Kelly vents at defense

Brian Kelly wasn’t happy after he watched his defense get pushed around in the red zone during today’s scrimmage and let two of his best players, Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith, know how he felt.

“When you’re down there, it’s a demeanor and I didn’t like our demeanor,” Kelly said. “We’re going through some changes with personnel and that requires leadership. I just addressed Mickens and DeAngelo Smith. Those are our leaders down there.

“Listen, nobody wants to be on the 10-yard line. If you’re backed up on the 10-yard line, you’d better have a different attitude. You can’t just line up. I’m tired of hearing Mike Mickens, All-American. If he doesn’t put a hat on somebody down there, he’s not an All-American in my book.

“He’s got to bring both the cover skills and the ability to come up and take on John Goebel. Goebel was redshirted last year. Mike Mickens was playing in the Big East. Same thing with DeLo. And they get it. They understand that. They know they’ve got to pick up the intensity when that field shortens.”

Offensively, Demetrius Jones, who was 0-for3, continues to struggle with his passing as he recovers from last fall’s shoulder surgery. His throwing motion still looks unnatural and he missed on several short passes. He’s obviously still a long way from being able to even compete for the starting job.

“One thing he is doing a little bit better is he’s getting the ball out quicker,” Kelly said. “We’re making small strides but we’re making the strides necessary. Is he complete yet? Absolutely not. But the ball’s coming out quicker and again from my standpoint we’re making small steps of progress.”

While Jones continues his comeback, redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson seems to be getting better. Anderson completed 2-of-4 passes for 73, including a 65-yard strike on the run to Jared Martin.

“Chazz Anderson is playing at a higher level,” Kelly said. “He’s competing for the starting position. He’s in there with (Dustin) Grutza and (Tony) Pike taking first-team reps. He’s had a good spring. He has a learning deficit that he’s trying to catch up on but he’s got all the tools and I would say right now he’s putting himself in a position to compete for the starting position.”

Other numbers from Saturday’s scrimmage:

Dominick Goodman 3 catches for 35 yards; Jacob Ramsey, 6 carries for 27 yards; John Goebel, 6 carries for 22 yards; Grutza, 4-8, 30 yards; Pike 4-6, 30 yards; Zach Collaros, 2-3, 16 yards.

DeAngelo Smith, Drew Frey and Andre Revels all had one interception.

UC announced today that the April 26 spring game, known as Bearcat Bowl II, will be televised on ONN, the Ohio News Network.