THE
S TUDENT PRINTZ www.StudentPrintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
Monday, April 28, 2014
Volume 98 Issue 54
LOCAL
From Golden Eagle to ‘Blackbird’ USM student stars in indie film
Crystal Garner Printz Reporter
Riding in his dad’s truck on a road in Germany, where his now retired military father was stationed, a young Julian Walker sang along to a copy of Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time” album, a gift from his father. He now recalls perfectly mimicking the lyrics to all of her songs. He has always been a fan of music and television but never imagined his performing arts would take him to the big screen. Walker has gotten an interesting jump on his career, doing what some students can only dream of. He has starred in an award-winning independent film that features an Oscar-winning actress in the role of his mother. Once back in the United States, Walker attended Hinds Community College in Jackson, his hometown, and there he received his associate’s degree. In January 2013, he made The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus his college home, where he studies theater and media production. Shortly after beginning the semester, he received an e-mail from a friend about a role in a film. “You’ll fit it perfectly,” Walker said he was told. “I don’t know,” he said, uncertain. Using his MacBook’s camera, Walker recorded his audition for the role of Randy Rousseau, a troubled black high school senior, talented choir member and the main character in Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Blackbird.” “My audition was so horrible,” Walker said, covering his face
3
Courtesy Photo
Julian Walker and Mo’Nique star in the movie “Blackbird,” which was filmed in the Hattiesburg area.
with his hands. Seeing something in him, Polk e-mailed Walker, asking him to re-record his audition. “He gave me some really good pointers,” Walker said. On a trip to Hattiesburg to scout shooting locations, Polk met Walker face-to-face for an audition. Contrary to Walker’s uncertainty, Polk told Out Magazine why he was fond of him. “This kid I’ve never heard of - a (student) at The University of Southern Mississippi submits himself, comes in and reads and he’s incredible,” Polk said. “He hasn’t had the time to develop a lot of the
NEWS Relay for Life Event raises $10,000 for American Cancer Society.
4
internalized homophobia that those of us who are a bit older grew up with.” Polk described Walker as “openly gay and young and fabulous and poised to become the black Chris Colfer.” “What am I going to do?” Walker asked himself, feeling doubtful after working over the script for days with Polk. “I probably won’t even get the role.” A week before filming, Walker got the news that he would take on the main character. “I had to hurry up and learn a lot of stuff, and then he told me, ‘By the way, Mo’Nique is playing your
FEATURE Humans of Hattiesburg Photographer captures the spirit of Hub City.
6
mom, and Isaiah Washington is playing your dad,’” Walker said. “Blackbird,” a coming-of-age story, explores homosexuality, race and religion in a southern Christian community. Breaking into character was a unique experience. “In so many ways, I am Randy,” Walker said. “From dealing with things personally about
himself and not understanding why certain things happen, to at times feeling like the blame, I can relate to Randy in more ways than one.” Walker described the emotional journey as a roller coaster. “One minute you’re happy, then you have to cry,” he said. “You’re happy again, then you have to cry again.”
See BLACKBIRD, 3
Thursday’s issue will feature a look into the director’s perspective and the making of “Blackbird.”
OPINION The Hospitality State Graduates should rethink leaving Mississippi.
8
SPORTS Baseball Durst closes weekend series with grand slam.
THE S TUDENT PRINTZ
Page 2 | Monday, April 28, 2014
Editorial Staff Executive Editor Kathryn Miller kathryn.miller@eagles.usm.edu 850.565.0812 Managing Editor Alan Rawls gregory.rawls@eagles.usm.edu
EVENTS Monday, April 28
Thursday, May 1
SMAC Noon Family Fued Tabling
Dead Days No activities allowed.
The Southerner Yearbook 4:00 p.m. Launch Party
Dead Days No activities allowed.
Tuesday, April 29
Chief Copy Editor Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu
SMAC Noon Late Night Tabling
Copy Editor Courtney McNichols courtney.mcnichols@eagles.usm.edu
Wednesday, April 30
News Editor Nikki Smith ashly.smith@eagles.usm.edu Sports Editor Joshua Campbell joshua.m.campbell@eagles.usm.edu
Baseball 6:30 p.m. Ole Miss Oxford, Miss. SMAC 10 p.m. Late Night Breakfast
Friday, May 2
Baseball 6:30 p.m. Tulane New Orleans, La.
Saturday, May 3 Baseball 2 p.m. Tulane New Orleans, La.
Saturday, May 3 Softball Noon FUI Hattiesburg, Miss.
Editorial Policy
Follow Us!
The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and
The Student Printz is on social media. Keep up
Art Director Susan Broadbridge susan.broadbridge@eagles.usm.edu
editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty,
with the latest news on and off campus at all times!
Webmaster Chris Greene chris.greene@eagles.usm.edu
Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing
Graphic Designers Cody Bass cody.bass@eagles.usm.edu
publication, all submissions must include name, class
Parker Brewer parker.brewer@eagles.usm.edu
Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com
Design Editor Joshua Byrd joshua.j.byrd@eagles.usm.edu
Social Media/Web Editor Yolanda Cruz yolanda.cruz@eagles.usm.edu News Content Adviser Chuck Cook 601.266.4288 chuck.cook@usm.edu Ad Graphic Designer Katherine Frye katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu Advertising Manager Lesley Sanders-Wood 601.266.5188 lesley.sanders@usm.edu Advertising e-mail printzad@usm.edu
Find us online at: www.studentprintz.com The Student Printz is published every Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Signature Offset of Hattiesburg provides printing services.
staff or administration of The University of Southern
similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligilible for
distinction, major, phone number and email address.
by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less.
The Student Printz
@studentprintz
@thestudentprintz
www.studentprintz.com
The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
Opinions Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publications manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
We’re Hiring! The Student Printz newspaper is currently hiring writers. If you are interested in writing for the Printz, contact Executive Editor Kathryn Miller at Kathryn. Miller@eagles.usm.edu or printzeditors@gmail.com. Submissions should include work experience and three writing samples.
NEWS
Monday, April 28, 2014 | Page 3
ON CAMPUS
ON CAMPUS
Students support cancer research Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter
The third annual USM Relay for Life took place Thursday, April 24 around the Payne Center Fitness Trail. Over 30 student organizations participated in raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Kiffani Zackery, executive director, said many things were changed for this year’s event. “We made the effort to keep the team captains more involved and informed, increased online registration and donations, shortened the hours of the event and moved the event location,” Zackery said. “We definitely saw an increase of participation this year and I believe people were a lot more excited about the event.” The event started at 3 p.m. and lasted until 11 p.m. There was live music, a Zumba class, games, a prize drawing for Gulfport Music Fest tickets, a blow-up obstacle course and a luminaria ceremony. The theme for this year’s event was “Around the World,” so there were different types of food and drinks depending on what
country, continent or state an organization was. Aundrea Borchardt, a junior elementary education major, participated with Pi Beta Phi sorority. Their country was Mexico. “It was a lot of fun with Mexico as our country,” Borchardt said. “We painted our ‘Pie a Pi Phi’ board to match the theme, we sold walking tacos and a lot of our members dressed up to match. It’s just a fun way to get people even more excited and involved about the event.” The luminaria ceremony ended the night. A performance of “Lean on Me” happened while people released their luminarias into the air. Committee member Megan Mullis said this ceremony is her favorite part of Relay for Life. “Relay (for Life) is a very special event to me because I have been affected by cancer because I know people who have fought against it,” Mullis said. “The luminaria service is my favorite because we are honoring those who lost their battle with cancer and encouraging those who are currently fighting it.” By the end of the night, Southern Miss students raised
$10,000 for the American Cancer Society. “I’m so ecstatic about it,” Zackery said. “Seeing that number when the final total of the night was calculated and seeing how excited everyone was when I revealed the check made the long days and sleepless nights worth it.” She said she is most proud of the students who came out and supported the event. “There’s no mandate or requirement to participate in Relay for Life, so seeing all of the organizations and students come out completely of free will made me so happy,” Zackery said. “Schools and communities take part in Relay for Life events every year, so it’s a humbling feeling knowing that Southern Miss plays a small yet impacting role in something bigger than ourselves.” The top fundraising teams were Kappa Delta sorority in first place, Delta Sigma Theta sorority in second and Alpha Delta Pi sorority in third. The Vietnamese Student Association won the Spirit of Relay award.
A.J. Stewart/Printz
Students light up a luminaria at the Southern Miss Relay for Life event outside the Payne Center Thursday evening.
BLACKBIRD
continued from page 1 In an emotional scene, Mo’Nique’s character, Claire Rousseau, asked Randy, “Are you getting bored with God?” “In certain ways he’s being judged by his mom, his father and the pastor,” Walker said. “Randy’s mother kneels by his bedside, praying for him,” said Christopher Catchings, a senior media production major. “The things she asks God for
are disturbing.” He ensures that you have met her character before. “She’s your church member and your coworker,” he said. “You’ve met her, but you just didn’t know what was going on behind closed doors.” “Viewers get to see what the overzealous Christian woman is like at home and how she raises her child,” Catchings said. Blackbird marks Mo’Nique’s return to film after her Oscarwinning performance in “Precious.” Walker never
imagined he would have this opportunity to make change. In the midst of the exciting and hectic experience, Walker realized this is what he wants to do for the rest of his life. “A lot of people feel uncomfortable about themselves, from their sexuality to teen pregnancy, and it’s like everybody feels uncomfortable talking about it,” Walker said. He said that the message behind this movie is that no matter who you are, everyone should be loved.
Award-winning performer talks music career Kirstie Lowery Printz Reporter
Well-known performer and producer Joey Stuckey visited The University of Southern Mississippi on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25. To kick off his time at the university, Stuckey was featured as a guest on WUSM’s afternoon radio show, Southern Miss Today. During the interview, Stuckey discussed his childhood, as well as what made him decide to pursue a career in music. Stuckey said when he was 13 years old, he was listening to the radio and decided to call the station. He said he and the DJ became friends, which resulted in his idea to design sound effects for movies. He continued by informing the listeners that the man later visited his house and began teaching him about the music industry. “He taught me all I needed to know about sound, and that is when I figured out what the rest of my life was going to be like,” Stuckey said. He then discussed how that event led to him moving to Georgia when he was 15, where he got his first paying job working with sound. Stuckey informed the
listeners that this was the kind of inspiration he was going to continue to discuss in his speech later that day. “A lot of people are afraid to do what’s in their heart,” Stuckey said, something he believes is a mistake. According to Stuckey’s website, he, who is visually impaired, is an award-winning guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio and television personality, music teacher and sound engineer. Following his interview, Stuckey performed at 1 p.m. in the Hub. He later concluded the day by giving a speech to students and performing in the Thad Cochran Center at 4 p.m. Throughout Stuckey’s speech, he discussed the different types of sports he likes, what it was like growing up as a visually impaired individual, how he graduated high school at age 14 and moved at 15, which eventually led to his work with famous faces and bands such as singer Tricia Yearwood and ‘90s band Smashmouth. According to a press release, Stuckey also taught a master class in the recording studio located in College Hall on April 25 following his performance at Nick’s Ice House.
FEATURE
Page 4 | Monday, April 28, 2014
LOCAL
Project reveals city’s identities Mary Beth Wolverton special about that person. Printz Reporter
Imagine a project that makes your city seem a little smaller, something that helps you know the people around you more intimately. Imagine that this project is happening in Hattiesburg, a city of nearly 50,000 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. Lenore Seal imagined it, and now, the Facebook page Humans of Hattiesburg is showing off some of these fascinating Hub City residents online. Inspired by Humans of New York, a photography project begun by Brandon Stanton in 2010, Humans of Hattiesburg features portraits of people whom Seal finds around Hattiesburg. Accompanying the picture is a caption which is meant to give insight into that person’s life. The caption is often an answer to questions such as “What is your biggest regret?” or “What is your happiest moment?” Answers range from the sentimental to the wacky and entertaining, yet all are meant to reveal something
Boasting 837 followers since the first picture was posted on March 11, Humans of Hattiesburg has garnered a large following in a short amount of time. Seal started Humans of Hattiesburg following her move to Hattiesburg from New Orleans. Seal changed cities after a Vespa accident, and during this period, Seal spent a large amount of time perusing photography sub-Reddit image boards. She was drawn to Humans of New York and wanted to emulate it in Hattiesburg. For Seal, who studied photojournalism at The University of Southern Mississippi, walking up to strangers and asking for a photo and interview is not intimidating. Seal finds most people she approaches are willing to speak up, but she is careful to make the people she talks to comfortable. “The thing about Hattiesburg that’s difficult is that we don’t have a place like New York or New Orleans where people congregate,” Seal said. She pays attention to where people do gather, such as at community
events like Live at Five or outside restaurants and will stop and talk to them. Projects such as Humans of Hattiesburg are able to get a special insight into the pulse of the city, and Seal, through her conversations with strangers, has noticed positive changes happening in Hattiesburg. “People are more interested in their community now, and I feel like Humans of Hattiesburg is helping facilitate that, transitioning into a more community-based city,” Seal said. She believes Hattiesburg is not as large as New York or New Orleans, and so it has the potential to make the project more meaningful. “In Hattiesburg, unlike a larger city, it’s a small place,” Seal said. “We have the opportunity to be closer.” The project is continuing to draw interest. Dylan Williams, a senior history major, was previously unaware of the existence of Humans of Hattiesburg, but finds the idea intriguing. “I think it’s very interesting, an interesting concept. I would probably agree to do it if asked,” Williams said.
The brilliance of photography blogs such as Humans of Hattiesburg is the insight they offer. Not only do the answers provided by participants give glimpses into the individual’s life, but they speak to the shared
human experience, such as fears, embarrassment and joy. Seal plans on continuing her project as long as she remains in Hattiesburg which is great news to people like Williams, who said, “I hope it keeps on going.”
Lenore Seal/Courtesy Photo
“What was your proudest moment?” “I once tracked a wild water buffalo through the Masai Mara in Kenya. I was staying with some Masai tribesmen, and they wanted to take me hunting. They didn’t actually want to kill anything, but give me the experience of hunting, so we went out and we followed some tracks and we tracked them through the valley and found them next to the water.” -Eli Baylis
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, April 28, 2014 | Page 5
REVIEW
‘Transcendence’ settles for mediocrity Bradley Presson Printz Reporter
As anyone who has ever been excited by a concept only to be let down by the final product knows, few things are as disappointing as unrealized potential. “Transcendence,” the directorial debut from long-time Christopher Nolan cinematographer Wally Pfister, is a prime example of the disappointment stemming from missed opportunities. The film looks like a winner on paper, having Pfister’s visual prowess combined with a solid cast and the interesting, albeit overdone, sci-fi concept of artificial intelligence. With all of this promise, it is unfortunate to see that a weak plot, poor pacing and flat characters mar “Transcendence,” leaving a finished product that is an underwhelming and dull husk of the film that was promised.
The film follows scientist Will Caster and his wife Evelyn, as Will is working on a project that will encapsulate all of the efforts of mankind into a technological singularity that he calls transcendence. After a presentation in order to raise funds for the project, a member of the anti-technology group Revolutionary Independence From Technology (RIFT) shoots Will. He survives the attempt on his life, but it is discovered that the bullet was laced with radioactive material and he is dying of radiation poisoning. With Will on the brink of death, Evelyn decides to use his brain as the model for the artificial intelligence. After his conscious is uploaded, Will begins amassing power and working on nanotechnologies that will eliminate human suffering and clean the world. Meanwhile, RIFT is attempting to counteract him
Courtesy Photo
before he reaches a godlike state of power. While “Transcendence” manages to raise interesting questions about the nature of consciousness and the increasing dependence on technology in human society, the film seems so
ORDER NOW PIZZAHUT.COM
Ordering Online is as easy as changing yOur majOr…again.
$
8
®
Large 1-ToppIng pIzza
No coupon required, just valid College Student ID. Offer Expires 5/31/14
528
3610 W. Hardy St. • 601-264-8584
50% OFF
yOur next Online Pizza Purchase
at menu Price!
WHeN yOu SIgN uP fOr HuT LOVerS™ exCLuSIVe eMAIL Or eMAIL & TexT DeALS @ WWW.PIzzAHuT.COM/fIfTyOff
16
$
Expires 5/31/14 *Valid for online orders only at participating NPC International-owned locations. Limit one Medium or Large Pizza at 50% OFF regular menu price. Offer not valid with other offers or promotions, for Dinner Boxes or Limited Time Pizza Offerings. Prices, participation, delivery areas and charges, and minimum purchase requirements for delivery may vary. Cash value 1/20¢. Offer not valid for consumers who are currently members of Pizza Hut’s Hut Lovers™ email or text programs.
©2014 Pizza Hut, Inc. SOMISSISSIPPI/5.88x8
SOMISSISSIPPI_5_88x8 WS.indd 1
The highlight of the film is easily the Casters’ relationship. The relationship truly shines when the two are growing apart due to Will’s desire to expand his power. Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall both do excellent jobs of adding nuance to the relationship and making it feel poignant and real. From a visual standpoint, the film stands up to any of the fantastic work that Pfister did with Nolan. Beautiful shots and nonintrusive special effects give the film a crisp and clean look that aid the story’s technologyversus-nature theme. Another aspect that the film did well was keeping things morally ambiguous. The film hints at picking sides, but ultimately neither the Casters nor RIFT are presented as being in the right, which allows viewers to come to their own conclusions. While the film is plagued with problems that are too large to ignore, “Transcendence” is worth a watch if the premise is of interest to you. While it is bittersweet knowing that this project fell flat, I take Pfister’s ambitious debut to be a sign of good things to come from the director.
EN
ECO
Dine-In • Delivery • Carryout
*
focused on its lofty ideas that it forgoes some of the basic elements of storytelling. The biggest flaw in “Transcendence” is the lack of motivation for any of the characters. The Neo-Luddite group RIFT is vehemently against artificial intelligence and most technology in general, but aside from one or two ham-fisted comments the group’s reasoning is not explained. RIFT is not the only instance of a lack of character motivation, as other characters actions and beliefs are never explained. This lack of motivation is compounded by the fact that the characters in the film are almost entirely one-dimensional. Characters are firmly on one side of the technology debate and there is little wiggle room. The film also suffers in terms of pacing, with multiple parts of the film dragging the viewer along. While watching the film never became a chore, it felt like “Transcendence” could never hit its stride. While the film does suffer from some serious issues in places, it does manage to balance out those moments with the things it does well.
Pizza & Wings
Large Pizza Up to 3 Different Toppings + Order of 8 WingStreet® Bone-Out Wings
Valid only on Pan, Thin ‘N Crispy® and Hand Tossed crust. $1 more for Bone-In & Traditional Wings. Additional charge for Stuffed Crust, 3 Cheese Stuffed Crust, Specialty and Super Premium Pizzas.
Expires 5/31/14 Valid only at participating NPC International-owned locations. One coupon per order. Not valid with other offers or promotional pizzas. Additional charge for extra cheese and duplicate toppings. Wing types and flavors vary by location. Participation, delivery areas and charges may vary. Cash value 1/20¢.
519
©2014 Pizza Hut, Inc. SOMISSISSIPPI/5.88x8
1/24/14 11:25 AM
OPINION
Page 6 | Monday, April 28, 2014
LIFE
Should graduates dig up or lay down roots?
Stay: The grass is not greener outside of Mississippi Addreonna Seger Printz Reporter
When people think of Mississippi, they think racism, unemployment and lack of education. This is most likely because most Mississippi college graduates don’t stay in Mississippi. I have considered leaving more times than I could count, but I realize that to overcome the stigma of this place, I have to stay in this place. Making a difference can happen anywhere and this is my home. Why not start here? College graduates can and should make the best of our state. Everyone knows about Mississippi. They know that we have a high unemployment rate, high welfare rate and a high rate of silly, stupid people. Every time we hear anything about our beloved home, we are aware of the blemishes that go along with it. It is almost as if we are afraid to even mention or have ourselves associated with it. Our history shows that we have little to show for ourselves in the way of pride. We are, to the world, the landmass between New Orleans and Mobile. So why would we possibly want to stay here with our college degrees when we could go out into the world and make a difference as well as a larger income potential? Quite simply, we should stay because if we all leave, then we
leave behind a place which is ruled by stupidity, backwardness and all the bad things that we have tried so long to disassociate ourselves with. We leave what we were given without any hope of change or betterment for future generations. We should stay to correct what is wrong with our state. Everyone has a point when they want to break free and see the world from different perspectives. In fact, most people hate their home state. There isn’t a state in the United States that doesn’t bear the taint of stereotypes and shame. New Jersey is the sewer of New York filled with fist-pumping, fake tanning, shallow people. New York, California, Nevada and Louisiana actively practice all seven deadly sins—sometimes simultaneously. Texas is full of drug cartels and people who don’t know how to drive their over-sized SUVs. Washington state is full of hipster coffee lovers. Colorado is a hippie commune filled with pot heads. Missouri is the tweaker capital. Florida and Rhode Island are known as unappealing body parts - one phallic, one armpit. And these states all have one thing in common: they all have stupid and backward people. No state is free from stereotypes, nor will they ever be. At least once in everyone’s
life, they feel some sort of disassociation with where they are from, and that’s OK. It seems perfectly normal. However, what we have in Mississippi is not like what other states experience. It seems as if almost all of our college graduates are flocking elsewhere, while only a small percentage are fleeing from their homes in other states. We are leaving behind our home more readily than anyone else in the United States and we are uncaring of the fact that our migration is detrimental to our state. We need business owners, scientists and teachers who care about the people of this state, regardless of the fact that they are overwhelmingly stigmatized. We need doctors, lawyers and activists who would sacrifice their time and effort to ensure that everyone in this state has the ability to live comfortably. We need politicians with different views, sociologists who aren’t biased and psychologists who actually care about the mental health of the people of this state. We need what we lack and we will never have it unless collegeeducated people stay here. The grass isn’t any greener on the other side. Outside Mississippi’s borders, there is a whole other world but whether or not that world is better is up to interpretation and long hours of furious debate.
Leave: Expand your horizons Kristy Shelley Printz Reporter
“To understand the world, one must first understand a place like Mississippi.” This is a quote by Mississippi native William Faulkner. I love that quote, and to some extent I agree with it. But there’s one problem. Many people understand Mississippi and never move on to understand any other part of the world. I am from Clinton and that’s where I was born and raised. I loved growing up there. However, as I am about to graduate college and find a new home for myself, Mississippi is not the place I want to be. For starters, the opportunities in Mississippi are limited. With the exception of a few majors, everyone could enjoy better living, benefits and pay in other states. Also, Mississippi is kind of boring. When I think about it, my form of entertainment around here is getting a snow
cone, riding my bike, going to the movies or hanging out with my friends or family at home. Though that is a great, simple lifestyle, I’m 21 years old. I want to go to the beach more often. I want to be near a theme park or water park and I want to live next to a cool zoo or aquarium - maybe even an interesting museum. I also don’t want to get stuck.Something I have learned from friends and family: you tend to get stuck here. It’s as if no one seems to really want to live here. You end up getting a job, having a baby and then buying a house, and it’s just a cycle that keeps you here instead of taking the opportunity to move on in this world. Essentially, if you don’t leave when you’re younger and free, you probably never will. Finally, it is important to know what you want. Here’s the thing: people who were born in Mississippi and have lived here their whole lives know what it’s like to live here, so they never expand
their horizons. They just say, “well, I’m comfortable here so I’ll just stay,” but they don’t even know if they’d like it somewhere else. If you move to a city, you might actually like it way more and be 10 times more successful there than you ever would have in Mississippi, but most people are not bold enough to take that chance. Mississippi has taught me everything I know about life. I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up or live anywhere else my first 21 years of life, but I think it’s time for me to move on. Who knows? Maybe when I’m older I’ll realize that no place could ever compare to Mississippi and I’ll move back here someday. But I’d rather take my chances and go somewhere new and miss it, than be stuck here and wonder what could have been.
SPORTS
Monday, April 28, 2014 | Page 7
FOOTBALL
Examining Khyri Thornton: Is he NFL ready? Wilton Jackson Printz Reporter
“It’s been hard, going to military school, redshirting and Florida State pulling my scholarship,” said 2014 NFL draft prospect Khyri Thornton in an interview with Mark Inabinett of al.com. “Coming from where I came from, I’m thankful to be in the position I’m in now.” Indeed, Thornton has come a long way. The former Southern Miss defensive tackle has not only faced hardships off the football field, but he witnessed many during his time as a Golden Eagle. Imagine playing for a program that is accustomed to having winning seasons every year, and after two successful years, your team goes 1-23 over the next two years. For Thornton, it was very discouraging. However, despite the team’s inability to win many games, he made his presence known on the football field throughout the majority of his sophomore and junior seasons.
Courtesy Photo
“Yeah I went to Southern Miss, and the last two years were bad,” Thornton said. “But if you can play, the eye in the sky don’t lie. People will come find you if you can play.” Thornton definitely has a great understanding for the game and is very talented. After playing in the National Football League Player Association Collegiate Bowl in California, Thornton raised the eyebrows of many draft analysts as he was named the top pro prospect at the all-star game. But how
well will he fit in a professional scheme and what true position does he most align with in the NFL are questions that many draft analysts are pondering. He has many tools and skill sets that can be polished and transformed at the NFL level. The 6-foot-3, 304-pound defensive tackle has a strong upper body, thick lower half and a combination of speed, lateral quickness and a good motor. These are good attributes to have in discussion about playing at the next level. He has the desired traits, but they need to be perfected. If he continues to add strength to his lower body, he will add an additional dimension to his game instead of relying solely on the strength of his arms and upper body to get off blocks and make an impact on the ball. Thornton has a quick first step, but what does this mean when you put him in comparison with some some of the best and experienced NFL defensive linemen? It means that some offensive linemen who can withstand his jolt and
FA L L 2 0 1 4 S PA C E S G O I N G FA S T
initial stand aspect will cause him to have troubles, either forcing him to use additional moves beyond his upper body or shutting him down completely. He has the tendency to stand tall, giving his chest away to offensive linemen as well. The more he can stay low in conjunction with his quick initial step will determine if he can become a productive defensive lineman in the NFL. In regard to stopping the run, when his pad level is down and he maintains leverage, he can be disruptive. He is comfortable with stopping the play in the backfield by shooting through gaps when he finds them. When he does not, he faces trouble, usually allowing a runner to have a wide running lane. Again, as he gets stronger and betters his pad level inconsistencies, he will become a better overall player against the run. However, most draft analysts say he is best suited to play further away from the center of the line. Thornton has the ability to create pressure on the
quarterback when pass rushing thanks in account to his quickness and ability to shoot gaps. However, there are times when he is in position to make a play, but he does not finish. He tends go at the opponent’s feet whenever he thinks he’s close enough to them, resulting to missed big play opportunities such as recording sacks and getting tackles for loss. He has a chance to get drafted in the fifth or sixth round. Analysts believe he would work best as a rotational fivetechnique in an aggressive, zone blitzing scheme with teams such as the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers. A five-technique player is a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, a position he has never played. Overall, he has the skills to be successful, but must refine his skill set to be a more complete player if he wants to last long as a future NFL player. In less than two weeks, we will see which team will get the opportunity to further embrace him and make him a better player.
WHY LIVE
ANYWHERE ELSE? SIGN & SAVE $200 WITH ZERO DOWN CLOSE TO CAMPUS + PRIVATE SHUTTLE TO USM FULLY FURNISHED AVAILABLE + PRIVATE BEDS & BATHS 24-HR FITNESS CENTER + 24-HR COMPUTER CENTER WITH iMACS
EAGLESTRAIL.COM 6 01. 26 4 .6 404 | 8 E agles Trail
Fees subject to change. Limited time only. See office for details.
SPORTS
Page 8 | Monday, April 28, 2014
BASEBALL
USM falls 2.5 games behind Rice in C-USA Joshua Campbell Sports Editor
Coming into the weekend, Southern Miss had the opportunity to take the lead in the Conference USA standings with just three weeks to play in the regular season.
Zachary Odom/Printz
Dylan Burdeaux slides back to first base after a steal attempt in Saturday’s game against Rice at Pete Taylor Park.
However, they failed to do so as Rice won two out of the three matchups, resulting in USM’s first conference series loss of the season. In game one, Southern Miss could not get their bats going as they were shutout for just the second time all season. Rice starter Kevin McCanna (5-2) went 5 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits and one walk with eight strikeouts. Reliever Matt Dinman picked up his seventh save of the year, pitching the final 3 1/3 innings and allowing just one USM base runner. USM starter Conor Fisk (42) did not fare nearly as well, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on 10 hits with four strikeouts. Rice got things going in the top of the fourth inning as they loaded the bases before Shane Hoelscher drove in two with a double to left field. Michael Aquino tacked on another run for Rice with a single to left two batters later. Hoelscher drove in another run in the fifth inning for his third RBI of the game. Rice tacked on another run in the eighth inning
to give them the 5-0 victory. USM had just five hits in the game with Connor Barron and Michael Sterling each having two. USM simply just could not make consistent contact as they struck out 12 times in the game. In game two, Southern Miss’ inability to clump together hits was their downfall, losing 3-2. They were able to get runners in scoring position, but simply could not break through. USM got on the board first with a sacrifice fly by Matt Durst in the opening frame, but failed to score again until the seventh inning. To lead off the sixth inning, Rice right fielder Keenan Cook connected on a 1-1 offering with a triple to center field. Charlie Warren followed with a single to center field to knot the game up at one apiece. Rice added two more runs in the seventh, thanks in large part to two wild pitches by Jake Winston. USM’s inability to play solid defense and not kill themselves once again proved to be their kryptonite. Durst recorded his second sacrifice fly of the game in the
bottom of the frame to pull USM within a run, but they could not break through as the final seven USM batters failed to get on base. Rice starter Blake Fox (90) continued his stellar season, pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits to remain unbeaten for the season. Reliever Trevor Teykl was responsible for recording the final seven outs of the game en route to his third save of the season. USM starter Christian Talley (3-3) pitched six solid innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with seven strike outs. However, Winston struggled in relief as he gave up one run on one hit, one walk and three wild pitches while recording just one out. Game three was much a different story as USM’s bats came alive for the first time of the series en route to an 8-6 victory to avoid the sweep. This was a monumental game for both squads as Rice had the chance to firmly distance themselves from USM in the conference standings. After Tim Lynch was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game at 4-4 in the sixth
inning, Durst delivered in a huge way. He launched a fast ball over the left field fence for a grand slam, his fifth of the season. Hoelscher picked up an RBI in the seventh inning on a fielder’s choice to bring Rice within three of USM. It appeared that Rice had a chance to comeback as Aquino led off the eighth with a solo shot to left field to make it 8-6, but Milton was able to get out of the inning without any more damage and Sean Buchholz struck out two in the ninth for his third save of the year. Durst’s two hits and four RBIs led the Golden Eagles (2619, 14-7) along with Lynch’s three RBIs. Luke Lowery (30) picked up the win for USM despite recording only two outs. Chase McDowell (3-4) took the loss for Rice (31-15, 18-6), allowing four runs on four hits in just 1 1/3 innings. Southern Miss will look to continue to track down the Owls when they travel to play Ole Miss (33-12, 13-8 SEC) on Tuesday before returning home for a three- game series against Tulane (17-24, 6-13) this weekend.