JAMESTOWN — Jamestown University football concluded its spring season with 15 practices in five weeks.
The Jimmies concluded spring practice on Friday, April 19th with their annual red-and-white scrimmage.
“We had a really good spring,” Jimmies head coach Brian Mistro said. “We did almost all of our practices live and ended up getting about 300+ live reps. So for the spring game, we had everyone playing and we had families coming to town. It was a real culmination of seeing us play in different places with different players. It was really good for us to get this kind of recognition, and our players work hard every day. I’m hungry to keep improving.”
One player who will change positions this spring is senior Rashaun Benners, who will move from safety to cornerback.
“Honestly, it was a really good transition. Knowing our defense and our age, there weren't any big upsets,” Benners said. “So it wasn’t a difficult transition.”
Benners said he was pleased with his team's performance in the spring game.
After spring practice, Mystro said he was impressed with how the team's age showed. Mistro said there was less need for explanations during spring practice because of his team's experience. Mistro said the team's veterans are practicing.
Max O'Neill / Jamestown Sun
As of April 22, the Jimmies will have 15 returning fifth graders.
“We have some fifth-year seniors back, and our fourth-year students are really leading the way,” Mistro said. “As a coach, I really enjoyed watching the team grow in maturity and practice go more smoothly.”
Mistro said the team worked on a variety of coverages and schemes on both sides of the ball. He said a number of players improved this spring, including veteran members of the secondary Benards, Parker Chaffee and Herschel Jefferson. He said the linebacker corps of Jackson Walters, Jed Lantz, Mason Parker and Gabe Click has also improved.
Mistro said he has seen improvements on the offensive line as offensive line coaching duties have been added to offensive coordinator Jason Chaline's responsibilities.
Mystro added several running backs, including Gavin Bromdahl. One running back who is also a veteran is Carlos Jullien, who is entering his fifth season. Julien said he wants to work on his pass blocking and running this spring.
“We worked on it (pass blocking and running) day in and day out. It was like a daily drill for us,” Julian said. “I like the work we did.”
Julien said it's important for quarterbacks to be good pass blockers in order to stay upright. Throughout summer and fall camp, Julian wants to continue working on all areas of his game, he said.
“I want to improve (my conditioning, strength, catching and speed),” Julien said.
Benners said he wants to improve his speed and ability to get his teammates on the same page.
“Honestly, being a leader means making sure everyone stays calm, making sure they get through plays, making sure practices are 100%, making sure everyone knows what they're doing. It’s just making sure you understand what you’re doing,” Benners said. . “The speed of the game, we know the speed of the younger guys is a little different, so we're all trying to keep up with that. So we know everyone here is working.”
One of the biggest deductions from the Jimmies' defense they've dealt with this year was the departure of Paul Vandal, who graduates this year.
“The departure of Paul Vandal is going to be a big hole for us to fill,” Mistro said. “I think some of the speed and the players that come under him will compensate for that well. I think Daniel Erlandsson had a really good spring. We've got some players stepping up into that role, so we've done a pretty good job. I think you will.”
The Jimmies only have three quarterbacks this spring: Nick Martinez, Johnny Grann and James Lewis.Mistro said the quarterback competition will take place heading into the fall. It will be between Martinez and Gran. Mistro said Martinez and Gran will need help from the coaching staff to earn starting spots.
“There needs to be some leadership coming out of the group in that position, someone needs to govern, someone needs to lead, someone needs to go out and get the job,” Mistro said. “I think that's the biggest thing I want to see. I want to see someone who takes it with a grain of salt and says, this is mine, let's go, and makes our decision very easy. I want to.”
Max O'Neill / Jamestown Sun
Now that spring training is over, Benners said he will continue training but will also take time off to spend time with his family.
Julian said he plans to continue training throughout the summer.
“There's no time off,” Julian said. “We were already on vacation. It was winter. Now it's time to work.”
Hello,
My name is Max O'Neill. I'm a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. I'm a native New Yorker who graduated from Ithaca College in 2020 with a degree in Television and Radio.
