First-team defense allows one field goal

GREENSBORO, N.C., April 16, 2005 – The Aggie coaching staff began spring practice with some adjustments to its offense, including the addition of new offensive coordinator Kent Schoolfield.

 However, by the end of spring practice, the Aggie defense showed it should remain a focal point heading into the 2005 season. The defense made a statement in the annual spring game, posting an 18-15 victory over the offense at Aggie Stadium.

 The Aggies first-team defense, playing without starting linebacker Chamar Milton and cornerback Theron Thomas, allowed just three first downs in 11 possessions and forced a fumble on the game’s second play from scrimmage.

 The defense was rewarded with three points for turnover, one point for a defensive stop and six points for a touchdown. The first-team offense was able to score two touchdowns, getting a one-yard run from Trey Green, and a 35-yard pass from Marshall Glenn to Curtis Walls.

 The touchdown pass was one of seven plays of 25 yards or more, all coming through the air. Tight end Josh King hauled in a 41-yard completion to set up Green’s touchdown. Curtis Jackson, a 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman wide receiver, drew the crowd’s attention and cheers when he jumped over two defenders for a 35-yard completion.

 N.C. A&T head coach George Small was pleased with the team’s effort although he expressed that the offensive execution still has a long road ahead.

 “We saw today as a day to evaluate our players, especially younger players, to give them a chance to make our ball club,” he said. We had too many mistakes, but that is expected in a spring game. We’ll look at the tape and go from there.”

 Small noted that several key players missed the scrimmage, but the team is ahead of last year’s pace.

 “Football is a game of injuries, and we are still adjusting to not having those guys on the field. We are going to develop (injured players) over the summer and get them out of rehab and get them on the field. The team is more enthusiastic about playing and morale is good, so we want this to carry on through the summer onto fall practice.”

 Glenn finished the day completing 9-of-21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.  “The offensive line has been working hard to give me good protection, and I made a few plays today,” Marshall said. “But we have to get better. Coach [offensive coordinator Kent] Schoolfield has put more pressure on the quarterbacks to execute.”

 On the defensive side, defensive coordinator Alonzo Lee was happy to see his younger players succeed within the defense. Sophomore defensive tackle Lionell Brown led a strong showing by the second unit with five tackles, including two sacks. Shropshire, a sophomore out of Fayetteville, had five tackles and a forced fumble while playing with the first unit. Shropshire became a force midway through the season after the Aggies endured some injuries.

 Even the special teams got into the act, blocking a field goal and an extra point.

 “You never know when you are called upon, so it’s great to see this young talent making plays. [Brown] doesn’t know what he has yet. He’s fast and strong as a bull, but if he keeps working, he has the chance to do something special. It’s guys like him and Tim Shropshire who can make a difference when they play within our team concept.”