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Big Backs Shine During ULM’s First Spring Scrimmage

Big Backs Shine During ULM’s First Spring Scrimmage

Football Mar 11
By ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist Paul Letlow

MONROE, La. – Head coach Terry Bowden did the math and is hopeful a sturdier stable of backs becomes part of the winning equation to bolster ULM's running game.

"I'm interested in watching our backs because they're bigger," Bowden said. "What I want to see is if we're seeing some of the results of that. If you run 30 times a game and can push for two more yards each time, that's 60 yards per game."

Newcomers Isaiah Woullard (5-8, 216) and Thad Franklin Jr. (6-0, 237) both showcased their skills during a crisp 70-play, 50-minute spring scrimmage Saturday morning at Malone Stadium.

A north-south bruiser with churning feet, Woullard ran five times for 27 yards, including a 14-yard burst early. Franklin had seven carries for 24 yards.

"Coach (Matt) Kubik always talks about us being physical and hitting the holes hard," said Woullard, a transfer from Ole Miss. "He's hard on us and that will pay off in the long run."

Meanwhile quarterbacks Jiya Wright and Hunter Herring took turns directing the offense and both led scoring drives.

"We've got so many new guys here, I just like to see plays," Bowden said. "I thought Jiya did a good job of not turning the ball over in his chance to be the first-team guy.

"Hunter is coming along as he learns the offense. But I was just so pleased that Jiya didn't turn the ball over or make foolish throws. He handled it like the veteran that he is."

Wright was 8-of-11 for 69 yards and one touchdown. He finished the scrimmage with four consecutive completions for 49 yards. Herring was 3-of-6 for 33 yards.

Although the emphasis was on running the ball, Bugs Mortimer had three catches for 26 yards, including an impressive 15-yard reception from Herring. Max McGee grabbed two passes for 37 yards.

Linebacker Carl Glass led the defense with five tackles and a fumble recovery. Defensive back Norman Masses had two pass break-ups while Lu Tillery had one.

"The defense jumped off sides too many times," Bowden said. "We're not watching the ball, but that's good to see because we can correct that."

ULM cranked up the running game for the scrimmage's first scoring drive. The Warhawks rushed eight times for 37 yards during a 10-play, 52-yard march before Derek McCormick kicked a 28-yard field goal.

Herring on his second possession directed the first-team offense with a 15-yard pass to Mortimer while Franklin contributed runs of 14 and 8 yards.

On his next series, Wright directed an eight-play, 60-yard march, completing a 24-yard pass to McGee and a 15-yard touchdown screen to Bennett Galloway.

"We didn't run a whole bunch of plays today," Bowden said. "My main thing when we have a day like that is, 'Can you line up? Can you do the assignment and can you go full speed?' We can't change talent too much. If a guy never makes a mistake, he'll overcome a lack of talent. If he's a great talent but doesn't do things right, he lowers himself.

"Overall, I enjoyed watching it."
 
Thad Franklin carries the ball around right end during Saturday's first spring scrimmage in Malone Stadium.

 
 
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