Defense Shines in First Ever Samford Spring Game, 34-20
The first ever Samford football spring game was under the lights of Pete Hanna Stadium last night as the defense picked up the 34-20 win over the offense. The first spring of a new era under John Grass has concluded.
Samford had a great turnout with potential recruits and students alike with over 150 recruits on campus as John Grass mentioned after the game in talking with the media. The student buy in is extremely important for this new Samford staff especially after Samford’s 1-11 season last year.
“Our students did a really good job of showing that, but it's good to see,” said Grass. “Once we got them here, we're gonna show that they’re going to be entertained and it’s gonna be a fun atmosphere. You know, because in today's world, it's all about the fan experience.”
The game consisted of four quarters with a running clock of 15 minutes, 12 minutes, 10 minutes and an eight minute fourth quarter. The defense received six points for a turnover, three points for three-and-outs, three for each turnover, and a point for forcing a punt. The offense used its usual scoring for touchdowns and field goals.
The Samford defense shined forcing three interceptions, all by true freshman Corrion Tyson, along with four three-and-outs of the Samford offense. They also forced one turnover on downs. Grass was excited about the defensive performance with those turnovers.
“I think it's turnovers,” said Grass. “I mean, they created some turnovers. Some of what you got to do defensively, is we talk about taking the ball away. Offensively, we got to protect the ball a little bit better, but I thought the turnovers were huge for the defense. I've seen a lot of good on both sides as far as just blocking and tackling and making some plays. We did create some explosive plays on offense. Then defensively, we were able to get some stops, even when we got in the red zone, they forced two field goal situations. So I thought defensively had a good night with the turnovers for sure.”
On the offensive side of the ball, four out of the five quarterbacks saw action which included, QB Charlie Gilliam, transfer QB Coulter Cleland, QB Ryan Oliver and QB James McGinn. McGinn had the one passing touchdown on the night to WR Preston Bird. Bird was targeted many times over the course of the night, he returns to Samford with the most receiving yards from last season.
QB Ryan Oliver had a rushing touchdown running past the Samford defense for a 36-yard TD run. The only QB to not see action due to injury was Oregon State transfer QB Gabarri Johnson. Johnson’s transfer to Samford was under the radar as Johnson started three games last season for Oregon State in his redshirt sophomore season.
John Grass says that QB competition will continue into fall camp but likes what Samford QB coach Paul Tyson is molding that room into.
“Well, I think it's just competition,” said Grass. “I thought we had solid competition, you know this spring and going into summer, I think we're in a good place. So we're very comfortable with two guys just going in and operating. You know as fall comes about, but it'll be a great competition when fall gets here. So I think in every room, you gotta have ultimate competition. And especially that room that kind of drives that room. Any room that don't have competition, you're gonna be very limited to how far you set the bar up. So in that room to have competition is a must and it'll be a daily battle through summer. Two really good leaders there, even the third and fourth string guys are really good leaders as well. So, I think we're in a good spot there.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was also in attendance as his son, Drew, is the Samford WR coach. Grass appreciated him coming out and supporting his son while supporting the Samford football program in general.
“He shows you what kind of Dad he is”, said Grass. “ You know, he's here to watch his son, and Drew's doing, he’s going to be a rock star in his business as well. You know Coach Swinney’s one of those genuine friends. It's a lifelong friend to me, and we were glad to have him on campus and be around. I promise you, he'll be pulling for the Bulldogs in the fall so he’ll probably be at our opener and be at some games throughout the fall when he can be. So good to have him on campus.”
The fall cannot get here soon enough with this new era of Samford football kicking off on Saturday, August 29 against North Alabama in Huntsville.
