Jacobs Satisfied With Spring Progression As Bears Near Halfway Point

MACON – First-year head coach Mike Jacobs continued to laud the progression of the Mercer football team on Thursday morning as the Bears wrapped up the seventh of 15 spring practice sessions at Five Star Stadium.

"We're throwing a lot at them right now, so there's going to be some mistakes," Jacobs said. "My thing is 'go as fast and as hard as you can to where you think you need to be, and we will coach it on film'. The guys have done a good job at being receptive. I think that we ahead in certain areas, and I think there are a few that are behind where we aren't as veteran, but I have been satisfied with our progression so far."

The work ethic of the Bears continued to draw the head coach's praise on Thursday as well. Offensively, redshirt sophomore Cedric Richardson continues to make strides on the offensive line, while skill position work has been highlighted by senior wide receiver Parker Wroble and redshirt sophomore running back Micah Bell. Freshman signal caller Neko Fann, who joined the Bears at the semester break after a standout prep career at Colquitt County High School, has turned heads as well.

"There's a bunch of guys at the quarterback spot, and it's a wide open competition," Jacobs said. "Neko Fann continues to impress me, D.J. (Smith) has done some nice things, as has the whole group. I am excited to see them in some more scrimmage-like situations, but they've done a nice job with all that we have given them."

The Mercer defense, which was a big calling card for the Bears in 2023, bid adieu to some key players at season's end, but Jacobs is encouraged by the progression on that side of the ball as well, particularly in the secondary. Veterans Dainsus Miller and Myles Redding have made tremendous strides so far this spring, as has sophomore defensive lineman Caden Camese.

"We're still working on getting all the schemes in and that stuff, but there is a work ethic about them that says they want to do well," Jacobs said. "I've been impressed with how they work, but we are still looking for some more improvement."

The Bears are back on the practice field on Friday morning, but will break for Easter Weekend following that session. Early-morning sessions on Tuesday and Thursday next week will precede the first organized scrimmage of the spring season on Saturday at Five Star Stadium.

The general public, as well as members of the media, are invited to attend all practices at Five Star Stadium.

Jacobs Satisfied With Spring Progression As Bears Near Halfway Point

Players Mentioned

Micah Bell

Caden Camese

Neko Fann

Dainsus Miller

Myles Redding

Parker Wroble

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