GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum College football team conducted the first of three spring scrimmages this past Sunday afternoon at the TC football practice fields.
Not only was it TC's first scrimmage, but it also marked the first "outside" practice for the Pioneers this spring.
"It took us a while to get comfortable, believe it or not. But once we got acclimated, I thought we played with a lot of enthusiasm and we had a lot of guys make a lot of plays," said Tusculum head coach Frankie DeBusk. "We had some big defensive interceptions. I was also pleased with our offensive line. We have a lot of guys who are new and are trying to learn what we are looking to accomplish on offense and I was proud of their efforts and they number of snaps they had to take."
The 120-play scrimmage gave the offensive coaching staff a chance to see the progress of 2010 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year Bo Cordell at quarterback, after redshirting last season due to a foot fracture.
Cordell went 8-for-11 (72.7%) for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Kyle Dickey saw a lot of snaps under center as he went 22-for-31 (70.9%) for 254 yards and four touchdowns, while Cameron Tallent passed for 151 yards, going 17-for-36 (47%) with a TD and three interceptions.
Xzanvion Smith had a sensational scrimmage as he made seven receptions for 172 yards and three touchdowns. Wesley Powell hauled in three grabs for 26 yards and a score, while a 12 other players saw extensive playing time in the TC passing attack.
Running back Chad Blakely recorded nine carries for 39 years, along with three receptions for 18 yards.
The Tusculum defense, under the direction of new defensive coordinator Mike Iezzi, saw some good things from the returning veterans, including linebacker Brian Alexander. Alexander, last year's top tackler, recorded several quarterback pressures, including a pair of sacks.
Linebacker Aaron Morgan was impressive, making several big plays, while Luke Harris and Joe Nelson each recorded an interception, including Nelson's acrobatic pick in the end zone to thwart an offensive drive.
The defensive line also posted numerous pressures on the quarterback, led by Nick Smith and Desmond Raiford.
Spring drills continue this week and will culminate with the Tusculum Spring Game, tentatively slated for March 24th at 2 p.m.
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