CLARKSVILLE – Wide receiver DeAngelo Wilson took a handoff on the first play in Austin Peay State University’s second football scrimmage of fall camp, and snaked his way down the field past multiple defenders for a 35-yard gain.
Thus began a day of highlights for the sophomore, who added an 11-yard carry later on to finish the day with 46 yards rushing. He made two timely highlight reel catches in the latter part of the scrimmage, as well.
Facing a fourth-and-3 situation, quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall dropped back and fired a pass to Wilson cutting across the formation to the right sideline. Wilson caught the ball with one hand and turned upfield for a 7-yard gain and a first down to continue a drive that eventually led to a 34-yard field goal by Logan Birchfield.
On the penultimate drive of the scrimmage, facing fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Oatsvall lofted a ball to the left side of the end zone, and Wilson skied over the defense and plucked the ball away for the touchdown.
Despite the theatrics from Wilson, the defensive backs had an impressive outing during the 13 drives of the scrimmage. Five members of the secondary broke up a pass on the day, and sophomore Joseph Newberry recorded an interception. Safety Juantarius Bryant led all defenders with six tackles, as the junior flew around the field and pushed up into the box in run support.
The defensive line again had a strong showing, led by Shaun Whittinghill’s two tackles for loss, including a sack. Freshman Michael Hunt flashed for the second-straight week with four total tackles – including one for loss – and two quarterback hurries.
Eleven different players combined for 42 carries and 238 yards on the ground. Freshman Jalyn Shelton led the way with 11 carries and chugged ahead for 47 yards.
Junior Tre Nation had the long run of the day, breaking down the left side for a 57-yard carry before being knocked out at the 1-yard line. After a 3-yard loss on a quarterback keeper, Nation plowed ahead for 4 yards and the first touchdown of the scrimmage.
After the scrimmage, fans made their way to the Dunn Center for the “Meet the Govs” event, presented by ECHO Power Engineering, LLC, where they met student-athletes and coaches from the football, volleyball and soccer teams.
The football team will have an off day Sunday, followed by practices beginning at 8 a.m. each weekday. It will wrap up the third week of fall camp with a game day simulation at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Governors open their season the following week at Georgia, the reigning SEC Champion and national FBS runner-up, Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Courtesy of APSU Athletics