April 16, 2002
Magnolia, Ark.-The annual Southern Arkansas University Blue-Gold game has been scheduled for April 27 to conclude spring football practice. The Blue-Gold kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Wilkins Stadium. Following, an awards ceremony will be held at 11:30 and a cookout is set for 12 noon for the coaches and players and their families.
Second-year head coach Steve Quinn commented on the progress of his Muleriders. “I’ve been very pleased with our progress. Our guys have maintained a great attitude and have a tremendous work ethic that is starting to show in the way that we are playing and executing both offensively and defensively.”
“Defensively, we have done a great job of maintaining intensity and running to the football. We have been very aggressive, which is something we wanted going into the spring. I’m very pleased with (senior cornerback) Carl Bucknor, who has been a great leader and is starting to play like I expect a senior to play. Our defensive line is very young but very mobile running to the ball. I’m also extremely pleased with our linebacking corps with the return of Keenan Washington, who is playing very solid, and getting DeVares Campbell back (who missed the 2001 season), who is making a lot of plays for us. As long as we continue to make progress on that side of the ball these next seven practices, we are going to be at the place we want to be heading into the (2002) season.”
“From an offensive standpoint, our skill people have really performed well. We have people who have played there a lot. I’m really pleased with the play of Larnell Sinegal. He has been very consistent every day in establishing himself at fullback. (Quarterback) Ted Williams is doing a good job of leading our football team and showing some experience. I’m also pleased with the progress Donald Butler has made as our number-two quarterback and I am hoping to get Damian Melancon back from an injury this week and get him some more reps.”
“Our young offensive line has made a lot of strides as far as knowing the schemes and is starting to play with a little more consistency We still have a lot of work to do with them but our attitude and work ethic has been very good. I think were going to be able to make the progress that we needed to make this spring. Ryan Baker has been very solid at tight end and Nik Lewis still continues to be a leader at wide receiver with Edwin Skipper and Juan Bedolla working hard to keep pace with him. Our halfbacks, Torrrance Jones and Rodney Hill, are both doing a very good job of being solid and I am really pleased with their leadership on the field.”
“Our kicking game is something that we are still working on. There is a battle right now between Tommy Latoof, a transfer (from Arkansas) and Saul DeLa Cruz, who kicked for us last year. They are trying to develop the consistency that we need.”
The SAU staff and players have been excited in recent years with the large number of parents and fans who turn out for the Blue-Gold game. Admission is free.