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Stockstill optimistic after MTSU ends spring practice





MTSU quarterback Bailey Hackman, a North Carolina State transfer, takes a snap during a spring practice. MTSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION

MTSU quarterback Bailey Hackman, a North Carolina State transfer, takes a snap during a spring practice. MTSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION

MTSU’s football team got back to some sense of normalcy during its recent spring practice.

“I’m glad that we were able to slow things down and teach this spring, and the guys have had great attitudes and have come to work every day,” MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. “We’ve also stayed mostly healthy — knock on wood — and that has given our guys an opportunity to get out and practice and not miss a lot of reps. I’ve been really impressed with our guys.”

The Blue Raiders are coming off a 3-6 season as COVID-19 resulted in the postponement of three games.

Offensively, MTSU will have a new look on the field and on the sidelines as new offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon joined the staff in the offseason. He spent the spring installing a new offense.

“It’s a simple offense — not saying it’s easy — but the principles are simple, and it’s definitely got some good tempo,” offensive line coach Rick Mallory said.

MTSU also will have a new look under center as last season’s starting quarterback Asher O’Hara entered the NCAA transfer portal.

North Carolina State redshirt junior transfer, redshirt junior Chase Cunningham and redshirt sophomore Mike DiLiello all received reps in the spring.

“We threw a lot at our guys in a short period of time to see how much they could handle,” Dearmon said of the overall offense. “Those guys are going to have to take control of our team this summer. … We demand a lot out of them to continue working and continue getting better.”

Graduate transfer running backs Amir Rasul (Florida State) and Martell Pettaway (West Virginia) were expected to make an impact last season, but they opted not to play due to COVID-19. Both went through spring practice.

Defensively, linebackers DQ Thomas, Jonathan Butler and Jalen Davis sat out the spring due to injuries, along with cornerback Decorian Patterson and safety Gregory Grate.

However, Stockstill said several younger players were able to take advantage of more reps and made a lot of improvements.

“A lot of guys have stood out, but I think Devyn Curtis and Drew Francis are two freshmen linebackers who’ve gotten a ton of work and improved a lot. … Then, on the back end, Jalen Jackson, another freshman, has gotten a ton better this spring,” Stockstill said. “They were all good players before they got here, but with all the work and reps, they’ve continued to get better.”

Defensive coordinator Scott Shafer noted that the defensive line made good strides during spring drills.

“I like what we’re doing up front with the defensive line,” Shafer said. “Marley Cook is a young man who’s going to be a good player, Zaylin Wood is playing good football, Richard Kinley is looking good at defensive end. I think all of those kids have done a great job. It’s been nice to go a little slower and teach this spring.”

MTSU will open the season Sept. 4 at home against Monmouth before traveling to Virginia Tech the following week.

“We can still get better individually and collectively as a team,” Stockstill said. “We have to continue to keep that same mindset of trying to improve and get better each day we go out there.”

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