CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – It will be an opportunity for the young players to shine in Austin Peay State University’s second football scrimmage, scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Saturday, in Governors Stadium.
Not only will it be the Govs second late summer scrimmage, but the second this week as well. The Govs scrimmaged for the first time Monday. The scrimmage format will be similar to Monday—the offense will run in seven-play increments. They also are expected to scrimmage around 85 plays.
However, after the first-team offense played close to 50 percent of Monday’s scrimmage, this time it will be those players challenging to move up the depth chart who will gain most of Saturday’s snaps.
“We are going to play the seniors and the starters about 14-20 plays and then get them out,” APSU coach Rick Christophel said. “We have so many young guys that we need to give reps to. We are going to work those young players as many plays as we can.
“We already have several younger guys who already are backing up so we need to get them as many reps as possible to see how they respond. “
The scrimmage certainly could be the deciding factor on which freshman quarterback, Landon Curtis or Jacob Sexton, will serve as Jake Ryan’s backup this season. They combined for just six pass plays in the first scrimmage.
“Both of them are going to be really good players,” Christophel said. “Landon or Jacob needs to separate themselves to be that second guy. I think both have great attributes. It is going to be fun in a year or two when both learn the system. They both are going to push Jake, first of all. But they are both such good kids, they have ability, they respect each other…I am really looking forward to seeing them develop.”
The Govs have enjoyed a superb practice week. Tuesday morning’s practice was one of the most intense in recent years and the Govs responded with strong performances both Thursday and Friday mornings.
“We had some things happen in Tuesday morning’s practice which we could use an example of things we can’t do on the field—we had to stop,” Christophel said. “The best thing we had happen is we came back after running and really went after each other on a goal-line scrimmage for about 15 plays. Our kids really stepped up to the plate and got after each other.”
Christophel, who often has commented about much he enjoyed coaching his club in the spring, has carried over that enthusiasm to the summer camp.
“I am having more fun because we just have more players at each position,” Christophel said. “You don’t have to there and hold your breath every time something happens, afraid you are going to lose a guy.”
After the scrimmage and lunch, the Governors will return to the APSU athletic facilities for their annual media day, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
