Red Wolves Football Scrimmage Gives Fans Flash of Harsin Era

JONESBORO  – With classes at Arkansas State University set to begin Monday and its fall camp nearing completion, the Red Wolves football team held a full-contact scrimmage Saturday at Liberty Bank Stadium as part of its 2013 Fan Fest.

Fans got their first official look at Bryan Harsin’s version of Red Wolves football this fall, watching the team run approximately 90 plays during the scrimmage that took place this afternoon following the athletics department’s “License to Howl” promotion held this morning outside the stadium.

“We want to thank the fans for coming out today and supporting our team,” said head football coach Harsin.  “Our fan base is extremely important to us and what we’re trying to accomplish, and having them out here today added another element of excitement to practice for our coaches and players.”

Unofficial stats showed a productive scrimmage on both sides of the ball with the offense accumulating close to 470 yards, five touchdowns and a pair of field goals from senior kicker Brian Davis, while the defense got an interception from junior cornerback Kelsey Collins, recorded eight tackles for loss, picked up a sack from senior lineman Amos Draper and forced several three-and-outs.

“On the offensive side of the ball, the main thing today was that we were still looking at some of our different groupings with personnel,” said Harsin.  “We were mixing and matching some, but we will watch film tonight and we expect that to be solidified for the most part.

“Defensively today, it came down to tackling,” Harsin said.  “We’ve got good tacklers, but there will be times when they’re going to face an opponent one-on-one who has an advantage because they are in open space.  We’ve got to hunt in packs, get more guys to the football and get them there in a hurry so that if it does come down to a one-on-one situation, there are other players close to help.”

The Red Wolves football team will conclude their fall camp Sunday with film sessions, meetings and a walk-through.  The team won’t practice Monday with classes beginning, but will resume its on-field preparations for the 2013 season on Tuesday.

Season and individual game tickets for the Red Wolves’ 2013 football campaign, which includes six home games, are currently on sale and can be ordered by contacting the A-State Box Office at 870-972-ASU1 or 1-888-ASU-FANS (278-3267) or by visiting AStateRedWolves.com.  For more information, contact A-State Athletics Marketing at 870-972-3880.