Family Guy: South Alabama Boss Joey Jones Preaches Unity For Success

There is no disputing the fact that strength lies in numbers.

It's been proven time and time again.

But all too often ... especially on the football field ... the strongest guys aren't necessarily the best, that day.

Was Utah better than Alabama in the 2008 Sugar Bowl? Are you kidding me!?!

And what jackass would've laid money on Boise State to beat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl? 

The Statue of Liberty DOES NOT take handoffs!

Give me a fu(#$%&) break! 

You do see where I'm going with this, right?

So as South Alabama Head Coach Joey Jones prepares his team for only the fledgling program's second football season ... its last before beginning play against heavyweight Division I competition in 2011 ... he's cementing the Jaguars' future on one key philosophy:

Unity.

"We want to create a family atmosphere," said the effervescent Jones after Saturday morning's brisk scrimmage ... the team's next to last before opening the season Sept. 4 against Pikeville (Ky.) College.

"I want these guys to feel like this is their home. I want them to be motivated by the people they can be and the people they're around ... not just football goals."

It's working.

Jones masterminded a first-year program that saw the team and it's fans mesh gloriously and happily together during a 7-0 season.

Only a smattering of unknowledgeable skeptics, who wanted USA to jump right into the Division I frying pan, scoffed at the Jags' opponents ... a potpourri of prep and junior college teams.

But Jones knew early success was crucial to landing good players, as well as to the future of the program.

Next season USA tees it up against the likes of North Carolina State and Kent State, and encores that with a 2013 trip to 100,000-plus seat Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee.

"We have a family mentality already," said redshirt freshman wide receiver Bryant Lavender, one of USA's promising young players. "It's a menatality we're going to need in coming years.

"All the coaches stress that family unity. It's a good feeling ... No! A great feeling," he said.

Jones says it's no accident his staff has taken up his family values philosophy.

"I came from a broken home," said Jones in a very humble voice. "I know what it's like to have NOT had the feeling of a family that stuck together through good times and bad.

"I want these guys to know that no matter what, WE can acheive good things if WE just stay together, believe in each other and care about one another."

After Saturday's practice, Jones huddled his team around him and told them in no uncertain terms how he wants them to carry themselves on campus as the first week of classes begins Monday.

"Don't be jerks!" he said.

"If someone has something to say about any one of you, make sure it's good things! Make sure you carry yourselves like young men! Be courteous AND respectful of everybody you meet!"

Humph ... Tough words, huh?

Sounds just like a dad who cares about his family ... don't you think?