LJ FB: Spring practice opens

Running back Alex "Dock" Dockery takes

a handoff from Cole Dimich, presumed

starting quarterback, on opening day

of spring practice.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

"There are no one-way players in this program," new La Jolla football head coach Matt Morrison told his players.

Morrison, on the first day of spring practice at Muirlands Middle School, later elaborated, while taking a break: "We don't know the players, for one thing. We have to get to know them.

"Secondly, it helps the players be marketable in future programs. They may not play offense or defense, but if they have been exposed to another position, at least it will help them if a college program wants to try them at another position."

"We're not a (Concord, CA) De La Salle, where we have 50 players at each position," the first-time head coach said in earnest.

Morrison was observed doing a lot of teaching on his first active day in drills, along with his assistants.

Some familiar names and faces returning in the program included Daniel McColl, Dane Hansen, Nick Hammel, Alex Dockery, Johann Ponsaty, Andrew Mitchell, Jesse Pacleb, Christophe Gish, JoJo Russell, and Tanner Watson, among others.

The presumed starting quarterback is Cole Dimich, who saw some action as backup last season. He took snaps behind center, along with Trevor Scully and left-handed Kenny Hayden. Reilly Rowan, who took snaps in practice early last season before being planted at tight end, has moved back to Florida, according to one of the assistants at practice.