TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Rockets completed their spring practice season with a controlled scrimmage as part of the Spring Football Showcase at the Glass Bowl on Saturday.

The Rockets performed drills and conducted 11-on-11 plays for a nice crowd of fans on a crisp, sunny day.

Prior to the scrimmage, the Rockets hosted a free youth football clinic, while Head Coach Jason Candle and the Rockets also hosted a breakfast for former players.

The Rockets return six All-MAC players from last season's 11-3 squad, including first-teamers Jerjuan Newton (WR), Jacquez Stuart (KR) and Maxen Hook (S). Also returning are tight end Anthony Torres (second team), placekicker Luke Pawlak (third team) and defensive tackle Darius Alexander (third team). Toledo has played in the MAC Championship Game in each of the past two seasons, winning the MAC Championship in 2022.
 
The Rockets open their 2024 season with a home game and the Biggest Party in Town ahead of the Labor Day weekend on Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Duquesne.  The home slate also includes a rematch of last year's MAC Championship Game vs. Miami on Saturday, Oct. 5 for the annual Homecoming game, as well as the Battle of I-75 vs. Bowling Green on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Season tickets are on sale now. To order tickets or for more information, please visit UTRockets.com/fbtix or call/text 419.530.GOLD (4653) or stop by the Rocket Ticket Office located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena during office hours.

Head Coach Jason Candle Comments Following Spring Showcase

On Spring Practice Overall
 "We had a very productive spring. It's rare that you can practice three full units throughout spring football. You always deal with injuries and the fact that some positions have greater depth than others. We really worked three groups all the way through. Somebody on that third unit always shows up. That was true again this spring. It's good to get those guys the work that they've gotten. A lot of depth has been developed over the last six weeks."

On the Progress of the Quarterbacks
"Today was a little different in that we were outside for the first time. It was windy. The elements are a little different than being in the comfort of the indoors. So it was good to get out there and watch them throw the ball around a little bit and compete. They've had great competition since we got back here and started in January. Everybody was locked into what that would look like. We had good leadership from the front and getting guys into the indoor to practice and get throwing sessions in. We're excited with what that looks like moving forward."

On the Difference in Quarterback Competition from Last Spring
"I don't think it's any different preparation-wise. Those guys have been in the quarterback room for at least a year and some more than that. We don't treat it any different. We install our stuff, live with the mistakes, coach off the videotape, do the same thing in the summer, do the same thing in fall camp, and try to get a progression to try to get somebody ready to play game number one. But I'm happy with the development, happy with the progression and happy with where I think it's going to go."

On Replacing Players
"If you're a good program, you are continually developing people. Good young players are waiting for their time to go out and shine, and do what they think they can do at a high level. And we believe they can do it at a high level. Our approach isn't going to change."

On Early Enrollees From High School
"There are eight freshmen who enrolled in January who would be in high school running track, or playing baseball or going to the prom right now. Those guys have all taken a gigantic leap and took great advantage of coming early."