The first open scrimmage of the season for Southern University took place on a humid Saturday afternoon at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, drawing a modest crowd eager to glimpse the Jaguars' preparations for their August 29 opener against Alabama State.
Offensive Sparks
Among the highlights was a 75‑yard burst by freshman running back Deandre Mansfield, a product of Ouachita High School, who broke through the defense on the opening drive. Quarterback Christian Johnson, a transfer from Hutchinson Community College, displayed poise, completing several short passes and adding a 20‑yard scramble that underscored his readiness.
The coaching staff also experimented with a rare two‑running‑back set, handing the ball to sophomore quarterback Wyatt McCauley who faked a handoff before sprinting for 10 yards, showcasing creative play‑calling.
Defensive Adjustments
Defensively, the unit showed improvement, with freshman linebacker Hunter Schnakenberg generating pressure on the quarterback, yet the team logged four penalties on each side of the ball, echoing concerns from the previous season.
Coach Marshall Faulk, while pleased with the flashes of talent, kept his lips sealed on the identity of the starter, indicating that the decision would be revealed only when the top signal‑caller takes the first offensive snap.
The scrimmage also featured other quarterbacks — Ashton Strother and the aforementioned McCauley — who contributed passes, though one of Strother’s touchdowns was nullified by a penalty, illustrating the fine line between promise and discipline.
With the season opener looming against Alabama State, the Jaguars hope to translate these early positives into sustained performance, while addressing the disciplinary lapses that could prove costly in a competitive schedule.