CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah Football continued its preparations for the 2026 season Thursday as the Thunderbirds completed Day 6 of fall camp, with much of the attention centered on a defense that continues to grow more comfortable in a new system.
As camp practices have progressed, Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald has seen noticeable progress in the group's understanding of the defensive scheme and their ability to play with confidence and speed.
"Knowledge of the defense and being able to execute the calls at full speed has been the biggest improvement this week," Fitzgerald said. "We have upgraded on defense and are much more athletic."
That increased athleticism has been on display throughout camp, but Fitzgerald believes the defense's biggest strength begins with one of the most experienced position groups on the roster.
"Our linebacker unit is the most talented group on defense," Fitzgerald said. "They're our leaders, and they're the most experienced."
The veteran linebackers have helped establish the standard each day in practice, providing communication, leadership, and consistency while helping younger players adjust to the pace of camp.
The Thunderbirds are also installing a significantly different defensive approach heading into the season. Fitzgerald said the goal is to create disruption with the front four while maintaining the flexibility to bring additional pressure when necessary.
While the defense has flashed its potential by creating pressure and making plays throughout camp, Fitzgerald believes the unit is still developing into the physical, aggressive group he expects by the start of the season.
"I think we are a ways away from being as fast and as physical as we need to be, to be successful," Fitzgerald said. "But as our knowledge of the defense improves and our players understand more and more how fast we want them to play, it will improve."
The coaching staff's emphasis over the next several practices will be on developing a more attacking mentality and maintaining that intensity throughout every rep.
"My biggest challenge to our defense this week is that we have to be more assertive," Fitzgerald said. "We have to exert our aggression on the offense, play in and play out."
Competition has continued to elevate the level of play across the defensive depth chart as players battle for positions and increased reps heading into the final weeks of camp. With each practice, the Thunderbirds are becoming more comfortable in their assignments while building the chemistry needed to execute a new defensive system.
As fall camp continues, Southern Utah will continue emphasizing speed, physicality, and consistency as the defense works toward being game-ready for the 2026 opener at Montana on August 29th.
Tickets
Single game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Football campaign are now available, giving fans the chance to lock in their seats for an exciting new era in Cedar City. With the Thunderbirds' return to the Big Sky, now is the time to secure your spot at Eccles Coliseum and be part of the action all season long. For more information and to purchase, visit tbirdtickets.com.
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page.
Donate
Consider donating today to support Thunderbirds athletics. To learn more about how you can help, click here.
