Archive Sections News Business Life/Religion A&E Sports Health Travel

Going To Work:
Johnson C. Smith begins fall practice with new coach

by Herbert L. White, THE CHARLOTTE POST

Junior quarterback Desmond Brown, who led Johnson C. Smith to three come-from-behind victories last season will be counted on to spart the offense in 1999.

For Johnson C. Smith football coach, Tim Harkness, this is the best part of football season.

Three weeks before the Golden Bulls open against Gardner-Webb, Harkness can concentrate on preparing players for his first year as a head coach on any level.

"We're to a point now where we can finally start practicing," he said. "That's the exciting part about it ­ that we can finally get on the field and start finding out where all these folks are going to fall into place."

They'll need to get there in a hurry. Although most of the starters return from last year's 6-4 team, the Bulls are thin in crucial spots, especially on the offensive line.

"All the guys that are returning and started last year because we don't have the depth, so the starters have to carry a heavier load," Harkness said. "The young guys who kind of went along last year have to step up and look to compete for some spots. The thing we've got to do in the next couple of years is get some depth."

Smith's depth concerns correlate with a decided lack of bodies on hand for drills. Seventy players showed up this week, which opens the possibility of walk-ons making the the squad this season.

"We're looking for depth from any and everybody that can play," Harkness said.

The first days of fall drills were spent on conditioning tests to measure the Bulls' fitness. Overall, Harkness was pleased with the shape of the returning players.

"It was a little better for some and not as good for others, but overall, it's where we think it ought to be," he said. "It makes a difference to see everybody come back at least in some kind of shape.

The first week of practice will be the most demanding, with three practices daily. The emphasis will be on refining what was taught in the spring while breaking in new players.

"We'll introduce defense to offense, starting from ground one and working up, installing the offense and defense so the young guys can know everything and the old guys can be refreshed," Harkness said. "As fast as they can get it will be better for them.

"The more you know, the more you're able to contribute. The longer it takes you to learn, it won't hold you back, but you'll be phased in later. The better they learn and the quicker they learn, the better."

JCSU at a glance Head coach: Tim Harkness (first season) 1998 record: 6-4, 3-3 CIAA. Players to watch: Desmond Brown, Jr. QB; Angel Rivera, Jr. SS.

Smith's defense, which was one of the most improved in the CIAA in '98, is expected to improve. The offense returns all its skill-position players, including running back Jimmy Bell and quarterback Desmond Brown. Their success, however, hinges on how well the revamped line performs. Both tackle spots are open, including the right side that's responsible for protecting Brown's blind side on pass plays.

"Offensively, we've got to find offensive tackles," Harkness said. "Right now, we don't have anybody who's played offensive tackle, so we've got two tackle spots we've got to fill. That's our priority on offense right now."