Fan the Flames Beat Writer Interview: Joe Medley (Jacksonville State)

THis week is the biggest game of the year for the Liberty Flames down in Jacksonville and who better to talk to than Joe Medley beat writer for the Anniston Star.

Fan the Flames: First and foremost thanks for taking the time to do this with me. Even though it's only two games in, what differences can you see between Levi Jenkins and 2017 starter Bryant Horn?
Joe Medley: The main difference between Eli Jenkins and Bryant Horn is that Jenkins was more of a running threat, in that he could "house" opponents. He could go 80 yards and beat a defense. He could be the primary ball carrier, depending on how defenses played JSU. Horn's runs are more the changeup, most effective in getting first-down yardage.

FTF: How has the team stayed focused coming off a very early bye week after the loss to Georgia Tech?

JM: JSU has gone game, open date, game and open date. JSU coach John Grass joked this week that his team might be the most rested and healthy in college football. His main concern has been making sure the Gamecocks do things in practice to maintain a feel for game speed. As for focus, they just came off a 37-10 loss. It was to a Power Five opponent, but JSU has come to expect better showings in those games. Now, they face a team that is making the FBS transition and beat a Power Five opponent.

FTF: Who has taken up the slack in the receivers following the graduation of leading receiver Josh Barge?

JM: The answer is nobody, at least to that level. Grass has referred to this receiving corps as more blue-collar. Krenwick Sanders (Wisconsin transfer) and Shaq Davidson (South Carolina transfer) each have a touchdown catch. Jamari Hester (6-7, 210) is talented but has had issues with drops in the first two games. What was interesting in the Georgia Tech game was how JSU expanded its use of running back Roc Thomas in the passing game, sending him in down-field patterns.

FTF: How good is Roc Thomas? Is he someone that we could see on Sunday next year?

JM: Thomas is a home-run threat, capable of making tacklers miss. He made as many as nine miss on highlight-reel runs in high school. What he's trying to show this year --- and Grass, who was his first high school coach, has gone to bat for him this way --- is that he can get it done between the tackles. He was a legit five-star talent out of high school, so there's every chance he could play on Sundays.

FTF: This is a two part question. First, What's the matchup that we need to be watching this Saturday night? Second, What do you think is the key for the Gamecocks against the Flames in what could be a very high scoring game Saturday night?
JSU's corners against Liberty's receivers. JSU must make Stephen Calvert, known for quick throws, hold onto the ball longer than he wants. JSU wants to give Darius Jackson and the pass rush time to affect Calvert. Also, JSU's linebackers have been known to drop into coverage and get picks. Sam linebacker Jonathan Hagler had a pick-6 against Chattanooga. Will LB Joel McCandless has two career interceptions, including a pick-6 at Eastern Kentucky last year. Mike LB Quan Stoudamire has a breakup and a PD this year. Look for them to try to squeeze underneath windows.