SU coaches make classwork top priority for players

Southern head coach Stump Mitchell works with his team against Tennessee State during 2nd half action in Nashville Saturday.

It was first-year receivers coach Jorge Baez, who’d already found the classroom and wanted to know why Berry was late.
“Before I ever got to class, he was already there — waiting,” Berry said. “He texted me to ask where I was.”
Such was the scene Monday as Southern coaches roamed the campus, checking up on their players the first day of the fall semester. They not only took roll, but also checked to make sure the players were seated on the first three rows.
By the afternoon, the Jaguars were back on the practice fields continuing to prepare for their Sept. 1 opener at New Mexico.
But coach Stump Mitchell made it clear what was most important.
“Make sure you sit in the first three rows,” Mitchell said in the team huddle after Monday’s practice. “First three rows from the front of the class.”
Mitchell’s emphasis on academics helped Southern escape the APR issues that led to a postseason ban in 2011 as well as NCAA-imposed reductions in scholarships and practice time. He continues to stress the importance of scoring in the classroom as he enters his third season on the Bluff.
“He preaches going to class and discipline before he preaches about being successful on the football field,” Southern safety Levi Jackson said.
Monday marked a landmark of sorts for SU, which wrapped up fall camp with a scrimmage Saturday. Two-a-day practice sessions were over. The opening game was growing near.
But it’s hard to catch your breath bouncing from the classroom to the gridiron.
By the time the Jaguars finished with practice Monday afternoon, Jackson said he was feeling the effects of a day that began with a morning workout, continued with three classes and finished in full pads.
“I caught myself yawning a couple times,” Jackson said with a smile. “Had my eyes closed underneath my helmet.”