GREENEVILLE, Tenn. ---The Tusculum College football team conducted its first scrimmage of the spring on Thursday afternoon at the TC practice complex. The 90-play scrimmage marked only the second day the Pioneers have practiced outside.
"For the first scrimmage with a new offense and many players moved in different positions, I'm somewhat surprised and pleased with our progress," said Tusculum head coach Frankie DeBusk. "We are no where near in good enough shape, but we have several players fighting through some minor injuries. Our team is practicing hard and I'm pleased with our effort."
The defensive squad played very well, led by linebacker Justin Scott (Jamestown, S.C.), who accounted for nine tackles and a sack. Defensive back Darik Gary (Kings Mountain, N.C.) recorded a tackle, broke up three passes and picked off two interceptions.
The offensive unit, under the direction of new offensive coordinator Marc Kolb, was led by rookie quarterback Garrett Sutphen (Banner Elk, N.C.), who went 11-for-23 for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed six times, including a one-yard TD. Kurt Napier (Chatsworth, Ga.), who transferred to Tusculum last spring from Truman State, went 9-for-20 for 60 yards and two TD passes. Brandon Behenna (Sharpsburg, Ga.), who is serving double duty this spring on the Tusculum football and baseball teams, was 4-of-5 passing for 31 yards and rushed for a touchdown.
The top offensive target was All-South Atlantic Conference receiver Jamichael Caldwell (Chattanooga, Tenn.), who hauled in four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Jarrell NeSmith (Russellville, Ala.) added three receptions, including a TD, while Sandarvis Duffie (Orlando, Fla.) also posted a TD catch.
Linebacker Kenny Wells (Warner Robins, Ga.) was responsible for six tackles in the scrimmage, while Jeremy Jones (Marietta, Ga.) finished with five tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry. Chris Carson (Madisonville, Tenn.) and Antrez McDaniel (Fountain Inn, S.C.) added five and four tackles, respectively, while Rashad Montgomery (Calhoun, Ga.) broke up four passes.
"We did several good things in the scrimmage, but we have plenty of work to do," added DeBusk.
Tusculum will host its annual Orange and Black spring game, March 24th at Pioneer Field.
