. “It’s going to be very interesting, especially for the younger players, to see how they respond.”

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour was the first to run the offense, but lasted just one series, completing all three of his pass attempts for 21 yards.

He took the offense 28 yards down to the 7-yard line but failed to reach the end zone. Facing fourth-and-12, the offense opted for a field goal by senior kicker Andrew Aguila.

The offense did not score a touchdown all game, but Aguila finished with three field goals – two from 24 yards and one from 30 yards.

Senior defensive end Sam Williams sacked LeFevour twice on the opening drive.

After the first series, freshman Ryan Radcliff and sophomore Derek Rifenbury split the remaining time under center.

Both are vying for the back-up quarterback job vacated last season by Brian Brunner.

Radcliff edged Rifenbury, going 13-for-19 for 149 yards. Rifenbury ended the day with 42 yards on 7-for-10 passing.

Freshman running back Jahleel Addae led the offense on the ground, gaining 39 yards on seven rushes.

“We expect Jahleel to be a big contributor to our football family,” Jones said. “And this summer is going to be very, very big for him, but we expect him to compete.”

Addae also displayed his versatility by lining up as a slot receiver, catching one ball for 10 yards.

The defense earned its points by stopping the offense and forcing punts, but it failed to force any turnovers by the offense.

Coming into the game, the defensive backfield showcased many position battles, which Jones said will carry over into the summer when practice starts up again.

“We won’t announce a starting line-up until the first game against Arizona,” he said. “The competition is very healthy and I think it brings out the best in everyone.”

Jones said the depth chart will sort itself out during the summer when last year’s starters – senior cornerbacks Eric Fraser and Josh Gordy – return from injury.

“I’m very optimistic,” he said of his team’s chance to improve its pass defense. “To the naked eye, everyone’s quick to point at the secondary … the MAC has great quarterbacks and if you let anyone stand back there and have all time to throw, you’re going to be in trouble.”

At linebacker, junior Nick Bellore is moving from middle linebacker to outside linebacker. He said it was different being in a new position in a game situation, but said he adjusted.

“A couple plays in there, I got my bearings about me,” Bellore said. “But I think it was a good night and I think a lot of people did well tonight.”

As the middle linebacker last season, Bellore led the team with 148 tackles, 58 more than the next man.

“The outlook for 2009 – I think we have a lot of young guys, but they got some talent,” LeFevour said. “I think they got to show that off today and they’ll keep it going throughout the summer and into fall camp.”

sports@cm-life.com