GRAMBLING---As the Grambling State Tigers football team entered camp 14 days ago there was no doubt that the offensive unit would have to play catch up as they endeavor to grasp a new system. However, two weeks into camp facing a top-notch defense each day has proven to be the x-factor as the offense begins to turn the corner.

 

“I feel pretty good about the offense because they are going against one of the better defensive fronts every day. The offensive line has really built confidence and I think the young running backs are learning what they should do, said Head Coach Doug Williams. “The young quarterbacks are picking everything up and not making a ton of mistakes. When you look at them and the interceptions they have thrown, there have not been that many of them. That in itself speaks volumes to what they are doing.”

 

The offensive unit that features key battles at the running back and quarterback position has started to see stand out performances from some new faces. Running back Juwan Martin has made several big plays early on including a bruising performance in the Tigers scrimmage; while newcomer Charles Bailey has quickly moved up the depth chart into the starting role at the X-receiver.

 

“I think Martin ran the football pretty good with some of the moves that he made. He made a couple cuts that were just pretty good,” Williams said. “To get a kid from Mississippi State (Bailey) with two years (of eligibility) left is big. He went to summer school with Spivey (Dezmond Spivey) and Mario (Louis), so that gives us some additional experience.”

The Tigers returned to practice this morning as they continue two-a-day practices. They will hold their next scrimmage Saturday morning at 10:30 am on the Tiger practice field and immediately after words hold their annual Fan Appreciation and Media Day.