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Head football coach Doug Socha said he was happy with the way his defense performed during the game.

“I think our defense did a great job today,� he said. “I think our offense was slow to go. I felt our offense was very inconsistent. I think our defense played really fast and really inspired.�

He said it was good to see the squads line up against each other even with the offensive struggles.

“This is what a spring game is about,� Socha said. “You get a chance to evaluate yourself and see exactly where you are, and we’ve got to continue to take the next steps.�

Bringing more balance

The offense looked similar to last year’s format on Saturday. A lot of plays came out of the shotgun and there was plenty of motion and throwing toward the sidelines. One notable difference, though, was the absence of last season’s quarterback Jalen Ferguson. Ferguson transferred to Campbell University after last season. He piled up 3,276 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in the fall.

The offensive line has gone through a lot of changes.

“We’ve brought in five offensive linemen here this semester,� Socha said. “That’s been a big focal point for us. We felt like we had to add some size and add some competition, some depth. To win on the line of scrimmage has been a big focus for us.�

He said the offense is going to be more balanced next year compared to last season’s pass-heavy approach.

“I wouldn’t say (the offense is transitioning),� Socha said. “We’re transitioning some different positions. … We want to be able to run the football better than we did last year … and we have some really explosive players we want to throw the ball to as well.�

He said that balance and focus on the fundamentals has been factoring into his recruiting during the offseason on both sides of the ball.

“We want to recruit fast, dynamic, explosive players who touch the football,� Socha said. “And, certainly, guys who can run on defense is a key element, guys with length on defense as well. …

“We’re trying to add some height to our secondary. And then, with the offensive line and the defensive line, we’re trying to increase our size and power so we can win the line of scrimmage.�

First things first

Even with all the changes the game has gone through over the years, Socha said he believes football is a game that comes down to what happens in the trenches.

“I believe 100%, the game is won on the line of scrimmage,â€� he said. “I think at some point, whether you’re at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ or in the NFL, you’re going to have to win on the line of scrimmage. You’re going to have to win running the football. You’re going to have to win stopping the run, and that’s a major focus for us. …

“I think when you run the football, everything comes just a little bit easier in terms of play actions, screens and taking shots.�

Socha said while he still has some recruiting work to do, the main focus is going to be on doing the basics well.

“The next few weeks, we have to really focus on finishing up strong academically, finishing up strong in the weight room,� he said. “We’ll bring back about 50 to 60 guys for the summer and then it’s all about running, lifting and getting ready to be built for fall ball.�