FCAHS’ Stockstill making progress ahead of spring practice – Hattiesburg American

Jacob Kemp , Prep Sports Reporter Published 5:47 p.m. CT April 1, 2017 | Updated 12 hours ago

Forrest County Agricultural High School football coach Jeff Stockstill speaks to his players during practice on Friday.(Photo: Susan Broadbridge/Hattiesburg American)Buy Photo

With spring football practice on the horizon, Pine Belt football teams are anxious to get back on the gridiron in preparation for the 2017 football season.

But there might be no one as excited as new Forrest County AHS head football coach Jeff Stockstill.

Stockstill, who spent three seasons with Raleigh, was hired by FCAHS in Februaryand has been busy prepping his team ever since. Between fitting in weight room sessions and trying to ingrain his playbook into the minds of his players, Stockstill has been busy, but also impressed with his team so far.

"They've been getting after it," he said. "We've been hitting the weight room, going out during school, hitting the hallways recruiting some guys to come out there with us and that sort of thing. It's been good so far."

Not being able to practice after school or strap on the football pads until after Easter hasn't deterred the Aggies. In fact, Stockstill says the majority of his playbook is already implemented. But according to the first-year coach, the biggest progression has been the little things.

"Two more weeks and we're going to hit the field," Stockstill said. "I'm excited, the guys are excited. For the most part we run a lot of different formations but just the same plays so it hasn't been too bad. The guys ran a little more spread last year and this year we're going to be that Wing-T team that Forrest County has been known for."

While the Aggie coach has been impressed with his team's worth ethic, he still hasn't gotten a good gauge of who or what his team is yet and likely won't until the team can go full contact in practice.

"I think that's when we will get a good sense of who we want to play where," he said. "Pads change the game. Everybody looks good running around with shorts and t-shirts on. So, when you put the pads on that's when the kids start to separate themselves. We'll find out who's out there that wants it and who's out there because his friends are out there."

However, Stockstill's goal remains to give the Aggies back their swagger and confidence that has waned in past years due to lack of success.

"They've been hearing it from me for about three weeks now," he said. "How many games did you guys loselast year where you either blew the lead or the score was close and you couldn't finish a ball game.We want to get the most out of each player. In my experience you have to get the most out of what you have. We're coaching effort and desire. How bad do you want it?"

Read the rest here:

FCAHS' Stockstill making progress ahead of spring practice - Hattiesburg American