DALLAS, Texas – After arguably his defense’s best performance of the season in a 59-20 domination of Florida State, defensive backs coach John Neal took a moment to highlight an unheralded group of players.
“Our scout team in practice is phenomenal,” Neal said, slowing down his tone to emphasize the point. “They’re not okay, they’re phenomenal.”
In particular, he highlighted the abilities of freshman running back Tony James and freshman wide receiver Jeff Bieber.
“They keep battling and battling and at times I’m going, ‘You know, these guys are almost as good as what we’re playing,’” Neal said.
Getting acknowledgement for the work they do is something James – a shifty player Neal says is hard to tackle – and Bieber – a player that “just goes up and gets it,” according to multiple teammates – appreciate. In practice, the offensive scout team guys will play around 100 plays. While watching film and learning the game plan for their own offensive positions, they’ll watch defensive film to get a better idea of the opposing offensive players they’re trying to portray for the week.
“It means a lot to be honest,” James said. “It’s big for me to get attention, not only from the offensive staff, but from the defensive staff as well – seeing that I’m an athlete and acknowledging it in practice.”
The benefit is mutual between the defense and the scout team offense. The players get to have reps that they wouldn’t normally participate in while simultaneously giving the defense the look they need in practice.
“We definitely take it as kind of a challenge,” Bieber said. “Half of it is, we’re there to help the defense, but we’re also there to get better and if you go in there with that mentality, then the defense wins and you win.”
Though they aren’t the players scoring touchdowns on game day, their effect can be seen playing out throughout the game.
“We know that everything we do has a direct correlation to the game,” Bieber said. “We don’t necessarily get the glory on game day, I guess, but we know we have a direct impact and that’s what gets us going everyday to come to work.”
And their effect, from the defensive perspective, has been crucial in the team’s recent successes. The hours of extra film work the scout team offense participates in has hit a chord with Neal.
“That scout team may be the biggest reason we’re playing so well on defense because the rehearsal is so well-done,” Neal said.
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt