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ULM Preseason Football Camp Update: Defense Sets Tone In Second Scrimmage

ULM Preseason Football Camp Update: Defense Sets Tone In Second Scrimmage

Football Aug 17
By ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist Paul Letlow
 
MONROE, La. – Quarterback Caleb Evans grudgingly gave credit where it was due following ULM's second preseason scrimmage Saturday at Malone Stadium.  

On what was already a scorching morning session on the turf, the ULM defense turned up the heat a little more against their offensive counterparts. 

"I don't like it because it disrupts us and our offense," Evans said. "But it's always good knowing they'll be on our team when the games start."

Added ULM coach Matt Viator: "All in all, it was pretty solid defensively, except for a few plays." 

The defense recorded four sacks, including two from defensive Ivin White Jr. KeyShawn Johnson and Kerry Starks were also credited with sacks. 

"I know Ivin White knocked down some passes, which I thought was pretty impressive," Viator said.  

White said defensive line coach Anthony Camp has pushed the players under his watch through preseason drills.

"He's been getting us right, showing us our mistakes and helping us perfect our technique," White said. "Every day, we're trying to see who will make a play." 

There were two takeaways, with Tyler Glass intercepting Evans early, and Demarcus Jones picking off a pass with the fourth team on the field.

"The offense was a little hit and miss I thought," Viator said. "We made a few big plays. Not the whole team, but it looked like there were a few dead legs out there. Toward the end of camp, I think we need to get our legs back under us a little bit. All in all, it was good work."

Evans saw more extensive action, completing 15-of-24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Both of Evans' touchdowns went to Brandius Batiste, who caught four balls for 48 yards.

"Brandius Batiste had another good day and Markis McCray made some big plays, especially the one coming out (for 66 yards)," Viator said. "Malik Jackson had an 89-yarder coming out and that was good for a young guy to make a play."

Evans, who figures to distribute the ball more evenly to his receiving corps this season, has been impressed with Batiste in camp. 

"The receivers' mindset this season has been receiver by committee," Evans said. "Whoever eats, eats. But I love when guys step up and make plays and want the ball."  

Austin Vaughn rushed for 34 yards on six carries and had a 19-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Colby Suits completed 12-of-23 passes for 108 yards with an 11-yard touchdown strike to Zach Jackson. 

Special delivery: ULM kickers were a combined 3-for-5 on field-goal attempts, missing the first two. Jacob Meeks hit from 46 and 48 yards while Jared Porter missed a 41-yarder and was good from 42. Craig Walker missed a 32-yard kick. 

"Hopefully, we can get out of the gate a little quicker than that," Viator said. "I didn't think either of the first two were short. They hit them both good but were just off line. The last one he hit pretty good."
 
Early returns: A number of young players had big moments in the scrimmage. Freshman Zack Martin from Woodville, Texas, ripped off a 69-yard gain and scored a 6-yard touchdown run on the next play. 

"Zack Martin had a really good touchdown run," Viator said. "He's one of our freshman backs from Woodville we brought in. He showed some power, showed some speed and that's really promising."

Freshman receiver Chandler Whitfield from Zachary, Louisiana, caught five passes for 25 yards.

"Chandler is going to be a good guy for us," Evans said. "He's a freshman, so we'll see where that goes. But in fall camp, he's been in the playbook and knows his assignments. He's being comfortable and making plays."   

Will Derrick, a sophomore receiver from Shreveport, blocked a punt. 

"A young man named Will Derrick blocked the punt and he just got here," Viator said. "That's impressive."  
 
 
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