Defense rules in Blue/Gold Scrimmage

Kijana Thomas intercepted a pass for a 30-yard touchdown scamper.

CHARLESTON, SC - As has been the case throughout spring drills, the defense dominated the action during the 2003 Blue/Gold spring football game on Saturday morning.

CSU's defense intercepted three passes, returning two for touchdowns, and recorded eight tackles for loss and five sacks in winning the scrimmage against the offense, 62-14. The scrimmage was played entirely in an offense versus defense setting as CSU had just one healthy quarterback for the game.

Redshirt sophomore Clint Chappell, the team's only quarterback for the spring, completed six of six passes on the offense's first possession, directing the team to an early score. However, Chappell faced much tougher going for the remainder of the game, completing 23-of-47 passes overall for 284 yards and two scores.

Linebacker Tony Robinson and cornerback Kijana Thomas provided two of the biggest defensive highlights. Robinson intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for one touchdown while Thomas picked off a pass and ran it back 20 yards for a score. Safety Javon Bryant also intercepted a pass during the scrimmage.

Junior linebacker Bowe Butler recorded eight tackles unofficially to lead the way on defense. Redshirt freshmen tackles Landon Papay and Brett Bowdren had very solid scrimmages along the front, as did senior end Martin Arce and senior tackle Jonathan West.

Senior receiver Luke Turner, who enters the 2003 season with a chance to become the school's all-time leading receiver, finished the day with six receptions for 123 yards. Aaron Dunklin caught four passes and Ryan Fleck added three receptions for the offense. Fleck and sophomore tight end Chuck Huger scored the offensive touchdowns on pass receptions from Chappell.

The leading rusher offensively was senior Sheldon Evans with 42 yards on nine carries. CSU managed just 51 yards rushing on the day.

CSU will open the 2003 season on August 28 at The Citadel.