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EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. 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 publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
At the beginning of each football season, the Student Printz publishes a special football edition that previews the Southern Miss football program for the upcoming season. Due to the restructuring of the academic calendar, this years football edition is also the first edition of the paper for the 2018-2019 academic year. This year’s football edition highlights interviews with players and coaches and also contains previews and predictions for the Eagles’ upcoming season. We hope you find this edition informative and helpful as you get ready to watch the Golden Eagles this fall!
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Hopson: “It’s just our time to hold the flag” ANDREW ABADIE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
or every college football coach, their third year marks a change in the football program. After two years of recruiting, the majority of the new starters are his team, and this year is no different for Southern Miss Head Coach Jay Hopson. “You know I feel the same every year,” Hopson said. “I only ever change [during] game week. I’ll be a nervous wreck. That doesn’t ever change. Plus, football, you know we just had to get into the grind now. You know, obviously, you’re taking the ship out of the harbor. You have to put her out on the open sea. So you hope she holds water good and sees sail straight through, and that’s just football every year.” Hopson posted a 15-11 record during his first two seasons at the helm, which is tied with Curly Hallman as the most wins for a Southern Miss head coach in their first two seasons with the program. In his tenure, Southern Miss won the New Orleans Bowl in his first year in 2016 and received a bowl bid to play in the Independence Bowl last season, losing to Florida State. Hopson has proven that he is indeed the adequate recruiter he was said to be. He has not only had strong recruitment classes, but his ability to find immediate impact players has been a key to his success. However, that will be put to test with the need to find 16 new starters. Crunching the numbers, Southern Miss lost 11 starters from last
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year. Only six starters are left over from former head coach Todd Monken’s team. With that said, 16 of this year’s starters will be Hopson’s players, which means the team will almost be completely in Hopson’s image. In 2016, Southern Miss was listed as the sixth best recruiting class in Conference USA, as they recruited only nine threestar recruits. Despite the low number, several of those recruits became immediate impact players, such as Allenzae Staggers and Racheem Boothe. The next year in 2017, Hopson’s class was ranked as the second best in the conference, behind only reigning C-USA champions Florida Atlantic, as Hopson had 16 three-star recruits sign. Some notable players from 2018’s recruiting class were Jack Abraham, Trace Clopton, Ty Williams, DeMicahel Harris and Ky’el Hemby, all of whom will be viable starters. “I like this football team, I can tell you that,” Hopson said. “I like this team’s work ethic. I like the attack in practice. They are a Southern Miss football team. They have a rough edge. We know on Saturday we have to come out and execute. That’s the key to success on game day. I feel like this team has the right mindset and the right personality to be very successful, and now we just have to go execute on Saturday.” Unlike most coaches, Hopson has a deep understanding of the Southern Miss program. Having said that, he has spent the majority of his football career at Southern Miss, a grand total of eight seasons with the team before he was hired
as head coach in 2016. The 2018 team has several similarities to when Hopson was an assistant coach for Jeff Bower. This team has hard hitting defensive backs, an arsenal of bruiser running backs and a quarterback that is more than capable of slinging the ball. “I think every coach, including me—I’m no exception—you are going to take what you learn from your mentors,” Hopson said. “Coach Bower taught me a lot. He taught me a lot of football. He taught me a lot of things, so there is no question that I try to take what I learned. I always say I had two mentors: Coach Bower was one and coach Bob Pruitt [former Marshall head coach] was the other. I spent a large period of my coaching career with those guys. I owe those guys a lot. They gave me my start and the opportunities, no question.” His recruiting classes have reflected in his team’s numbers. In C-USA, Hopson’s offense improved from the fifth best offense in 2016 to third best in 2017, while the defense was listed as the fourth best in back-to-back years. Despite the loss of Ito Smith, Hopson has shown that he can make the best with what he has had. In his two years, Hopson has not had a starting quarterback finish the entire season but has still managed to turnout competitive teams which, if anything, proves his capability as a head coach. “Jay Hopson is not bringing anything to Southern Miss,” Hopson said. “It’s just our time to hold the flag, and it’s a tradition that goes back way beyond when I was born. We’re just trying uphold the black and gold
standard. I think our kids understand the tradition and history of Southern Miss which is something we’re trying to uphold each and every day.” His success and devotion are arguably what culminated into extending Hopson’s contract until 2022. Hopson’s base salary will stay the same at $500,000 a year which does not include incentives. The most noteworthy change in his contract was an increase to pay his assistant coaches which increased to $1,225,000 per year to pay 10 assistant coaches, four graduate students and one football secretary. “One thing I can promise you is it’s all I wanted for those guys,” Hopson said. “Those guys work hard, and they deserve so much [for what] they do for our university. You can’t always put it on monetary value [of] the sacrifices those guys make. We’re blessed and we’re appreciative of that.” Hopson has proved that he can string together successful teams and adapt to adversity, a task which has made many coaches falter. His focus is to propel Southern Miss into a consistent contender for the C-USA crown. Unlike most coaches that try to move to a bigger team for football prestige, Hopson says he has no plans for that and has made it clear. “Southern Miss is where I want to be,” Hopson said. “I’m a Mississippi boy. I’m a South Mississippi boy. I love Southern Miss, I love the black and gold. Every person has their own agenda or things they want to accomplish in life, but you’ll be burying [me in] Vicksburg or Hattiesburg, one of the two.”
Coach Hopson at 2018 spring game.
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Nelson Jr. returns to lead defense for final season GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
icasso Nelson Jr is in a unique position on the Golden Eagle defense in 2018. The redshirt senior safety was expected to be a key contributor on the defensive unit in 2017 before an ankle injury sidelined him for the entire season. Prior to the injury, Nelson had been a steady presence on the defense, starting a total of 31 games from 2014-2016. In 2016, Nelson also earned a Preseason All-Conference USA selection and recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions during the season. In his college career to date, Nelson has 142 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four interceptions. To get a sense of how far back Nelson’s football roots go, one has only to ask him about his early childhood. Nelson’s father was a standout defensive back at Jackson State who also had stints in the NFL and CFL in the mid to late 90s’. Nelson remembers telling his dad as a child that he would exceed his level of play as a football player. “I think I was like three years old and I told him, ‘Dad I’m going to be better than you when I get older,’” Nelson said. “I’ve definitely been trying to live up to that.” Not only did his father’s football career influence him to pursue football himself, but what the elder Nelson did off the field academically also influenced Nelson, a graduate of local Oak Grove High School, to take school seriously. Nelson’s father earned his doctorate after his football career, and Nelson thinks getting an education is vital for securing a future after football. Indeed, Nelson has taken academics seriously while at Southern Miss. Nelson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business/ finance in the fall of 2017, graduating at the top of his class, and was named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2015 and 2016. Nelson was also a semifinalist for the William Campbell Trophy in 2017, which is awarded by the National Football Federation to the top football scholar-athlete in the country. Now, Nelson is tackling a new challenge as a graduate student, as he is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration through the College
Brad Crowe | Printz
of Business and Economic Development. Being a leader is another aspect of life that Nelson takes seriously. In April, Nelson was selected for the University’s Best Citizen Award, becoming the first Southern Miss athlete to do so since 2007. According to the press release announcing the award, the award is given to students that “demonstrate servant leadership, selfless giving to the university and to fellow students, exemplary citizenship, and serve as a positive role model to their peers and in the community.” Nelson said he was excited to receive the award and stated that respect for others is an important part of his attitude every day. “I’ve kind of always been myself no matter, as I’ve excelled in football I’ve always treated
Picasso Nelson returns for 2018 season.
everybody the same, treated everybody with respect,” Nelson said. “If I’m in a class, I’m not going to let anybody get picked on, not going to let anybody talk disrespectful to the teacher. I’ve always kind of been that way.” Nelson noted how others have been affected by his positive attitude. “As an athlete, when people look up to you, they follow you, so I’ve just kind of really been myself, and I guess that has kind of influenced others around me to notice that and kind of take that along,” Nelson said. “That’s really what I want people to know about me, no matter where you see me, when you see me I’m going to always be myself.” Now, as the season opener against his father’s alma mater Jackson State nears,
Nelson readies for his first game action since the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 17, 2016. When asked about how witnessing game day from the sidelines felt last season, Nelson did not hold back in saying how he struggled with it. “[It was] really, really tough. And I actually thought it wasn’t going to be as tough whenever I got hurt but it was extremely tough,” Nelson said. “Every game day was definitely the toughest day of the week, even though I was definitely happy that my brothers were playing, but I was hurt because I wasn’t able to play with them. But I’m here now. I’m definitely able to play another year, so I’m definitely grateful.” Nelson’s talent and on-field influence to the Southern Miss defensive backfield in 2018 is an important asset for the team, but he will also be counted on to be a veteran mentor to a unit that has to replace 2017 seniors Curtis Mikell, Jomez Applewhite, Kelsey Douglas and recent NFL Draft picks Tarvarius Moore and Cornell Armstrong. Co-defensive coordinator Derek Nicholson said that Nelson’s leadership and ability to teach younger players about how to prepare for game day is a big asset. “I think it’s vital because he’s a senior, and he’s been a three-year starter for us, Nicholson said. “He can give those younger guys some tips and keys as far as how to go about preparing throughout the week, teaching those guys how to watch film from a player’s standpoint when the coaches are not around, teaching those guys how to take care of their bodies and being able to withstand the grind throughout the season so you know more so mentally, and off the field, his importance is vital for that back end because a lot of these guys are going through this in this form and fashion for the first time in their career.” With the itch to get back on the field growing, Nelson is eager to step up his game to an even higher level than what it was in 2016. He knows that the stakes are high and his teammates are counting on him to keep up a high level of play in what is currently an inexperienced and young secondary. “I definitely feel like I can do way better than I did that year on so many levels,” Nelson said. “I definitely plan to play my best game every game. Whenever I do that, the team will definitely be better as a whole.”
Jack Abraham named starting quarterback BRAD CROWE
PRINTZ REPORTER fter quite an eventful offseason, the Golden Eagles’ quarterback depth chart looks incredibly different than last fall’s chart. With Keon Howard no longer on the roster and Kwadra Griggs suspended JUCO transfer Jack Abraham will be called upon to take the reigns as a starter in his first season with the Golden Eagles. Though inexperience at such an important position may concern many from the outside looking in, his coaches and teammates would argue that, frankly, you just “don’t know Jack.” “Jack’s one of those really smart, cerebral quarterbacks,” Coach Jay Hopson said on Media Day. “He reminds me a lot of Nick [Mullens], and he’s doing a good job.” His offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, was equally impressed with the transfer’s progress through just six months of being with the team. “I thought he had a good [fall] camp,” Dawson said. “He takes care of the ball and doesn’t commit many turnovers. The ball typically goes to the right place. He’s a smart kid.” Since high school, Jack Abraham has been proving doubters wrong at every stop along his journey. As an Oxford Charger, he led his team to three consecutive North State Championships and became the first Mississippi quarterback to throw for 12,000 yards and 100 touchdowns in a high school
career, and in his senior season he was named the 2015 Mississippi Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year. Originally committed to play for Tulane, Abraham’s scholarship offer was pulled after a coaching change for the Green Wave, and he elected to attend Louisiana Tech. After one year with the program, he transferred to Northwest Community College where he was given the opportunity to start as a sophomore and prove himself worthy of consideration by other Division 1 programs. Abraham led the Rangers to a MACJC State Championship appearance with 2,949 passing yards for 23 touchdowns and a memorable upset over the No.1 ranked East Mississippi Lions. In the state title game, a shootout in which the Rangers fell just short of victory, Abraham threw for an incredible 487 yards with five touchdowns, which caught the attention of many scouts — particularly those from Southern Miss. Abraham committed to USM in December of 2017 and enrolled in classes for January so that he could attend spring camp and start learning a new offensive system. Originally told he would be competing for the backup position, Abraham admitted the biggest change for him is to make sure he brings leadership to the field. “That’s the main thing, just coming out here and being a good leader, and showing these guys I’m capable of leading them to where they want go be,”
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Abraham said. The junior transfer is well aware of his strengths as a player and what his coaches and teammates expect to see from him on the field. “I’m really focusing on making sure I go to the right place with the ball and being accurate,” Abraham said. “These guys make me look good
Jack Abraham attempts pass in fall camp.
every day, so I just try to put the ball in the right spot for them and let them make plays.” Southern Miss fans will get their first opportunity to see Jack Abraham live with the starting offensive unit on Saturday, Sept. 1 when he leads the Golden Eagles into their home opener versus the Jackson State Tigers.
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No concern for learning curve in secondary DARRELL REESE PRINTZ REPORTER
outhern Miss’ secondary is undergoing a total revamp this season, with the secondary losing every starter from its unit in 2017. The only familiar face in the secondary will be senior Picasso Nelson Jr., who is returning for his last year with Southern Miss. Picasso will provide leadership amongst the young defensive backs and has proven that he is ready for that task. “It’s really big this year because he’s the only guy that’s really played,” Defensive Coordinator Tim Billings said. “So, if you had some other guys that’s back that played, it wouldn’t be near as big a deal. He’s the only guy that’s really truly played and started. And so being a fifth-year guy, of course Picasso’s a good player, and he’s a great leader. So he’s got to be the glue back there for us this year.” With Picasso being a household name among Southern Miss fans, everyone is looking for him to make plays this season. On Media Day, Picasso was asked how he was affected by the injury he sustained last year and how he hopes to stay healthy for his senior season. “[It was] Really, really tough,” Nelson said. “I was definitely happy that my brothers were playing, but I was hurt because I wasn’t able to play with them, but I’m here now. I’m definitely able to play another year, so I’m definitely grateful.” Billings spoke more about Picasso and how excited he is to have him back. “It’s great having him back especially since you lost all five starters in the secondary you know his leadership, and skill and stuff having him back kind of just helps stabilize young guys and help them out and He’s such a quality leader,” Billings said. “It’s super at least to have one guy back that’s got some playing experience.” Transfer corner from East Mississippi Community College Ty Williams looks to be one of the starters this season. “I think Ty is an exceptional football player – he’s taken to it like that,” Hopson said. “So I think he could be one of the best in the league.”
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Junior defensive back Denzel Washington jumps to catch pass.
Coach Billings spoke about his confidence level in his secondary and how they are shaping out. “We’ve got some really good talent,” Billings said. “One thing about [the] secondary is experience is so huge back there. Just seeing things and just like being in business and stuff you have some young guys , they’re hard workers
and they’re talented and they’re going to be really good, but they still got to experience things.” Getting those young guys up to speed will be tough but the coaches feel that they can get the job done. While this young core has more to learn as a group, they have shown flashes of promise
throughout camp. Experience will play a huge role in the secondary and guys are being introduced to new roles. Coach Billings spoke on those new roles and how they are adjusting to them. “Last year, our two safeties and nickel had never started before and you know Tarvarius [Moore], and Kelsey [Douglass], and Jomez [Applewhite], and so as the year went you saw those guys get better but they made a couple mistakes against Kentucky that hurt us. I think we have some really good talent you can’t do anything with experience except play and that’s what they’ve gotta do.” Sophomore Rachuan Mitchell saw some snaps last year at corner and recorded 20 total tackles in eight games. Junior college transfer sophomore Tyler Barnes and senior Xavier Marion all have been competing for the job at safety. With players like Tarvarius Moore and Cornell Armstrong leaving for the NFL, the Golden Eagles have some shoes to fill. Fortunately, new players like Ty Williams and Ky’el Hemby and many more seem to able and ready to live up to the challenge. On Media Day, Coach Hopson talked about his young core of defensive backs and how they are ready for the season. “Well, you just never know, but they’re looking good right now and I think Curry [Benn] has been a surprise as a freshman,” Hopson said. “And you know Tahj [Sykes] is a little bit older, but Ty [Williams], Ernest [Gunn] and Rachuan [Mitchell] I think are doing really good out wide. You know I’ve said that Rachuan last year I thought played really well.” Ernest Gunn is another player who is getting more recognition in the secondary. His 6-foot-1 frame helps him against taller and physical wide receivers. “And you see the thing that I’m really attracted to with Ernest is his size dimensions,” Hopson said. “He’s long, you know he’s long, and I’ve seen Ernest kind of turn a corner this summer. He’s working hard. Ernest has great athletic upside. So, with his length if Ernest just stays healthy and goes out and competes hard.” This new secondary unit boasts a level of energy and go-get-them mentality that bode well for this season.
In-state rivalry renewed in season opener BRAD CROWE
PRINTZ REPORTER n Saturday, Sept. 1, the Golden Eagles will face off with the Jackson State Tigers for just the third time in program history. If the first two contests were indicators of what to expect, the atmosphere at M.M. Roberts Stadium will be as electrifying as ever before when the two teams take the field. Southern Miss won both of the previous meetings against Jackson State, both of which were played in Hattiesburg. The first game was played in 1987 in front of 33,678 fans ecstatic to see the two inner state teams face off for the first time, and the Golden Eagles won the memorable event by a score of 17-7. The second matchup between the Golden Eagles and the Tigers did not occur until 2002, but an even more impressive number of 35,169 fans showed up at The Rock to see what ended up being a blowout, 55-7 victory for Southern Miss. Sixteen years later, with both teams now under different regimes, local fans are expected to once again fill up the stadium to see this matchup for only the third time ever. The Jackson State Tigers are coming off of a 3-8 season in 2017, Tony Hughes’ third year as head coach of the program. Although they showed high intensity and presented challenges often on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers struggled on offense, averaging just 12.7 points per game and ranking 119th overall in FCS offensive production. The Tigers did end the year on a high note, however, winning three of their last four contests to build momentum entering the
2018 season. With a new offensive coordinator in town – former head coach at Kentucky, Hal Mumme, known for being a pioneer of the Air Raid style of offense – and JUCO transfer quarterback Derrick Ponder, the Tigers’ offense just might receive the jolt of energy their offense will desperately need to turn the ship around this fall. Coach Hopson said preparation for the Tigers has been challenging, given their new personnel and new offensive system coming into this year. “Offensively, Coach Mumme wasn’t there last year,” said Hopson, “So you’re looking at both. You have to look at film with Jackson State’s personnel and then you look at film from places he’s been. They have a lot of new faces on the defensive side of the ball as well, so you know this first week is always kind of a dance into the unknown. But I do see a very talented, wellcoached football team, and we have to bring our A-game.” As for the Golden Eagles, the team seems to have overcome a few offseason injury situations and expects to be at full strength on Saturday. “I feel like Trivenskey [Mosley], George [Payne], and all those guys are back and ready to roll,” said Hopson on Monday. “We got a little banged up in week two of [fall] camp, but we’re getting healthier and healthier, so that’s good to see.” Kickoff for the season opener between Southern Miss and Jackson State will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. Coach Hopson and the players encourage all Golden Eagles fans to attend and show their support. For those unable to make it to The Rock, the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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Seymour and players run on to the field.
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Young receivers look to make impact GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
or the first time during Jay Hopson’s tenure as the head coach of the Southern Miss football team, multiple questions surround the wide receiver corps. During Hopson’s first two seasons with the Golden Eagles, Korey Robertson, Allenzae Staggers, Ito Smith, D.J. Thompson, Isaiah Jones and Julian Allen are departed players who contributed significantly in the passing game. Now, in 2018, the team will rely on a group of younger players with limited experience to try and kick start the passing game, with a new quarterback in the mix. Of the players listed on the roster at wide receiver for 2018, Quez Watkins, Jaylond Adams and Tim Jones are the three players who will receive the majority of snaps at the position, especially in three-wide sets. Youth is a notable factor in this receiving corps this season, as Watkins is a redshirt sophomore and Adams and Jones are true sophomores. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson stated that one of the biggest assets of the current receiving corps is the speed each player brings to the offense. “I think we’ve got a lot of speed — maybe more speed than we’ve had at the position since I got here,” Dawson said. “When you think of guys like Quez Watkins, Tim Jones and Jaylond Adams, they are young, but they did see playing time last season and they can all flat out fly.” Out of the returning wide receivers, Watkins was fourth on the team in receiving yards in 2017, totaling 23 catches for 337 yards and two touchdowns. As the returning statistical leader in the unit, Watkins will be called on to be a leader for the unit on and off the field. Playing behind Korey Robertson and Allenzae Staggers in the wide receiver corps last season, Watkins talked about how playing behind those two players helped his leadership skills. “I learned a lot from them,” Watkins said. “They taught me how to lead and then how to also stay humble.” Adams was behind Watkins in terms of statistics last season with eight receptions for
219 yards and a touchdown. Jones only had five receptions on the season but made the most of those, totalling 121 yards though the air with a touchdown, an average of 24.2 yards per reception. Hopson mentioned other players at the position that could also serve as contributors and key depth players over the course of the season. DeMichael Harris, a junior transfer from Hinds Community College, and juniors Trevor Terry and Jordan Mitchell are guys who have had minor injuries this offseason but should be ready to go once the season starts. Junior Neil McLaurin is another junior college transfer from Southwest Mississippi Community College that has playing experience, which will be important for the unit heading into the season. Out of the three receivers mentioned, Terry is the only one to record a catch with the team, grabbing one pass for six yards last season. Mitchell appeared in five games last season but did not record a receiving statistic. Harris, Mitchell and Terry should complement Watkins, Adams and Jones and have opportunities for receptions throughout the season in four and five-wide offensive sets. Southern Miss head coach Jay Hopson believes that the unit’s speed is an asset as they head into the season. “That’s a group that has a lot of speed so you’ve got to like that,” Hopson said. “We’ve got guys that can separate and make plays and space earlier.” Another player to keep an eye on the passing game is redshirt senior tight end Jay’Shawn Washington. Washington emerged as the team’s primary option at tight end last season, and recorded six catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. With Smith, Staggers and Robertson gone, Washington is a player in line for more targets in the passing game. There is much optimism surrounding the receiving corps, but many questions still remain. The unit has the talent to succeed in 2018, but with a corps of mostly sophomores and juniors who have had limited playing time up to this point, it remains to be seen if they can adjust to being full-time contributors. In addition, the depth players at wide receiver must step up and stay healthy to give quarterback Jack Abraham multiple options to throw to.
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Sophomore wide reciever Tim Jones makes catch in practice.
True freshman Trace Clopton to take starting center job BRAD CROWE
PRINTZ REPORTER olden Eagles freshman Trace Clopton has worked his way into a position that most freshman rarely see: a starting spot on a Division 1 offensive line. With football, of all areas in the game, the offensive line is perhaps the most difficult for a young player to make the transition from the high school level to college and have an early impact. Even further, of all positions on the offensive line, many would argue that center is the most challenging position for a young lineman to perform. For these reasons many have been captivated by the performance of Clopton through the spring and fall camp as he has toiled his way to the top of the depth chart as Southern Miss’ first-string center entering the season. “I think we hit a home run with that kid,” Coach Shannon Dawson, the Golden Eagles’ third-year offensive coordinator, said. “It’s not very often that a kid comes in as a true freshman and does what Trace is doing. In most offenses the center has to do more than the other four guys, but in our offense he has to do a lot more. He’s got a lot of protection responsibilities. He can even flip the protection when needed. There are a lot of things we put on him, and [Trace] hasn’t blinked. So we’re very fortunate to have that kid.” Such high praises are nothing new for Clopton, a three-star recruit out of Brookhaven, Mississippi who was selected to USA Today’s All Mississippi First-Team unit as a high school senior in 2017. The 6’2” and 290-pound lineman was accredited with a whopping total of 52 pancake blocks in his last year as a Brookhaven Panther, helping to lead the team to an impressive 11-2 record. Among the 14 scholarship offers he received were other local programs such as Louisiana Lafayette, Memphis, Tulane, and Florida Atlantic; but Clopton committed to play for Coach Hopson and the Golden Eagles in October of 2017. He enrolled at Southern Miss in the spring and became recognized as the consensus heir to Devin Farrior’s starting position during summer workouts. Both his teammates and coaches were highly impressed
Clopton prepares to block during a drill in fall practice.
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with his ability to quickly retain information within his first few months in the program and to make the proper adjustments to his game. “He’s a Southern Miss guy,” offensive line coach Erik Losey said. “He’s got that edge we were looking for, and if he keeps on progressing I think he’s going to have a chance to be special. He has a lot of improving to do — and who doesn’t as a football player, especially a freshman playing with the first string group at his position — but he has to progress, just like everyone else.” Southern Miss seemed to be a perfect fit for Clopton from the very beginning, as both his parents attended the school and his father, former high school football coach Tommy Clopton, introduced him to traditions of the Golden Eagles football program from a young age. Trace’s favorite part of the campus and city so far after one semester in Hattiesburg has been the infamous
hospitality of the people around him. “It’s like one big family here,” Clopton said. “Everybody holds the door open for you; everyone speaks to you; that’s just how it is around here.” Coaches and players are almost all in agreement that the greatest challenges for a newcomer transitioning from high school to college are attention to detail and the speed of the game, both mentally and physically. “A lot of high schools brag about being fast tempo, but let’s be realistic,” Coach Losey said. “There’s a reason there is another level after high school and another level after this. The speed of a football player does evolve and the game gets faster. For anybody that’s a challenge right off the bat, and it never stops being a challenge, especially if you’re an offensive lineman.” “Everything just moves a hundred miles an hour at this level,” Clopton said. “It’s all about attention to the
little details that we focus on so much in the film room.” Although they will have a true freshman on the ball at center, the Golden Eagles boast an overall experienced group of starting offensive linemen, tasked with protecting first-year starting quarterback Jack Abraham and a stable of running backs led by Tez Parks and George Payne. Clopton gives credit to his veteran teammates, who have gone above and beyond to help him learn and be successful in his first year with the team. “Those guys around me are really the reason for all of our success,” Clopton said. “They’ve really taken me under their wings and made it as easy as possible for me.” With many new faces taking the field at skill positions on offense this fall, much will be expected of the Golden Eagles’ offensive line. All eyes will be on Trace Clopton early and often as he begins his incredibly promising college football career.
Would like to inform Students, Faculty and Staff of changes to Traffic and Parking Regulations and the availability of parking lots/spaces, as well as other information you need to know for the 2018-19 academic year.
PAYNE CENTER PARKING LOT - With the construction of the USM Volleyball and Wellness Center Complex underway, approximately 200 commuter parking spaces in the west half of the Payne Center parking lot are not accessible for parking. The spaces will be blocked until the construction project is completed in late 2019. The exact net gain/loss of parking places is not known at this time. For the safety of all, please stay outside of the boundaries of the construction fence and observe all directional signage in the area.
USM and the City of Hattiesburg have partnered to add a Hub City Transit route that is internal to USM’s Hattiesburg campus. All active students, faculty, and staff can ride at no charge with a valid university ID card. Without an active ID, fares on the Hub City Transit system are only 50-cents. The system will operate Monday through Friday, 7:30 am until 6:30 pm, starting from the Hillcrest gravel parking lot and stopping at set points all across campus. Students can take advantage of the perimeter Open Zone parking lots and ride to the heart of campus. As an additional benefit, there are transfer points along the Gold Route where you can connect to other lines of the Hub City Transit system, creating improved transit access all over the City of Hattiesburg. If you have questions, please refer to the contact information at www.usm.edu/parking For more information regarding the Hub City Transit system and its other routes, please visit www.HattiesburgMS.com Interactive Hub City Transit Map: https://bit.ly/hctroutes
•Warning citations will be issued for non-registered vehicles on the first violation only; no other warning citations will be issued in the academic year. •Faculty and staff spaces are outlined in lime green. •The license plate recognition system verifies if a license plate is registered and a virtual parking permit has been purchased. If Parking and Transit Services is unable to view/access the license plate number or VIN number, the vehicle is subject to a citation, boot or tow. Please visit the Parking and Transit Services website for tips (PDF) about registration, specialty tags, VIN number, adding a vehicle, etc...). •Be sure to validate that you have registered your vehicle, purchased a virtual parking permit and reviewed your information before you submit and complete the process. •Please keep your email receipt for your records. It will contain your virtual parking permit number. •All vehicles parked on university-controlled properties/teaching research sites must adhere to the Traffic and Parking Regulations.
The University of Southern Mississippi hereby gives notice of enactment of the University’s Traffic and Parking Regulations for the academic year 2018-19, in effect on the Hattiesburg (Hattiesburg, Miss.) and Gulf Park (Long Beach, Miss.) campuses and at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Ocean Springs, Miss.), including the Halstead Road and Cedar Point locations. These rules and regulations are enacted by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, state of Mississippi, and are effective from and after Aug. 15, 2018. The full text of such rules and regulations are on file at usm.edu/parking, and a hard copy is on file at the Department of Parking and Transit Services in McLemore Hall on the Hattiesburg campus, the Department of Parking and Transit Services office on the Gulf Park campus, and the Oceanography Building at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
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With Ito Smith gone, who’s the next man up? ANDREW ABADIE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
This season, Southern Miss will have to replace Ito Smith, who is the second all-time leading rusher in Southern Miss history at 4,606 yards and the alltime all-purpose yards leader. Last year alone, Smith ran for 1,483 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught for another 396 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Rather than trying to find the next Ito Smith, the prime focus should be on duplicating Smith’s numbers. This year the Golden Eagles have at least four running backs, three of whom are seniors, who are capable of doing that. The real question is determining how to manage a crowded running back room. “Right now it’s easy to coach them because they all want to play,” Running Backs Coach Les Koenning said. “It’s been an advantage for myself in a unique situation where you have a bunch of guys who want to play. We would like to get where we can play them in any situation because what happens when you are a tempo team [is that] you have got to be able to run all the plays.”
From quarterback to tight end to running back, Anderson is a 6’2”, 245-pound force as he may have finally found his rightful place at running back. The best way to describe him is like the Chicago Bears former running back William “The Refrigerator” Perry. Anderson will be the go-to guy in short situations. He is extremely hard to bring down, but based on how camp
All photos by Brad Crowe
Parks has had to deal with several injuries in his time at Southern Miss. However, he has shown glimpses of success, most notably in last year’s Louisiana Tech game as he stepped in for an injured Smith. Last year, he ran for 274 yards and a touchdown overall. Parks is another bruiser but is also shifty and can make cuts that makes him hard to be stopped. Parks will also be involved in the passing game this season, as he had 11 catches for 83 yards in 2017.
progressed Anderson could average five yards per carry with the offensive line and his size. He will be a force for any C-USA defense this season, and his numbers will be something to watch. “He’s probably been the healthiest guy,” offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “He has gotten a lot of reps and has gotten a lot of good quality reps. You are going to see him for sure. I’m excited about Steven.”
Although an unfamiliar name, Maberry went down with an injury in the spring that required surgery. Maberry saw several first team reps midway through camp as Daniels, Payne and Parks were sidelined by minor injury. He has some nasty breakaway speed similar to Daniels. “Maberry is back off his injury from last spring,” Koenning said. “He’s got great feet and a great change of direction. With Maberry it’s him trying to get his confidence back on his knees. A redshirt freshman, Mosley saw significant playing time in fall camp after several of the running backs went down with injuries. Both left an impression after camp, so they may see some early snaps in the year but both will definitely be names to remember in the future. “We’ve got Trivenskey Mosley who comes in for us as a freshman,” Koenning said. “He [did] an extremely good job. He [has] elusiveness. He is a little like Tez with the shiftiness.”
Daniels ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns last season, and he saw some snaps last year for an injured Tez Parks. Although Daniels saw limited action, he averaged 7.6 yards a carry. Out of all the
running backs in fall camp, Daniels may have had the strongest camp. Daniels is arguably the fastest running back of the entire unit, which makes him deadly if he can turn the corner. While his speed is key to his game, he looks better equipped to be more physical compared to last spring. “When he puts his foot in the ground he can really change gears,” Koenning said.
Payne enters his sixth year after medically redshirting with a hip injury last year. Payne had been Ito’s counterpart in the back field for almost three seasons. In his career he scored 10 touchdowns and put together 1,049 all-purpose yards. Payne has missed a chunk of fall camp due to injury at the start of camp, but at the moment he appears to be healthy. Payne is effective when sharing carries, but staying healthy is his biggest concern for 2018. “Experience helps,” head coach Jay Hopson said. “That’s no different than anywhere we battle; whether it’s the quarterback position or the running back position, experience helps. Having Tez and George, they’ve played some snaps. Tez played a lot of snaps two years ago so that helps.” This running back group is a fairly experienced and talented bunch but staying healthy is a concern to have. The plan to use the running backs will be by going with the guy who has the hot hand and by committee. “I think this year more than last year we will be a little bit more running back by committee,” offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “But when saying that too you ultimately have to go with the guy who is hot and so I don’t think it’s fair especially at that position and say ‘we’re going to rotate like this’ because when a guy is hot you better keep feeding him. I think on our part we have to be very smart one the ones we put into the game.” Running back will again be an essential role in the offense, and with so many different possibilities at the unit, going by committee may be the best way to see efficient production at the position. “We’re not baptizing anybody at the start or a guy who’s getting 2530 carries,” Hopson said. “They’ve got to prove it on the field. That’s the reality. If we’ve got to go by committee and have four different running backs tote it, that’s what we’ll do. I think we have a tremendous amount of talent at that position. I really do and that’s the good thing about [it], one of them can’t rest when the other ones are on their heels.”
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Abadie: Southern Miss has lots of turnover ANDREW ABADIE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
or many Southern Miss fans, the amount of turnover for this year’s team has spurred more questions after last season and has even caused worry for fans. Yes, there were a lot of question marks entering fall camp. ‘Another quarterback battle?’ ‘Who will start in the secondary?’ ‘What are they going to do without Ito?’ The fact is, this team is very talented and in my opinion has and will be overlooked by several teams in the West. In all honesty, I, and several other sports writers, have been dreading having to write about another quarterback battle for the second year in a row. But that cleared up fast as Keon Howard transferred to Tulane to avoid a crowded quarterback room and, ironically enough, is now part of a filled quarterback room at Tulane. Howard will sit out a year due to transfer rules, but he may be a part of a three-way battle in 2019 along with Jonathan Banks, who mind you was pretty solid for the Green Wave as a starter in 2017, and Justin McMillan, a new LSU quarterback transfer. Nonetheless, it helped develop a clearer picture for a crowded quarterback room at Southern Miss. At least, that was the case until there was the unforeseen indefinite suspension of Kwadra Griggs, which was announced on Media Day for Southern Miss. What Griggs was suspended for is currently speculation, but I will say one thing: the coaching staff was caught off-guard just as much as everyone else was. To settle any other concerns, Jack Abraham is a fine and solid choice at quarterback. He can make the throws, has a young talented corps of receivers, has at least four different running backs that could start anywhere else in C-USA as long as they stay healthy and probably one of the most underrated offensive lines in the conference. So I think they’ll be fine. The defense will feature several new starters after losing eight guys and defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro, who is now with Florida Atlantic. Although that was a bit of a blow, Southern Miss promoted within, making Tim Billings the new defensive coordinator which means there was enough stability with the staff that there should be no cause for concern. The scheme will hardly change, which makes any adjustments simple. Like the offense, the defense has a load of unproven talent, but Southern Miss has a great defensive line and deeper depth at linebacker
People tailgating on game day.
Courtesy Photo
than expected. As fast as Cornell Armstrong and Tarvarius Moore were in the secondary, Ty Williams and Ky’el Hemby are definitely the duo to fill their former roles. This team could go in two directions the way I and most people see it: be an average 6-6 bowl team or win close to nine games and land a spot in the C-USA championship game. In either scenario, I don’t think fans will be disappointed, as they will be a competitive team. Now that I have hopefully shed some light or answered those questions, I have one question of my own. Simply put, ‘Why is the first week of school the same time as the first week of college football?!” Unlike most years, students, new and returning, have had one or two weeks to get settled in on campus before the start of college football. For many sports fans, including myself, the opening weekend of college football is close to being a national
holiday, with much excitement surrounding the occasion. However, with budget cuts, academic reorganization and a change in the academic calendar occurring at Southern Miss, the first week of college football is just three days into the new school year. Experiencing college game day as a student, with the madness that erupts on campus can be overwhelming. For many lost freshman trying to adjust, a position I, myself, was in two years ago when I first stepped on campus, it’s a daunting experience. The opening game against Jackson State may potentially be sold out, which only feeds into the mayhem that can be college gameday. For out-of-state students like myself, it can be even more of an intimidating experience. Meeting new people and adjusting to a new environment mixes only more ingredients in the blender that is game day. Finally, add the last-minute equation of parents coming up on an already complicated campus, and you have
really set yourself up for a long exhausting day. Now as intimidating and confusing as I have described a first game day experience, which oddly enough is also a strong resemblance to the first few weeks of freshman year or at least mine, it’s still a fun experience. So some friendly advice to college freshman: Pace yourself on game day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; have a contingency for whenever your parents do decide to come up for college game day and, lastly, keep coming to games. Attendance was a bit of an issue last year, and Southern Miss has a chance to make the C-USA championship game because of an easy home schedule, so help give them that advantage. Also, some advice to school officials: How about starting school a week earlier so that I can enjoy my labor day and college football day a little bit more and at the same time end the semester earlier? Thanks.
Who to watch for as impact players GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
eading into the 2017 season, the Southern Miss football team had a sizeable contingent of players that could have been considered breakout players to watch for the season. Running back Ito Smith, wide receivers Korey Robertson and Allenzae Staggers and defensive backs like Tarvarius Moore and Cornell Armstrong are players that had noteworthy talent and experience, and each player could have made for a fine breakout player prediction. This season, both Staggers and Robertson are gone, along with Smith, Moore and Armstrong. Also, a new quarterback in Jack Abraham will lead the way for Southern Miss in 2018. Given the turnover at key positions on the team and the relative youth of most of the projected starters, there are two players that can make a notable impact for the team, one that is a veteran of the program and one that is relatively untested. The one thing both players have in common is that they have the tools to make a big impact for the Golden Eagles. Defensive lineman LaDarius Harris is a returning senior who will be called on to
anchor the line for the 2018 season. The 2017 Conference-USA honorable mention selection recorded 37 total tackles along with 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack while starting all 13 games last season. Harris also played in 13 games as a sophomore in 2016 and 11 games as a freshman in 2015. Southern Miss Head Coach Jay Hopson had high praise for Harris when asked about the defensive line at media day. “LaDarius I think is for sure a next level NFL football player,” Hopson said. “I’ve felt like LaDarius for the last two years has been one of the best defensive lineman in the conference, so we need him to be real productive.” While the defensive line has other solid contributors with experience like senior Delmond Landry and sophomore Jacques Turner, Harris will be one of those veterans who can provide veteran leadership to the defensive unit as a whole and mentor the younger guys in his unit. On offense, the performance of the skill positions will be integral to the potential success or failure of the unit. Wide receiver will be one of those position groups that has a lot of new faces heading into this season. Among the players who will see playing time at the position this season, sophomore Jaylond Adams is one of those players who is young, but brings a lot of talent
Brad Crowe | Printz
to the position. Adams received quite a bit of playing time in 2017 as a backup receiver. As a freshman, he recorded 219 receiving yards, and showed a glimpse of his deep threat ability with a 52yard touchdown reception in the team’s 24-0 win over UTEP. With one season under his belt
LaDarius Harris during practice.
and having the opportunity to observe and learn under Staggers and Robertson in the receiving corps last season, Adams should transition well to the starting lineup. At 5’10” and weighing at 180 pounds, Adams will also complement the 6’2” Watkins and 6’1” Tim Jones as the shorter, but shifty receiver in the receiving corps.
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Top 5 Southern Miss season openers ANDREW ABADIE
and four touchdowns and take a 35-10 lead near the end of the second quarter. Southern Miss staged a large comeback though, posting 34-unanswered points, kicked off by a 71-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Nick Mullens with 14 seconds left in the first half. Mullens opened the second half with another touchdown drive as he scored on one-yard touchdown quarterback keeper. A fumble recovery by Xavier Thigpen set the Eagle’s up to score of a touchdown pass by Mullens. After a quick stop by the Southern Miss defense, Mullens took the lead back with a touchdown run which ultimately set up the win. Mullens threw for 258 yards and scored four touchdowns in the comeback win.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
2004 Southern Miss 21 at Nebraska 17
Southern Miss opened the season with a win in front over 77,000 fans at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium. The Golden Eagles forced five interceptions in Nebraska’s first home loss to a non-conference team since 1991. Southern Miss was down 17-15 in the fourth quarter, but a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dustin Almond to Marvin Young gave the Golden Eagles the lead. Nebraska almost managed to stage a comeback, driving to the Southern Miss’ 12-yard line, but DeMarcus Barner forced a fumble that the Golden Eagles recovered to seal the win.
1989 Southern Miss 30 vs. No. 6 Florida State 26
2001 Southern Miss 17 vs. Oklahoma State 9
The only home game on this list, the Golden Eagles spoiled future national championship winning head coach Les Miles’ debut with Oklahoma State, and Jeff Bower got his second consecutive win against his former team. It was Southern Miss’ Jeff Kelly’s 277 yards in the air that propelled the Golden Eagles to victory. Kelly’s lone touchdown pass in the first quarter occurred on a three-play drive, and running back Dwayne Woods’ touchdown in the second quarter gave Southern Miss all it needed for the win.
1980 Southern Miss 17 at Tulane 14
The history of this game goes back a year in 1979. That year was the first meeting between the two future rivals. Southern Miss had a chance to win the 1979 contest with a game winning field goal, but the officials could not get set fast enough and controversially called a potential winning kick no good, which led to the Golden Eagles dropping the game 20-19. The Golden Eagles opened the next season against the Green Wave in front a crowd of 44,000 in the Louisiana Superdome with the game televised on CBS. Led by quarterback Reggie Collier Southern
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Miss took a 14-0 lead. However, the Green Wave tied the game 14-14 in the second half, but an interception by Chuck Cook set up a game winning field goal, allowing the Golden Eagles to avenge the loss from the year prior.
2016 Southern Miss 44 at Kentucky 35
The Jay Hopson era started with not only of the wildest games in school history but also Southern Miss’ first win over a
Southern Miss football team runs out onto field.
SEC school for the first time since 2000. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson also took a vengeful win against the team that had fired him in 2015. Entering a much-anticipated season, Southern Miss jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a blocked punt asserting the early dominance. The script changed on the Golden Eagles as Kentucky forced three interceptions and blown coverages allowed for the Wildcats’ quarterback to throw for over 300 yards
This game is probably one of the most talked about games in Southern Miss history. It was not only the biggest upset in Southern Miss history, but it also cemented future NFL hall of famer Brett Favre’s legacy into Southern Miss’ history books. Originally slated as a home game, the game was played in Jacksonville as the city offered Southern Miss $500,000 to play the game at the Gator Bowl despite Southern Miss entering the game as a 22-point underdog. The Seminoles jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead, but Southern Miss tied the game at 10-10, setting up the back-andforth game. The Golden Eagles eventually took a lead 17-10 with Favre throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Alfred Williams. Florida State retook the lead 23-17, but a touchdown run by Eddie Ray Jackson allowed the Golden Eagles to take a slim 24-23 lead. The Seminoles took the lead with a field goal which set up one of the most legendary game winning drives in Southern Miss history. With under seven minutes left in the game, Favre led the Golden Eagles on a game winning 58-yard drive throwing a touchdown pass with 23 seconds left. Favre shredded the Florida State defense, completing 21-of-39 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time any team other than Miami had beaten Florida State in three years, and the game laid the foundation for the Gunslinger’s folklore.
Southern Miss football gameday traditions GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
Like most established college football programs, traditions are a part of the game day atmosphere. Southern Miss has multiple entrenched traditions that fans of all ages look forward to participating in. Below are four of the most popular traditions at Southern Miss on football game day.
The term “Eagle Walk” actually refers to two distinct but interconnected occurrences on the Southern Miss campus. The road that passes directly under the east end of M.M. Roberts Stadium is named the Eagle Walk, and it is tradition for the incoming freshman each fall to paint the Eagle Walk gold before each home opening football game of the season. Eagle Walk also refers to the parade that occurs along the Eagle Walk two hours before kickoff. Members of the Pride of Mississippi marching band, cheerleading squad, Dixie Darlings dance team and football team gather to walk along the Eagle Walk road to the Duff Athletic Center at the north end of the football stadium, flanked by fans on both sides. You know game time
is getting close when you see crowds of fans gather along the route to catch a glimpse of Coach Hopson and their favorite football players before they take the field.
The District is one of the premier tailgating locations on the Southern Miss campus for football games. Alumni, Greek organizations and student groups all converge and set up their canopies on the plot of land in front of the Ogletree House hours before kickoff to enjoy the college tailgating experience. Additionally, another landmark on the eastern edge of the District is The Little Rock, an actual rock that is painted gold each week before a football game and includes messages about that week’s opponent.
Friday Night at the Fountain is a gathering of Southern Miss students and staff on the Centennial Green and the
Brad Crowe | Printz
Shoemaker Square fountain at the heart of campus. On Friday before each home game of the season, fans gather to enjoy food and entertainment from the Pride of Mississippi, cheerleaders, Dixie Darlings and Seymour d’Campus.
Founded in 1920, The Pride of Mississippi
A group of cheerleaders pose together.
marching band has entertained Southern Miss at football games and other athletic events. According to Southern Miss’ athletic department’s website, The Pride of Mississippi has also performed in front of national audiences in the past, including the Chicago World’s Fair in the 1930s and the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This season, the Pride of Mississippi will kick off the 2018 football slate with a halftime performance with Jackson State’s band, Sonic Boom of the South.
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Predictions: Who will win Conference-USA?
GRANT CHIGHIZOLA
BRAD CROWE
ANDREW ABADIE
DARRELL REESE
The 2017 Southern Miss football team greatly benefitted from a schedule that included struggling conference opponents and a few close wins last season that led to their 8-4 regular season record and 6-2 conference record. In C-USA’s East Division, FAU should be the odds-on favorite to win not only the division, but the conference. Marshall is another East Division foe that will make some noise in that division. In the C-USA West Division, only Southern Miss, North Texas and UAB had winning records in conference and overall play in 2017. Still, the Golden Eagles were on the winning side in multiple close games, including a 31-29 win over UTSA, 34-27 overtime win over LA Tech and a 28-27 win over Marshall during the final week of the regular season. If just a few plays in those contests had gone the other way and benefitted Southern Miss’s opponents, the Golden Eagles’ record may have been drastically different. This season, the team is left with many questions in terms of personnel, especially on offense. With new lead running backs, receivers and possibly a new starting quarterback, it still remains to be seen if the offense can keep up the high level of production it has been known for over the past three seasons. Due to all of the uncertainty, I am predicting a 6-6 overall record and 4-4 conference record for the Golden Eagles in the regular season, with losses against Appalachian State, Auburn, North Texas, UTSA, Marshall and UAB, and wins against Jackson State, Louisiana-Monroe, Rice, Charlotte, Louisiana Tech and UTEP. Southern Miss will also finish fourth in the West Division, behind UAB, North Texas and Louisiana Tech. In the Conference USA championship game, I predict that FAU will represent the East, while UAB will represent the West.
It would almost be unprofessional to not acknowledge Florida Atlantic as the odds-on favorite to take the East Division and finish atop the conference after going 8-0 in conference play during 2017 and boasting one of the most potent offenses in all of college football. With 10 starters returning on defense, it’s difficult to see any conference team keeping up with the Owls’ average of 40 points per game. Their closest division competition should be Marshall, a team returning 17 starters from last year and nearly upset the Owls on their own turf. The West Division seems a little more uncertain, being that no team has repeated as division champion since 2012. The biggest wildcard in the division should be our Golden Eagles, who have a favorable schedule featuring home games against Louisiana Tech and Marshall — both of which Coach Hopkins’ team defeated on the road in 2017. Southern Miss has two crucial road games against the defending division champs North Texas and UAB. A win in Birmingham over the Blazers should get them to the six conference wins they will need to finish atop the West. I believe North Texas falls to third place behind UAB after suffering three conference losses to UAB, Florida Atlantic and UTSA.
Florida Atlantic is the clear-cut favorite to win and repeat as C-USA championships, which makes this season more of a battle for second place. The only team that could give FAU trouble is Marshall since they were closed to beating FAU by just five points. This year the Thundering Herd will host FAU, which could be the game that determines the East Division. While the East seems to be set, the West will naturally be wild. Southern Miss was picked to finish fourth with UAB, Louisiana Tech and North Texas picked ahead. North Texas returns the best offense in the west, but its defense gave up 35 points per game. With that said as talented as North Texas should be, UAB returns a strong corps of players and has a favorable schedule with its toughest game being a road game to Louisiana Tech. Next to UAB, Southern Miss has the easiest conference schedule, but the two toughest games that could determine how they fall this year will be road games to North Texas and UAB, both of which Southern Miss lost to last season. This year Southern Miss is under the radar and will very likely get overlooked by some teams. The West should be between UAB and Southern Miss to make the C-USA championship game, but with the Blazers’ favorable schedule its hard to not see them in the championship.
Conference USA did not really get the attention it should have last year. FAU won 11 and showed that they can handle they own in the conference. The question is whether or not any team in the conference compete with FAU. There are a couple of teams that can challenge FAU, though. Teams like Marshall, North Texas, UAB, Southern Miss and Middle Tennessee all make strong cases to challenge FAU, but only one of those can win the conference. Marshall is my pick to win the East Division, although their biggest question mark is at quarterback. I believe a guy like Alex Thomson can win that battle and prove that they can compete with FAU. The team has strong set of running backs that can provide much needed help to their quarterback. Their o-line is experienced, and that is always Ideal heading into a season. Also in the east, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky both can compete as well. No team is guaranteed to win it. It will be tough for all teams, but FAU is the favorite according to many reports. Southern Miss proved last season that they can compete as well by going 6-2 in the conference, only losing to North Texas and UAB. The Golden Eagles quarterback situation is most likely settled with Jack Abraham being named the starter. My prediction for the C-USA championship game will be North Texas vs Marshall. With Marshall having 18 starters coming back and North Texas going 7-1 in the conference in 2017, both teams are my favorites to face one another in the conference championship. Overall, everyone is expecting FAU to dominate with head coach Lane Kiffin at the helm, but I truly feel North Texas and Marshall will give them a run for their money.
SPORTS EDITOR
PRINTZ REPORTER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
PRINTZ REPORTER
SPORTS AUGUST 29, 2018
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Hopson expects fans in The Rock BRAD CROWE
PRINTZ REPORTER primary focus for the Southern Miss Athletics Department in 2018 will be striving to increase attendance for football games at The Rock. The Golden Eagles’ home attendance average in 2017 — ranked fifth among Conference USA programs — was significantly lower than the 2016 season average, which boasted roughly 6,000 more tickets sold per contest. Last year’s season opener brought an SEC opponent to Hattiesburg for just the second time in nearly two decades, yet only 22,761 fans attended the game in a stadium that is built to seat 36,000. Coach Jay Hopkins well understands the importance of fan support and its correlation with overall team success. “The reality is this, guys: we have to sell our product,” Hopson told fans at the 23rd Annual Golden Eagle Fanfare. “We have to come out to The Rock and show support. If we want to get to the top, that’s the journey. We’ve got to support Southern Miss because this is the university that makes Hattiesburg go.” Hopson mentioned what he refers to as a “Hardy Street Challenge” as a possible way to encourage local businesses to invest in the program and help increase ticket sales. “I got to thinking about this,” Hopson said. “If we could get each business on Hardy Street to purchase four tickets for their employees, then you know what, we would have the greatest season tickets package in the history of Southern Miss football.” The last sold out football game at The Rock was in 2015 when the Golden Eagles played host to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, which was the first time
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the Bulldogs had come to Hattiesburg for a game since September of 1989. The ratio of Golden Eagles to Bulldogs fans in attendance, however, created far less of a sold out home crowd advantage than many in the program would have hoped for. With another large crowd anticipated for this year’s season opener against the Jackson State Tigers, Coach Hopson
Southern Miss game day.
knows that this could again be an issue if Southern Miss fans choose not to come out to M.M. Roberts Stadium to show their support. “You take it from a guy who has been a head coach in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). That Jackson State crowd is coming, and it’s coming big. And we want to come in and see black and gold — not blue and white — covering that
stadium on Saturday,” Hopson said. Along with the season opener against Jackson State, the Golden Eagles will also play host to Louisiana-Monroe, Rice, UTSA, Marshall, and Louisiana Tech over the course of the 2018 football season. Coaches and players are all encouraging fans and students to continue supporting the program by attending these games and cheering on the Golden Eagles as they
Billings, Nicholson lead the way on defense GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
or the first time during head coach Jay Hopson’s tenure at Southern Miss, there will be a change at the top of the defensive staff. Tony Pecoraro, the defensive coordinator who served as the Golden Eagles’ defensive coordinator during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, left this spring to serve as defensive coordinator on Lane Kiffin’s staff at Florida Atlantic. To replace Pecoraro, Hopson remained in-house to fill the void, naming position coach Tim Billings as defensive coordinator and Derek Nicholson as co-defensive coordinator. Billings now also carries the titles of assistant head coach and safeties coach this season, while Nicholson will also serve as linebackers’ coach in 2018. While there are now two coaches on the staff that have the words “defensive coordinator” in their job descriptions, Hopson clearly outlined the chain of command that the defensive staff will follow on game day. “Tim [Billings] is our coordinator and he’s the guy that’s going to call the plays,” Hopson said. “I kind of run everything like the military. There’s not two guys in there deciding, “What do we do, what do we do, what do we do?” Tim’s the coordinator, Derek’s the co-coordinator. I think they’re both excellent football coaches and Derek’s deserving of that title. So what we wanted to do was just make sure that we were rewarding guys that deserve that reward, you know? Billings’ last stint as a defensive coordinator came in 1999, when he was a part of a Marshall squad that went 13-0. Hopson served under Billings as the cornerbacks’ coach for the Thundering Herd that year. Though it’s been 19 years since his last stint as a defensive coordinator, serving under a defensive-minded head coach like Hopson has made for an easier transition back into coordinating. “It’s something I’ve done before; actually, Coach Hopson and I
were first together at one time – I was the coordinator at Marshall and so we worked together,” Billings said. “It’s been awhile, but we’ve got a great defensive staff. Coach Nicholson’s a great football coach, and we’ve got Coach [Chris] Boone in. He was a defense coordinator at Murray State, and, of course, Coach Hopson’s a defensive guy, so it’s really an easy transition.” For Nicholson, the title of defensive coordinator is a new one in his coaching career. Nicholson has been coaching in the high school and college ranks since 2011 and has served as the defensive line coach for the Golden Eagles from 2016-17. His new title brings more responsibilities, but Nicholson says he’s up for the challenge. “It’s been good, being in a new position, you know, with the linebackers now not with the defensive line anymore – It was some adjustment as far as personnel,” Nicholson said. “I’ve had a great relationship with all the guys with the football team. But there were there were some adjustments, you know, more responsibility. But I look forward to that and the challenge this year, I’m excited.” Like Hopson described, Billings confirmed that he will be responsible for play calling and will be in the booth on game day. Nicholson will stay on the sidelines and will be responsible for making adjustments to the defense and energizing the defensive unit on the sidelines, a situation that Billings thinks will work well in 2018. “[Nicholson] will be on the sideline motivating the kids, making adjustments, things like that,” Billings said. “So it’s a perfect scenario for us; you can’t have a better on the field guy than him.” Obviously, the biggest thing that both coaches will have to manage and contend with this season is the on-field defensive personnel currently in place. The team returns many key contributors at the defensive line and linebacker spots. Billings mentioned players like seniors LaDarius Harris and Delmond Landry, sophomore Jacques Turner, and junior Demarrio Smith as guys who will contribute heavily to the defensive line this season. In the linebacker corps, the group returns Sherrod Ruff, who took a redshirt year last season due to injury. Paxton Schrimsher also returns for his junior year to further solidify that group. However, the one area that will be a question mark for the defense will be the secondary. The only notable returning player in that position group is redshirt senior safety Picasso Nelson Jr, who
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missed the entire 2017 season due to injury. “The place we lost all five secondary guys, that’s the battle right now – who’s going to be ready to play there,” Billings said. “Of course we’ve got Picasso back, a three-year starter, so that gives us a little stability back there, and so right now, we’ve got defensive line, linebackers; we’ve got a lot of guys to roll, secondary; we’re still trying to figure out who those guys are going to be.” Another thing that may change during the transition from an old coordinator to a new coordinator is the defensive scheme that a defense utilizes. Under Pecoraro, the Golden Eagles utilized a base 4-2-5 “nickel” defense. Not much will change in terms of scheme this season, according to Nicholson, who mentioned that the 4-2-5 will remain the base defense for the unit in 2018. “You know every year every coaching staff makes small tweaks, small adjustments, a lot of that is tailored to your personnel and
Tim Billings on the field.
putting your better players in positions to affect a football game and kind of covering up some of your weaknesses that you feel like are not your strengths, and so every year defensive coaches tailor and tweak their schemes because of their personnel,” Nicholson said. “So you know it’ll be fairly the same where we’re still going to be that aggressive, attacking style 4-2-5 defense, that’s multiple, and so that won’t change.” While much may have changed over the course of the 2018 offseason, much will remain the same for the Southern Miss defense. The duo of Billings and Nicholson has experience with the returning personnel, and with no major scheme change, players will remain familiar with the defensive playbook. Having one coordinator focus on play-calling and scheme and one focus on motivating players and making adjustments is a setup that may benefit the defense in 2018.
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Southern Miss players at the next level DARRELL REESE PRINTZ REPORTER
ontinuing Southern Miss’ history of sending players to the next level, 18 former Golden Eagles have been listed on NFL rosters this season.
JAMIE COLLINS Linebacker Jamie Collins is one of the most successful prospects to come out of Southern Miss in the last 10 years. Collins won a Super Bowl with the Patriots after being drafted for his athleticism and high motor back in 2013. He was later traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2016. The linebacker has a total of 249 career tackles with 13.5 sacks. Collins also participated in a Pro Bowl in 2015 and was a second-team All-Pro selection that same year, adding to his accolades. The Browns continue to look to the Southern Miss alumni as a leader on their defense.
JULIAN ALLEN Tight end Julian Allen was recently waived by the Cleveland Browns. He is currently dealing with an abdominal issue and can reach an injury settlement if he clears waivers.
JALEN RICHARD Other notable Southern Miss alumni include Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard
NICK MULLENS and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens. In fact, Mullens is making a case to be the backup behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo. The second-year signal caller has the tools to be a starter someday in the NFL. On the other hand, Richard had provided much-needed help in the passing game for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
ITO SMITH Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith is another guy that his currently trying to find his role. The Southern Miss alum has rushed for 42 yards on 17 attempts so far in three preseason games.
KOREY ROBERTSON After going undrafted in the draft this year, wide receiver Korey Robertson now plays for the Vikings and is trying to make the 53-man roster. So far, he has one reception for five yards in the preseason.
TARVARIUS MOORE Another guy that is making noise for the 49ers is defensive back Tarvarius Moore. Moore boosted his draft stock at his pro day clocking in a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash. That pro day performance led to Moore being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
CORNELL ARMSTRONG Sixth-round draft pick and defensive back Cornell Armstrong has shown positive signs with the Dolphins and is blending well with the defense.
AUSTIN DAVIS Seattle Seahawks quarterback Austin Davis made little impact in the Seahawks first preseason game against the Colts on throwing for 51 yards and completing 4 out of 5 passes.
DEMAR DOTSON Tackle Demar Dotson is set to return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing OTAs and minicamp this spring while recovering from a knee injury. Dotson is a guy who is a proven veteran in the game, entering his ninth NFL season this year. Standing at 6’9” 315lb, Dotson is one of the largest offensive lineman in the NFL.
MIKE THOMAS CAMERON TOM Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas and New Orleans Saints center Cameron Tom are fighting for backup spots amongst their respective positions, so it will be interesting to see if they win spots and make their respective rosters.
Courtesy Photo
Other Southern Miss players of note that are on NFL rosters are Minnesota Vikings tackle Rashod Hill, who started seven games in 2017 and Seahawks defensive tackle Tom Johnson, who has had stints with the Saints and Vikings during his career. Kalan Reed, the 2016 NFL Draft’s “Mr.Irrelevant” selection, is currently on injured reserve with the Tennessee Titans. As of now it seem like Nick Mullens, Cornell Armstrong, and Cameron Tom are good enough to make their respective teams. Other options for them would be practice squad. Another guy that could at the very least make his team’s practice squad is Ito Smith. * Jomez Applewhite and Xavier Thigpen signed with the Alliance of American Football League Salt Lake City and Memphis teams.
New names to know for 2018 USM football BRAD CROWE
PRINTZ REPORTER
uch has been made in recent weeks — and deservingly so — of JUCO transfer quarterback Jack Abraham and freshman center Trace Clopton as they prepare to make their first career starts for the Golden Eagles. However, there are quite a few more newcomers on both sides of the ball that are expected to contribute early and often in 2018. With a very talented recruiting class joining the roster, fans should get used to hearing the Voice of the Golden Eagles, John Cox, calling a few new names on Saturdays this fall at M.M. Roberts Stadium. On offense the Golden Eagles’ young receiving corps will receive a much needed boost in depth from a couple of promising transfers. De’Michael Harris became the first commit of Coach Hopson’s 2018 recruiting class in April 2017. The 5’9” speedster led Hinds Community College in all-purpose yards in both his freshman and sophomore seasons as a member of the team. He also scored a special teams touchdown as the Eagles’ main kick returner. Harris had quite a successful track career in high school, winning the MAIS state title in the 100 (10.55), 200 (20.8) and 400-meter (47.96) races. Expect Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson to find opportunities to get Harris in space and allow him to showcase his incredible speed. “[Harris is] a slot receiver that’s really, really fast,” Hopson said. “He runs a 10.4 100-meter, so he can really fly. He has that extra gear, and that’s really exciting. Not only is he a dynamic receiver with a lot of speed, but he’s also a great kick returner, too, so he’s a dual-threat guy.” Neil McLaurin, a 6’2” transfer from Southwest Mississippi Community College, offers both size and athleticism that the Golden Eagles will look to utilize in many aspects of their game. Named first team All-South by the MACJC and second team returner, McLaurin finished No. 2 at the
NJCAA level with 181.9 all-purpose yards per game and was also No. 5 in receiving with an average of 86 yards per game. The Laurel native was a successful dual-threat quarterback through high school and his freshman year at Southwest, giving him a level of versatility that Coach Hopson and his staff plan to use in various ways over the next two seasons. “He’s a playmaker,” Hopson said when asked about McLaurin’s potential with the team. “He’s one of those guys where the film speaks for itself, you know. Neil’s a guy that can go the distance and be an immediate impact, big time playmaker. And he’s a local guy, too, which I always love, so you know we’ve got us a local, South Mississippi guy that we think is going to be a big time playmaker.” Both Harris and McLaurin are primed to see the field often and be given opportunity to make plays. The Golden Eagles defensive secondary will see contributions from a few newcomers as well, one in particular being JUCO transfer Ty Williams, whom Coach Hopson has vocally acknowledged as “the best corner in Mississippi.” At East Mississippi Community College, Williams helped lead the Lions to back-to-back state titles and a 2017 NJCAA Championship. As a sophomore he led the secondary with three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 41 solo tackles. In the national championship game, he snagged a game-changing 49yard pick six, helping the Lions win 31-28 over No. 2 Arizona Western. Ky’el Hemby, a 6’1” safety, has also made headlines this fall with an impressive, physical style of play that Jay Hopson’s “Nasty Bunch” defense is known for utilizing. With 81 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble in 12 games with Iowa Western Community College, Hemby has the potential to bring a lot of toughness to the defensive unit, according to Defensive Coordinator Tim Billings. After quickly learning the system, Hemby began earning playing time with the first string unit throughout fall camp and is expected to play a large role for the group in 2018. “We know there may be – but you know hopefully not – but there may be some growing pains early,”
Brad Crowe | Printz
Pictured: Jack Abraham [top left], De’Michael Harris [bottom left], Neil McLaurin [top right], Ty Williams [bottom right].
Billings said of his new young secondary members. “That’s why it’s vital for our front seven to give the secondary some time to grow up a little bit, especially early in the first couple games in the season.” Billings expressed his vote of confidence in the new players’ abilities to grow as the season progresses.
“I think our back end is as talented as it’s been since I’ve been here; they just don’t have any experience outside of Picasso,” Billings said. “With repetition they’ll gain more experience, and with more experience they’ll gain more confidence, so I think that group is talented and I’m not worried about them whatsoever.”
SPORTS AUGUST 29, 2018
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New season, new uniforms for Golden Eagles GRANT CHIGHIZOLA SPORTS EDITOR
esthetically speaking, the Southern Miss football team will look a little different in 2018. The athletic department announced the new deal with the athletic apparel provider Adidas in October 2017, with the deal officially taking place on July 1 this year. This agreement with Adidas runs through the 2024-2025 athletic season. As per the agreement, Adidas will provide the uniforms and apparel for not only the football program, but for all Southern Miss athletic teams. “It’s the first all-apparel athletic deal in the history of Southern Miss athletics,” Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert said. “Before, we were with a variety of partners. We were able to get every sports program under one apparel umbrella. It’s really important on a number of factors. One, we’re with a global apparel company, they are known worldwide, they have a broad reach with their marketing plans and Southern Miss athletics will benefit firsthand from that partnership.” Before the deal with Adidas, Russell Athletic was the football team’s uniform provider, and they inked a five-year deal with the athletic department in 2013. The release of the uniforms has been staggered over the offseason since the deal took effect. At an event on July 12 for Eagle Club members and season ticket holders, the program released the black and white practice jersey and the gold game day jersey at the event. The white game day jersey was unveiled at the 2018 Eagle Fanfare event on campus on Aug 11. Although the black game day jersey has yet to be unveiled, fans will soon get a glimpse of it as the season kicks off on Sep 1. The gold jerseys have black numbers with a dark gray outline, with the wordmark ‘Southern
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Miss’ running in black font above the numbers and with a gray outline. Black numbers and font also appear on the white jerseys, although with a gold outline instead. White pants with a solid black stripe were released with the white jersey, and the gold jersey was revealed with solid black pants. However, the team will have the option to mix and match jerseys and pants. Helmets released with the jerseys are similar to ones seen in the past for Southern Miss.
New uniforms sponsored by Adidas.
The helmet is black, with the ‘Southern Miss’ wordmark appearing in white letters with gold outline. The helmet also has a black facemask and a split gold tapered stripe that narrows as you reach the back of the helmet. It is possible that fans will see multiple helmet decals during the season, like the current eagle head logo that appeared on the helmet last season for some games, most notably the home opener vs. Kentucky.
Although the public has not had a chance to see the black jerseys for the team yet, Gilbert emphasized that receiving items shortly before a season is common practice. “I would say it is typical for us to receive things this time of year,” Gilbert said. “The reason it’s probably magnified a little bit is that we’re switching apparel partners. We’re in constant communication with [Adidas], so the partnership has gotten off to a great start.”
Serving with Compassion With four convenient locations to serve you: 6524 US Hwy 98 West Hattiesburg, MS 39402
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Detail shot of the new helmets.
The Southern Miss vs. Jackson State Football game will be Saturday, Sept. 1. Century Park North and Pete Taylor parking lots will close at noon. Physical Plant parking lot will close at 4 p.m. All vehicles in these locations must be moved no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31. Students who park their vehicles at Century Park North will not be allowed back into the lot until 6 a.m. Sunday morning. All other vehicles parked in restricted areas must be moved by 8 a.m. on game day (Saturday). Any vehicle not moved will be towed at the owner’s expense.
PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
If a vehicle is towed for a football game, a towing fee must be paid to Parking and Transit Services before the vehicle is released. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Parking and Transit Services 601.266.5447 or 601.266.4943