University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles Set for "Off" Weekend
8/23/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Golden Eagles Set for "Off" Weekend
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi football squad used Thursday's workout to correct mistakes from Wednesday's scrimmage, and now will enjoy a long weekend off before returning for a Sunday afternoon practice that will open game-week preparation for the Sept. 1 season opener against Oklahoma State.
"The staff will work Friday," Head Coach Jeff Bower said, following the workout. "Then, Saturday is a mandatory day off for the entire staff, and the days off will be good for the players. We want them to stay off their feet and get their legs back before next week. Also, a mental break for them right now is important as well. They'll come back Sunday charged up and ready."
Bower also said that freshman linebacker Derrick Ducksworth (Mize, Miss.) is scheduled to have his shoulder "scoped" Aug. 30. "There's something there, but we don't know how serious. We'll just do the arthroscope, see what's wrong and go from there," Bower said. Bower also said an MRI indicated that wideout Kenny Johnson (Gramercy, La.), who hurt a knee in the Wednesday scrimmage, may have slightly re-injured a knee that required surgery following a high school injury. "There may be a slight meniscus tear, and we're relieved that there was no ligament damage in there. That was good news, he said. "We'll put him out Sunday and let him run, see how he does, and go from there next week. He's a tough kid."
Bower says the time off will be especially beneficial for the young players. "They're not used to this kind of routine and structure, the speed of practice, practicing hard and with intensity every day, but they're starting to get the hang of it," he said. "The time off will help."
The Eagles return to campus for a late Sunday afternoon workout, and then open the season against Oklahoma State in a Sept. 1, 11 a.m., ESPN-televised game in Roberts Stadium.
