Young Grambling QB Dillon limits mistakes

• By PERRYN KEYS
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Nov 28, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:45 a.m.

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Grambling coach Rod Broadway freely admits that his team doesn’t win with an explosive offense. Still, he found something of a hidden gem in sophomore quarterback Greg Dillon — who’s not the best passer, but also rarely fumbles or throws interceptions.

“He’s developing into a good quarterback, and hopefully this (game) will be another step for him towards being a better quarterback,” Broadway said.

One other thing: Dillon likes to get outside the tackles, whether he’s rolling out or running the option.

“We each have our own responsibilities,” defensive end Vince Lands said. “The tackles push upfield and draw him out of the pocket. The ends have to close the pocket. You can’t get sucked in. You can’t just think you see something. You have to know your responsibility and carry out your assignment.”

Pregame distractions were among the many things Broadway said he didn’t expect in his first Bayou Classic experience last season.

“You’ve got families coming in, and everybody wants tickets,” Broadway said Monday. “We want to get all that business taken care of during the first couple of days during the week. … Even once you get here, there’s so many people knocking on doors that want to visit with the kids. We need our kids to be focused on playing. Hopefully they can visit with their families after the game.”

Saturday will be a big day for Jordan Miller’s family. Miller, a sophomore defensive lineman at SU, will be a little busy with the Bayou Classic inside the Superdome. Outside the building, his older brother, David James Miller, will sing and play guitar with his band, Ndelivle. Jordan Miller has played in eight games this season, with four tackles and three sacks. ... Among the many connections between Southern and Grambling players: SU receiver LaQuinton Evans and Grambling punter Dezmond Spivey were best friends growing up in Mansfield. ... SU receiver Juamorris Stewart is friends with the man who will probably cover him — cornerback Kenneth Anio. ... SU defensive tackle Frank Harry, a native of Angie, used to play basketball against Grambling quarterback Greg Dillon, a Bogalusa native. ... SU backup quarterback C.J. Byrd and Grambling wideout Nick Lewis grew up together in Marshall, Texas.

Southern scheduled an 8 a.m. practice Thursday, then planned on retreating for Thanksgiving dinner. The Jaguars will leave for New Orleans today and hold practice at the Superdome.