Buccaneers' Blue Swarm Defense Steps Up in Second Scrimmage of Sprin Practice
Redshirt senior safety Demaris Freeman and redshirt junior defensive lineman Skyler Skersick recorded two of four early sacks for the Bucs, as defensive coordinator Chad Staggs' unit displayed the passionate style of play that helped lead CSU to a school-record 10-win season in 2013.
"I thought last week was more of a clean scrimmage," (CSU Head Coach, Jamey) Chadwell said. "This week, the defense really set the tone by being aggressive and taking the fight to the offense. Offensively, we had some count issues and tons of off sides penalties. It was not a good day overall on the offensive side but defensively we did some really good things. They played with high excitement and great energy and really made some plays. I thought our offense played with a bit of complacency so it was good to see our defense respond the way they did off last week."
"I think Zac Johnston is having a really good spring and Aaron Brown has stepped up as well," Chadwell said. "They've both played some in the past and have both done a really good job of leading this spring and kind of taking ownership of that position group. In the secondary, we have some returners and people playing well there so I think we're getting to a good spot defensively."
Offensively, UAB transfer Austin Brown made several big plays in the passing game while again showing off the arm that made him a member of Conference USA's All-Freshman Team in 2012. Brown hooked up with tight end Briar Van Brunt in traffic for a 15-yard touchdown pass over the middle and also highlighted his day with a beautiful back shoulder throw to Donte Sumpter for a big gain down the sideline.
"I think Austin's really coming along, especially because he didn't know the offense coming in," said Chadwell of Brown. "He threw the touchdown pass today and has done a lot of good things. I'm pleased with the steps he's made. Kyle (Copeland, returning Sophomore QB) has shown some maturity as far as knowing and understanding what we want to do as an offense."
"I feel like we've gotten better," Chadwell summed up. "The thing that's frustrating is because we've had some injuries and moving parts, it's not flowing as well as you'd like it to but I feel good about the direction we're heading."
