Former Norfolk State fullback adjusting well as linebacker

NORFOLK

Beach District football fans knew Eric Hitch as a fullback last fall. Norfolk State followers will see the First Colonial High School graduate primarily as a linebacker.

Hitch hadn't played linebacker since starting at that spot in ninth grade, but he's relearning the position in a hurry under NSU coach Pete Adrian.

"It's encouraging," Adrian said. "He's made some good reads and is a real tough kid, which I personally like."

"It's definitely a change playing on the other side of the ball," said Hitch, who averaged 6.3 yards per carry his senior year with the Patriots. "I didn't play a lot of defense in high school. It's been good learning stuff and trying to catch up to the rest of the players."

Linebacker Mike Alphonse has helped, Hitch said, noting it was easier to read the game as a fullback. "Defense, you've got to react more," he said.

Hitch, who recovered a fumble in Saturday's scrimmage, is also slated to play on special teams.

Who's No. 2?

There's no question Dennis Brown is the Spartans' starting quarterback, but the backup job is for grabs, with Dexter Merritt and Rakeem Kersey battling it out. Brian Jackson, last year's punter who was a backup QB, is ineligible, though he's in school and hopes to return next fall.

After Brown, Kersey earned all the playing time in Saturday's scrimmage, highlighted by a touchdown pass to Jeremy Wicker. A banged-up right thumb sidelined Merritt, who returned to practice Monday after missing four days.

Merritt, out with a knee injury for most of his senior year at Oscar Smith High School and a redshirt freshman last fall, said he yearns to play more.

"I'm a competitive guy," he said. "Sitting out last year, I think I've gotten to explore the game a little bit more. I've become more familiar with defenses and I've learned the offensive playbook better."

Merritt rooms with Kersey, out of Hampton High School, but the two don't bring the competition home.

"I busted my butt all summer trying to get prepared for this situation," Merritt said. "I've been going six days a week training with my personal trainer, coming out here on the weekends with the guys and throwing, running in the stadium and doing 7-on-7s."

Bumps and bruises

It's the third week of practice and nagging injuries are beginning to take their toll.

Offensive tackle Kendall Noble returned to practice Monday after missing last week with a high ankle sprain. Starting right tackle Calton Ford and safety Don Carey are nursing hamstring injuries. Right tackle Ryan Hathaway has a sprained back and linebacker Lamont Thorp has a sore shoulder. Center Andy Ramer has a strained calf.

"We don't have anybody that shouldn't be ready to play" in the season opener at home against Virginia State on Aug. 30, Adrian said.

Quick kicks

The Spartans' final scrimmage is 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Price Stadium and will only be open to sponsors of NSU football lockers and parents of the players. It will be the team's first chance to play in the stadium since beginning practice earlier this month....

Justin Castellat returns as NSU's starting kicker and redshirt freshman Billy Rudd is slated to be the punter. Adrian said both are capable of handling kickoffs. Redshirt freshman Ryan Estep, a Hickory High School graduate who is leftfooted, could also be used when the team is kicking from the left hash, particularly inside the 35-yard line.... Game time for NSU's visit to Kentucky on Sept. 6 is 6 p.m.