VOLUME 101
ISSUE 4
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
#HopToTheTop
Hopson ushers in new era in comeback fashion, 44-35
WHAT’S INSIDE
6
Hopson returns New head coach brings plethora of experience
8
4-2-5 defense How USM will adjust to new defense
2
INTRODUCTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Meet the Staff Fall 2016 Cam Bonelli
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
3
Eagles exhibit resilience in second half
Fadi Shahin| Printz Coach Hopson and Offense Coordinator Shannon Dawson onlook as the Golden Eagles make a play agaisnt Kentucky in Lexington on Sept. 3, 2016.
ANDREW ABADIE
printz reporter
The Golden Eagles walked away from Lexington with a victory over an SEC team for the first time since 2000. The team does seem to have several problems, but at the same time possesses promising features. The Golden Eagles played poorly in the first half of the game stemming from season-opening jitters, especially in game with high expectation. Also, the new coaching staff trying to fill big shoes from the prior year factors into the team’s shaky beginning. The biggest question mark was the defense: Had they improved from last season? After the first half it was still yet to be determined. Its performance was almost embarrassing. The secondary seemed
to be confused, allowing Kentucky receivers to catch anything on them the entire first half and allowing 277 passing yards. On the other side of the ball, the biggest concern was how poorly the offensive line played. By the end of half, the offensive line had allowed three sacks while taking several hits in the backfield. Kentucky’s ability to get to Nick Mullens played a crucial role in all of his three interceptions. Mullens was obviously shaken up after the beating he took, which possibly threw him off his game. The one bright side of the first half was the performance of running back Ito Smith. “We came out in the second half committed to playing Southern Miss football,” said Head Coach Jay Hopson. The second half of the game would be a total reversal from the first. The
running back duo of George Payne and Ito Smith took its toll on the defense, accumulating 146 yards total by the end of the second half. Nick Mullens settled down and it seemed the coaches made the right adjustments at halftime. In the second half, the Golden Eagles simply kept the Kentucky offense off the field. Kentucky’s time of possession totaled only 19:28 while Southern Miss’ was double, totaling to 40:32. By keeping the Southern Miss offense on the field, it kept momentum going for them. At the same time, the struggling Golden Eagle defense stayed off the field and took more time to recollect themselves. This also threw the Kentucky offense off its rhythm from the first half. As unstoppable as Kentucky was in the first half, Southern Miss’ offense returned the favor scoring 34 unanswered points. At the same time, the defense completely shutout the Wildcat offense, who in the first half were on track with a ridiculous 800 yards of offense. The ability to stop the run was the decisive game-changer. The defensive line’s ability to slow the run game down the second half made Kentucky’s play calls more obvious. This was led by Dylan Bradley, who could emerge as the leader of the defense, totaling seven tackles, two tackle for losses and a forced fumble. The blocked punt featured the consistency of the special teams unit all night. Kicker Parker Shaunfield would stay true to the special teams play including a 49-yard field goal. Among the chaos of the night, Smith managed to keep his cool and carry the team with 176 yards until the rest of the team could work out the kinks. Smith was a wrecking ball that could not be stopped. His ability to stay effective helped the coaches expose the Kentucky defense, which ultimately led to the Golden Eagle victory. Hopson said the win was “just a true Southern Miss effort – a hard-nosed effort.” “I’m just real proud of the fight and determination the players showed,” Hopson said. “They never stopped believing.”
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Nicholson brings team newfound energy, expertise JULIUS KIZZEE
printz editor
The defensive line has a leader of men at the helm, a man who has played at the Division I level himself. This coach has been not only been one of the most disciplined coaches on the staff, but the most vocal one on not just the practice fields, but also during the Kentucky game that saw the Golden Eagles score 34 points unanswered at Kentucky.
“One thing about football is the biggest plays is the one right up, right now,” said USM defensive line coach Derek Nicholson. “You’re never guaranteed another play, you’re never guaranteed another game.” It was just before the final second ticked off the clock that coach Nicholson called over all of his defensive linemen for an impromptu pep talk. He told all of his players how proud he was of them and to finish the job they had started when they were down 25 points just 30
Julius Kizzee| Printz Coach Nicholson laughs with his players during practice on Sep. 8.
minutes earlier. “We missed opportunities, we missed sacks, we had too many missed tackles,” Nicholson said. “We have to take advantage of those opportunities. I emphasized that at halftime that if you get the opportunity to make a play, be a playmaker. Make that play.” Coach Nicholson has been impacting the lives of players such as Dylan Bradley, a senior who has started off his season with seven tackles, with two of those coming for a loss against Kentucky in the comeback vicoty. He also added one sack. Jerry McCorvey has been added to the starting lineup to help beef up the defensive line also at six-feet, three-inches and 250 lbs. “Being a leader is self explanatory,” Bradley said. “You take [-er] away and it says lead. You have to lead. Especially on the field, you have to lead by example.” But what Nicholson has done is not only broaden the experience and statistical output of Bradley, but also helped to guide the emergence of players like Xavier “Paw Paw” Thigpen, who blocked a punt while adding two tackles and a sack in the contest. Rod Crayton is finally seeing game action, along with LaDarius Harris coming in as a true sophomore. With all of those guys being on the bench while the starters could have been gassed during the contest during Kentucky, it was essential for the depth to be stressed during the game. Also, it was important for the depth to come in at important moments. “We got off the field on third down,” Nicholson said. “We eliminated big things. Those are the things that seemed so small. We gave up five big plays in the first half but those five big plays resulted in touchdowns. All it takes is for one guy to bust for that to happen.” Nicholson comes to Southern Miss after spending last season at Alcorn State under Jay Hopson. Last year, the defensive line boasted the likes of Naim Mustafaa, Andrew Bolton and Michael Smith. The defensive line now boasts new names, with most of those relating to Nicholson and his previous experience himself. Nicholson has five years of coaching experience spanning from high school in North Carolina and Florida, as a linebacker coach at Akron and Louisville and last season at Alcorn State. The defensive line at Southern Miss has turned out several NFL prospects in recent years. Khyri Thornton was taken in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2014 and Rakeem NunezRoches went to the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Now, Dylan Bradley will hopefully be the next in line to join the NFL ranks as a former Southern Miss defensive lineman under Nicholson’s tutelage. With the energy that Nicholson brings, he hopes to instill in his players the same enthusiasm as he has within himself. Often on the sidelines during practices and the games, Nicholson can be seen yelling and emphasizing his points to his players while teaching him the lessons that he learned himself as a player. “I bring a bunch of enthusiasm and energy,” Nicholson said. “I’m never going to change and that’s just me. That’s a part of who I am, that’s my make-up.”
SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
5
Games to watch in 2016 KYLE WILLIAMS
printz reporter
ANDREW ABADIE
printz reporter
JULIUS KIZZEE
printz editor
LUKE SMITH
printz reporter
My prediction of the game of the season for Southern Miss is the November 25th matchup against Louisiana Tech University. While the matchup last year went the Golden Eagles way all 48 minutes, I feel the matchup this year will prove to be more competitive. This season, both teams have dealt with losing a key offensive player and dealing with new faces on the sideline. Southern Miss is dealing with the departure of
former offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey but does not fear much with the addition of Shannon Dawson, formerly with Kentucky, to replace Lindsey. La Tech mirrors the same situation as they cut ties with Tony Petersen and deal with the addition of Todd Fitch. Former Southern Miss wide receiver, Mike Thomas accounted for 1,391 yards and 14 TD’s. His contributions to the Golden Eagles offense are one that head coach Jay Hopson might have a hard time
filling but none the less can get it done. Last season, Thomas caught 7 rec for 162 yards and 1 TD. With Thomas gone, many would think that the Golden Eagles chances to win might decline, but La Tech also has lost a key component to their offense. Quarterback Jeff Driskel threw for 4,033 yards and 27 TD’s for the Bulldogs last season. Driskel was selected in the sixth round by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Bulldogs are faced with comparable
circumstances. While Mullens will be returning for the Golden Eagles, after his stellar season last year, he will be with many familiar faces like Ito Smith and Cameron Tom, just to name a few. With so many similar scenarios playing roles on each sideline, this seasons matchup is looking to be interesting. With La Tech really having more to prove, I feel as if they cannot replace the product of former players. I feel as if Southern Miss will win by 14, 49-35.
After Week 1, the LSU game has solidified itself in becoming the biggest game of the season for the Golden Eagles. LSU’s chaotic problems will look to be the foot in the door the Golden Eagles need to beat LSU. Wisconsin exposed LSU’s offensive problems, despite having Heisman candidate Leonard Fournette. LSU has many demons that they will need to exercise or they could find their season in jeopardy. Their biggest problem is the quarterback position which Southern Miss’s defense can easily exploit. By the time Southern Miss faces LSU, Brandon Harris may not even be the starting quarterback. If LSU’s passing game is failing, they will have to rely on their run game. The Golden Eagles do not have to stop Fournette
and Derrius Guice; just slow them down and keep them out of the end zone. Southern Miss just needs to concentrate on stopping the run game like they did with Kentucky. Despite, LSU’s star receivers if their quarterback situation does not improve, which it should not, the run game is their only worry. On the other side of the ball, the Southern Miss offense should be able to take apart the LSU defense, especially if they become frustrated as the game goes on. The offense’s ability to be effective in either the pass or run game will keep LSU on its toes. If Nick Mullens has a 300-yard game, it will silence Tiger Stadium and take away any fire LSU’s defense has left. The biggest key of the game is to keep the Golden Eagle offense on the field
for as long as possible and utilize the offense. If history is any indication of how this game could go then the odds are in favor of Southern Miss. Southern Miss has a reputation and history of being a giant killer and taking advantage of teams that overlook schools like Southern Miss. LSU has a polar opposite reputation which is overlooking teams like Southern Miss because of conference prestige. When LSU plays Southern Miss they will be coming off a tough road game from Florida and then be trying to focus in on Ole Miss who they play after Southern Miss. What looked to be a classic David and Goliath matchup in the preseason will now be more of a highly anticipated showdown rather than a
potential blowout win for LSU. For every game of the season LSU is trying rebuild its reputation and prove their doubters wrong. At the same time LSU head coach Les Miles will be fighting for his job with speculation suggesting that his job may be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Southern Miss will be trying to prove that they can play with the bigger schools, which was shown against Kentucky. The Golden Eagles have the right ingredients for a great season and although LSU is not an easy win it is definitely a winnable game. At this point it has become Southern Miss’ game to lose.
LSU, Marshall and Louisiana Tech are all viable games to pick as the game of the year for this season. LSU will most likely come into the game ranked in the national polls because of all the talent on the team. As an added incentive for the Tigers, the game will be at night where USM will be walking into a trap at Death Valley in Baton Rouge. Marshall is a tough game year in and year out. Last season with Todd Monken at the helm,
Southern Miss traveled to Huntington, West Virginia to take on the Thundering Herd and lost 31-10. This year, the Golden Eagles will have the Thundering Herd at home looking for revenge. La. Tech will be the finale of the season, which will be the biggest game of the season in most people’s eyes after USM traveled to Ruston, Louisiana last year thwarting the Bulldogs 58-24. But, Southern Miss will be ready for that game as it will
probably be for the C-USA West Division crown. My game of the year will belong to Sep. 24 when Southern Miss travels to El Paso, TX to take on the UTEP Miners. Junior Aaron Jones was injured last year after starting the first two games of the season then going down on Sep. 12 against Texas Tech. Jones is the workhorse of the offense and will be looking for a bounce-back year after going down so early last season.
Jones was leading the nation in rushing yards after the first week of the season, for what it is worth, running all over New Mexico State in the season opener. If a quarterback emerges from the Miner roster, this game could be a high-scoring affair. Not to predict that Southern Miss could lose, but this is one game that the Golden Eagles cannot look past.
The most exciting matchup on the Southern Miss schedule will be Week 8 when the Golden Eagles host the Marshall Thundering Herd. Last year, Southern Miss suffered a 32-10 loss to the Thundering Herd in Huntington, W.Va. Following the loss, Southern Miss won the last six games of the regular season to win the West Division of Conference USA. Marshall had the top defense in the conference a year ago, and the Thundering Herd will return several key players on the defensive line. Though Marshall’s top two linebackers from last season are gone, senior linebackers DeVontre’a Tyler and
Shawn Petty return to fill the void. If a couple of playmakers step up in the Marshall secondary, the Thundering Herd could be a difficult team to score against in 2016. Marshall’s offense is led by sophomore Chase Litton, who threw for 23 touchdown passes and eight interceptions last season as a true freshman. The 6’6, 207-pound Litton has the skills to be a top passer in the conference, but he is going to need some playmakers to emerge and help him out. Marshall will have to replace its top two receivers from last season, who combined for 114 catches and 1,420 yards.
The Herd will also have to replace running back Devon Johnson, who missed much of last season due to injury. The offensive line should be wellstocked with the return of 2014 first-team All-Conference USA tackle Clint Van Horn and center Michael Selby, who earned second-team All-Conference USA honors last season. This should be useful in developing a consistent run game, which will take pressure off of Litton. Southern Miss certainly has the tools to score against the Marshall defense. Senior quarterback Nick Mullens rebounded after a rough start against Kentucky, and wide
receiver Isaiah Jones emerged as Nick Mullens’ favorite deep threat, filling the void left by Michael Thomas. Running backs Ito Smith and George Payne also looked impressive in the 44-35 win over Kentucky. In a matchup that could possibly pit the conference’s best defense versus its best offense, I give Southern Miss the advantage. Southern Miss was a much better team after losing to Marshall last season, and the Golden Eagles are definitely looking to get even after last season’s embarrassing loss. I think the there is no way the Golden Eagles let Marshall get a win in The Rock.
WHO IS 6
SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
JAY HOPSON
Hopson returns for his third stint at USM
SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
7
JULIUS KIZZEE
sports editor
Who will be the one to bring the next level of success to Southern Miss? The infamous question that hovered around Hattiesburg, MS, after former head coach Todd Monken left the Golden Eagles for a NFL position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a 9-5 season and bowl appearance, many Golden Eagles were aghast to hear about the departure of Monken. Monken’s success is not a small aspect to overlook. In a season alone, the Golden Eagles went from 3-9 in 2014 to 9-5 in 2015. The turnaround season brought back hope to Golden Eagle fans as Southern Miss had not had the best off luck in years prior. The unnerving fan base was a lot more active in the 2015 season when the Golden Eagles started accumulating wins and restoring the prestigious tradition of winning at Southern Miss. Well, while all this success was coming Southern Miss way, another individual was mirroring similar success at another university. Jay Hopson served as a graduate assistant, linebacker coach and defensive coordinator at a plethora of colleges and universities. But is was not until 2012, where Hopson would get his chance at the top spot. From 2012-2015, Hopson served as the first non-minority head coach in the SWAC at Alcorn State University.
Not only was history being made with the cultural known as the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl) with barrier but on the gridiron as well. The first year may Marshall as a defensive backs coach from 1997-2000. not have been as projected, as the Braves finished the Hopson also was part of the 2002 Southern Miss 4-7. But the next three years would prove to be what coaching staff, featuring a 33-23 loss to Oklahoma Alcorn State looked to get out off Hopson. The 2013, State. 2014 and 2015 seasons all consisted of nine-plus win Hopson has a track record of winning all seasons and two consecutive SWAC championships. throughout his resume. But many may still wonder Many may look over the fact that Hopson was the if he has what it takes to bring Southern Miss to that first ever non-minority to coach a SWAC school. next level. Hopson had much to prove as the school hit a rough “I love coaching, we have some great kids who are patch of consecutive seasons with horrific records. working hard,” Hopson said. “When I first got here, In 2010, the Braves managed to go 7-14 and in 2011, the guys had a Southern Miss spirit. I love being the Braves only managed to record two wins, ending around those guys. I love every part of coaching.” the season with a 2-8 record. If anything can be proved, it is that Hopson has Selling the same story of how great he could make always found Southern Miss as home. He took a Alcorn would not be enough to a team who may $250,000 pay cut from Monken’s contract, something have heard that for years prior to Hopson’s arrival. many other coaches would not have done. Players Actions speak louder than words and actions would and the new coaching staff have taken to Hopson and be the exact thing Hopson would have to show to have bought into his gameplan of making Southern prove himself to this team. Miss greater than they were before. Improving by two wins in his first year, there was a start but still is a losing record at the end of the day. But improving upon that and producing a 10-win season and winning a SWAC championship is a milestone that speaks for itself. Similar to Monken, Hopson’s success at Alcorn State is far from mediocre. But the question still remains: Who is Jay Hopson? And what can he bring to the Southern Miss football program? Prior to his success at Alcorn State, Hopson saw success with teams such as Florida, Marshall, Ole Miss (his alma With four convenient locations to serve you: mater) and Southern Miss previously. 6524 US Hwy 98 West 551 Eagle Day Avenue Hopson helped to capture four consecutive Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Columbia, MS 39429 Motor City bowl championships (now 5003 Hardy Street Suite 350 Hattiesburg, MS 39402
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Breaking down the 4-2-5 defense LUKE SMITH
printz reporter
Jay Hopson’s defense has the tough task of following a successful 2015 defensive unit under former head coach Todd Monken. The 2015 Southern Miss defense ranked second in scoring defense and third in total defense in the Conference USA, though the defense struggled against Western Kentucky and Washington in postseason play. Back in February, Hopson decided not to retain defensive coordinator David Duggan, opting to go with Tony Pecoraro, who was Hopson’s defensive coordinator at Alcorn State for the past four seasons. Under Pecoraro, Southern Miss will run a 4-2-5 base defense, also known as the nickel. This means
that Southern Miss will lineup with four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. Though the Golden Eagles ran a 4-3 base under Duggan, the 4-2-5 was frequently used to combat passheavy offenses. Because the 4-2-5 utilizes five defensive backs, it is an ideal defense for defending against the pass-heavy spread offenses of the Conference USA. Southern Miss returns several experienced defensive backs in seniors D’Nerius Antoine and Devonta Foster, as well as juniors Picasso Nelson Jr., Cornell Armstrong, Curtis Mikell and Trae Collins. Last season, Antoine amassed 89 tackles, two interceptions and four forced fumbles for the Golden Eagles. “I think those are the core guys,” said secondary coach Dan Disch.
“I think they have to get better and they have to prove it every day. The key for the season is they have to get better every day. Every coverage has a strength and has a defense. Everything doesn’t stop everything. It’s just putting the pieces together.” In the first half of Saturday’s game in Lexington, the secondary did not look so sharp after giving up three touchdown passes of over 30 yards to young Kentucky quarterback Drew Barker. “We had to get adjusted to their speed,” Disch said. “They were real quick and had some talented receivers. We had to get used to
each other. We missed a couple of communication things that left a guy open one time, and then they made one catch where we had the guy blanketed pretty good. But he made the catch and that’s going to happen sometimes. I think it was just the first game, getting used to each other, getting used to the speed of the game. You know, you’re not playing the scout team guys, but I thought we settled in and showed we can compete.” “I felt like defense had pretty much done a pretty good job other than five plays and those five plays were huge plays,” Hopson said.
After struggling in the first half, the Southern Miss defense regrouped to shutout Kentucky in the second half and allowed just 56 yards of offense to the Wildcats.” “As a unit, they got a long way to go, and we’ve told them that on Sunday and Monday and Tuesday,” Disch said. “We’re not even close to where we want to be, but I was just proud of them to get rocked early and to not get rattled and continue to play. Then, to shut them down in the second half, it shows we’re capable of being a good defense, but we’ve got to do it all the time, we can’t have lapses.”
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Hunt Mercier| Printz Southern Miss defensive back D’Nerius Antoine (12) tackles Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley “Boom” Williams in Lexington, Kentucky on September 3.
Jones has big cleats to fill KYLE WILLIAMS
printz reporter
For a receiver, 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns are statistics far from mediocre. Mike Thomas did exactly this last season for Southern Miss. No. 88’s exciting senior year proved to be nothing less than amatuer. After a season like that, inheriting the number 88 is not a small task. Well for wide receiver Isaiah Jones, one question lingers. Can he be the next Mike Thomas? Jones was heavily recruited out of high school, racking up nine scholarships. Among those offers were those from Arkansas, Georgia, Louisville, Marshall, Miami and Florida State. Jones decided to take his talents to Tallahassee, FL to become a Seminole. Jones’ stay at Florida State would be a short one as the 6-foot-4, 201-pound receiver would suffer a foot injury that sidelined him for majority of his freshman year in 2013.
Shortly after in 2014, Jones would be ruled academically ineligible. After the 2014 season, Jones would transfer to East Mississippi Community College where he redeemed himself and landed a scholarship with Southern Miss. While the two receivers have two completely different play styles, the physical attributes are similar. Thomas is 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds with 4.5 speed and a 36-inch vertical. Jones is 6-foot-4 ,201 pounds with 4.6 speed and a 36-inch vertical as well. On paper, the two can be considered “twins”, with Jones having the upper hand in height. Both have decent speed, but deadly explosion for someone their size when the ball is up for grabs. Two big parts of Thomas’ game was his ability to go and get the ball and his mixture of upfield speed. Thomas could catch the ball, make a cut and then haul it downfield. Jones on the other hand has the ability to go and catch the ball, but does not have the
most effective elusiveness. If faced with an open field, you can add six points to his stat line. While on paper a 4.6 does not seem that fast, Jones makes it look like he runs a 4.4. The key to Jones’ success this year in the fulfillment of the number 88 will be reliability. Can Jones show up in late-game situations where Southern Miss may have to lean on him? Jones has not had much experience at the Division I level he is playing on now, but he is one gifted receiver. With the camp he had this year, he earned the No. 2 receiver spot and has some gifted individual alongside him with Allenzae Staggers and D.J. Thompson. Even if Jones cannot produce more yards than Thomas, I feel he can end the year with more touchdowns and be that go-to player for the Golden Eagles. Regardless of stats, talent-wise, I feel Jones can honor the No. 88 and its prestigious background.
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Can Mullens repeat after last year’s success? ANDREW ABADIE
printz reporter
The major concerns for Nick Mullens this upcoming season are whether or not he has the supporting cast and whether or not the coaching change will affect his results from last season. Mullens said he can’t let a day slide. “It’s our last one for a lot of the seniors,” Mullens said. “We have a solid senior class. We’ve stuck together through all of it and so to be able to have an opportunity to finish the right way is what we’re focused on.” The question is not whether Nick Mullens has the talent around him; Nick Mullens has to be the talent. At this point in Nick Mullens’ career, he is a four-year starter who has seen the glory of winning and the pain of defeat - more than most college quarterbacks. Mullens has to consider himself the leading role in this offense. Being the leader means he has to believe in this new coaching staff,
which he seems to have done over the offseason. Mullens can no longer just rely on impact players but must be the impact player. Although many worry that the new offense will make an impact on him, this past offseason shows it should not be of concern. Mullens has said this new system is “85 percent similar” to the old system under former offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who was also his coach back at Spain Park High School in Alabama. Mullens said Coach Shannon Dawson is very easy to work with, and has ultimately embraced the new offense. The new offense also will help the change in wide receivers. This year the use of tight ends is supposed to play a bigger role in the passing game. Junior tight end Julian Allen should easily impact the passing game, giving it a new dynamic. Along with that, the new set of wide receivers are no slouches, especiall former Florida State wide receiver Isaiah Jones. There is also D.J. Thompson,
who will look to be the number-one receiver based on of his stats last year. “We’re like brothers — we do what brothers do,” Mullens said on his relationship with Thompson. “I’m excited to see what he’s going to do. I couldn’t ask for a more dependable receiver.” Mullens’ current situation is similar to that of former Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch: Each came to a team that was the laughingstock of their conference. Each then turned their team around to become a powerhouse in their respective conferences. Nick Mullens has all the potential this season to bring glory to the Golden Eagles and make himself one of the top quarterbacks going into the next NFL draft. The biggest concern for Mullens will most likely be the pressure of last year’s success. Mullens has the tools to match last year’s totals all over again and, if not, do better. He only needs to look past all the pressure surrounding this upcoming season and have fun.
Stable of ‘backs go 3-deep LUKE SMITH
printz reporter
While most think of Southern Miss’ prolific passing attack when discussing the offense, the Golden Eagles’ depth at running back is often overlooked. Running backs coach Lytrell Pollard believes that the Golden Eagles have three running backs that can make a difference in Ito Smith, George Payne and Tez Parks. Ito Smith: Junior halfback Ito Smith can do it all, and he may just be the best running back in the conference. Last season, Smith was one of two Golden Eagles to rush for over 1,000 yards. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Mobile,Ala. native averaged 6.6 yards per carry and led the Golden Eagles with 1,876 all-purpose yards. Smith scored 10 touchdowns and racked up 49 catches for 515 yards to finish fourth in receiving on the team. On Saturday, Smith carried the ball 36 times for 173 yards and a touchdown against Kentucky. He also caught five passes for 40 yards. “Everyone knows about Ito [Smith] and what he can bring to the table,” running backs coach Lytrell Pollard said. “Ito [Smith] is a guy you give it to him in space. He’s a complete back. When you look at his stat sheet, you would think he’s not a guy that can stand in there with the pass protection. He’s just as good as those big guys in pass
protection.” “Before the game, coach told us that nothing was going to be given to us,” Smith said. “We had to earn it. At halftime, that’s when adversity had struck. We knew that we needed to go back out and overcome it. We got the win and we did it.” George Payne: Redshirt junior George Payne missed the 2015 season with a knee injury, but he looked healthy Saturday as he established himself as the No. 2 running back for the Golden Eagles. At 6-foot-0, 207 pounds, Payne is a much more physical back than Smith. In 2014, he rushed for six touchdowns and had a single reception in 10 games. Against Kentucky, Payne rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries, averaging over six yards per carry. “Straight-line speed, he might be the fastest. He’s that changeof-pace guy,” Pollard said. “He’s comfortable now. He’s learned the game a lot more now because he sat out a year. Now he knows how to be a complete running back
with his jump cuts, not always trying to run over people. But when he has to, he’ll try. And that’s the thing with him. When he wants to, he can.” Tez Parks: Tez Parks is a running back that is an actual change-of-pace back. Not because of exceptional speed or elusiveness, but because he offers a different variety of moves than Smith and Payne. Whereas Payne can give you straight-line speed and run over you, Parks may elect to slip by you. Parks is not the biggest running back in the trio heading the ground game for the Golden Eagles, but he is also not the smallest. Smith may give you elusiveness and an ability to bounce outside, but Parks will be able to take a hit — then bounce outside for a big gain. Parks will have to improve on his straight-line speed, but after trying to return from a knee injury from last season, he has time to make his presence known on the Golden Eagle football team.
Fadi Shahin | Printz Nick Mullens prepares to throw a pass against the Kentucky Wildcats on Sep. 3.
SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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Mullens’ experiences prepare him for 2016 JULIUS KIZZEE
sports editor
Gearing up for Louisiana Tech would be a challenge no matter how the Golden Eagles braced for it. The Bulldogs were winners of two straight games and four out of the last six. On the other hand, Southern Miss had dropped two of its last three. This game was not just a rivalry but a must-win for USM to keep their C-USA championship hopes alive. On the first USM possession, sophomore Nick Mullens threw a 12-yard pass to Marquise Ricard for a first down and positive momentum for the Golden Eagles. Mullens would again find Ricard on a throw down to the Bulldog 44 yard line. Facing third and seven, Mullens took off down to the La. Tech 42-yard line. His two-yard rush would not give the Golden Eagles a first down, but it would give his football life so much more. That run would change the trajectory of Mullens’ life on the field forever. “Stay consistent; stay even keeled,” Mullens said referring to his mindset when his team would struggle through adversity. “No matter if you’re high or low, losing or winning, just be yourself and be consistent and it’ll all work out.” That run would not only pave the way to a 31-20 loss to the rival Bulldogs. But, that loss would lead the way for Southern Miss to lose the next four games to end their 2014 season with a 3-9 record. That season was not only another blemish on the powerhouse midmajor Southern Miss program that had reached lows the program had never seen.
An 0-12 season under Ellis Johnson was unprecedented and no one saw it coming after going 12-2 and winning a C-USA championship. After Todd Monken was hired following the winless season, his squad won one game in 2013. The 2014 season was supposed to be the season for the Golden Eagles to bounce back. But, a two-yard rush turned into another disappointing year for the Golden Eagles. “It was so trying, it was really just a test,” Mullens said. “That Sunday [after the La. Tech game] we went out to practice, I was in the boot. We were running 50-yard sprints after every Saturday game. Run a few 50’s to get your body loosened up.” The boot would not just be a crutch on him for his athletic ability. It crippled his mental frame of mind. He felt weakened by his foot injury that would limit him until the season finale against UAB. His return would yield the same result as the past four games in a loss. “I sat on the sideline crying,” Mullens said. “Nobody wants to run 50 yard sprints but I wanted to be out there so bad. I was just sitting there watching them…crying.” Nick Mullens, a six-foot, oneinch, senior hailing from Hoover, Alabama has carried the Southern Miss team ever since he got his first start against UAB his freshman year. His freshman year, Mullens threw for 659 yards in his last two games alone. As a sophomore, Mullens posted 200-plus yards in nine games in the season before going down with the aforementioned injury against La. Tech. As a junior, Mullens evolved into one of the most prolific passers in the nation,
Hunt Mercier | Photo Editor Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens warming up before the first football game in Lexington, Kentucky on September 3. finishing in the Top 10 in passing yards and touchdowns on the season. Now as a senior, Mullens is facing maybe the biggest question mark of a season since entering the Southern Miss football program his freshman year. “Everybody worries about schemes but really you got to have a cheamistry with your coach,” Mullens said. “To know who he is on and off the field has been great. I’m really excited about the schemes and concepts about the offense.” Excitement also ran true on the Hattiesburg campus last year as
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the Golden Eagles were racking up victories led by Todd Monken and his former staff. But, that staff has moved on. In the first contest that Mullens had with his new leadership, he threw three interceptions alone in just the first half. It was a rocky start to say the least, but, he shook back to finish with 258 yards passing, two rushing touchdowns and two more through the air. “I just had a pretty tough stretch,” Mullens said. “Those mistakes are easily preventable. It’s a matter of just focusing and not turning the ball over.”
That’s the singular message that Mullens has been learning this season thus far after one game. The season is not just one game, but many. Like the other obstacles in his life, he has learned that the game of football, and life, is not just one moment stretched out over time. But, it is that moment that leads to him knowing his efforts will not be wasted at the end of the day. Despite injuries, new coaching and new opponents in his way, Mullens strives to push through until the end of the season, and hopefully, keep his NFL dreams alive.
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Jones, Staggers ready to start at USM JULIUS KIZZEE
sports editor
On the junior college level, there is one team that is consistently among the highest-ranked in the JUCO standings. East Mississippi Community College has built a reputation for beating its opponents until the final buzzer and shutting them down on defense as well. With scores such as 69-0, 56-7 and 48-0, EMCC has had built a reputation for its offense. Now, that team is known for being “Last Chance U.” “I don’t consider myself a celebrity,” said former EMCC
receiver and current Golden Eagle starter Allenzae Staggers. “I consider myself a regular athlete. All the attention is great but, I still got to stay focused on what I’m here for.” The EMCC 2015 football season was covered in a Netflix documentary series entitled “Last Chance U.” Not only was the season documented, but various players made cameos during the six-part documentary. “We don’t really think about us being movie stars,” said fellow past EMCC receiver and Southern Miss starter Isaiah Jones. “That’s really what we went through. People play around with us about the movie.
We’ve been able to keep our head straight.” The documentary not only covered the 8-1 season where the Lions averaged 50.6 points a game, but it showcased the ins and outs of being a JUCO athlete. In the highlight of the documentary, the EMCC football team got into a brawl with the Mississippi Delta Community College football team that showed Jones getting into a profanity-laced tirade with the EMCC coaching staff. After that season ended and the two stepped on the USM campus, they became roommates. In turn, it brought them just a bit closer on and off the field.
Julius Kizzee | Sports Editor Receiver Isaiah Jones lines up to run a route against cornerback Cornell Armstrong during practice on Sep. 8.
“We’ve been roommates since we got here,” Jones said. “We’re always trying to do better than the other. If he makes a big play, I want to make a big play. We’re always competing.” Jones and Staggers fought for their repetitions with senior quarterback Nick Mullens and the first-team offense. With the receiving core possibly going
six deep with the likes of D.J. Thompson, Marquise Ricard, Reid Rials and others, both of those receivers had to fight for their time on the field. “I don’t really have that much time left,” Jones said. “If I want it, I have to get it now. If I want it, I got to get it now. The other receivers know that, so that makes them push harder.”
“I consider myself a regular athlete. All the attention is great but, I still got to stay focused on what I’m here for.” -ALLENZAE STAGGERS
WIDE RECEIVER
Hunt Mercier | Photo Editor Southern Miss wide receiver Allenzae Staggers catches a pass against the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington, Kentucky on Sep. 3.
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SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Bradley amongst leaders in new age KYLE WILLIAMS
printz reporter
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” The famous quote by millionaire Jack Welch is the perfect fit for Southern Miss defensive tackle Dylan Bradley. Bradley was heavily sought out of high school, holding offers from Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Arkansas State and Mississippi State. After deciding to sign with Southern Miss, the 6-foot-1, 250-pound defensive tackle knew he had something to prove. Bradley made an immediate impact for the Golden Eagles. His freshman year, Bradley saw playing time in 11 of the 12 possible games that year and earned his starting position in the final game against UAB in 2013. Bradley’s freshman year was anything but unproductive. He finished the season with 52 tackles, 24 of them being solo and 4.5 being tackles for losses. Success would not stop there
for Bradley. His sophomore and junior years would prove as productive. In his sophomore year, he would face a minor injury that would leave him sidelined for a period of time, but he would still be able to play in eight games and record 29 tackles. His junior year, he would record 47 tackles, 30 of them being solo and 12.5 of them being tackles for loss. While on paper, it may look like Bradley’s play declined but that is far from the truth. Bradley’s strength combined with his speed proved to be much to handle for any team, which forced double-teams the majority of the time. With so much focus on Bradley, other Golden Eagles such as Xavier Thigpen and Jerry McCorvey were able to shine. “Being a leader is selfexplanatory,” Bradley said. “You take the word ship away and its [leader] and that’s what you have to do out here.” The senior may not be the most vocal to the media, but on the field, you can count on
Hunt Mercier | Photo Editor Senior Dylan Bradley celebrates after making a play on defense against Kentucky on Sep. 3.
him to lead his defense and help them to do better at their individual job. Silence is one thing you will not get from Bradley on the game day or practice. “When someone needs your help on or off the field and you
talk to them and help them; that is what a leader is to me,” Bradley said. Whether it is him telling the offense how “sorry” they are (all in the good spirit) or how dominate the defense is being that day, Bradley will let you
know. Being vocal is only one aspect of Bradley’s leadership on the field. Bradley being vocal and very energetic is something all coaches want from a potential NFL player.
Lanna Wakeland Band September 10, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Savannah State Game: 6 PM Concert: 4:15 PM
October 29, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Marshall Game: 6 PM Concert: 4:15 PM
September 17, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Troy Game: 6 PM Concert: 4:15 PM
November 5, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Charlotte Game: 2:30 PM Concert: 12:45 PM
October 1, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Rice Game: 6 PM Concert: 4:15 PM
November 25, 2016 Southern Miss vs. Louisiana Tech Game: TBA Concert: TBA