University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles' Scrimmage Demonstrates Spring Progress
4/6/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles' Scrimmage Demonstrates Spring Progress
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss coaches left Roberts Stadium with smiles solidly in place following Saturday morning's two-hour and 10-minute, 156-play scrimmage that marked workout number 12 of the 2002 spring training period.
"I thought we had a good scrimmage today," said Head Coach Jeff Bower. "I think it has really been a good spring for us. We've installed our entire offense. We're so much further ahead than we were last year at this time, and our kids, from a retention standpoint, have done a great job, both offensively and defensively. We've got a lot of guys back on both sides of the ball and that helps with retention. From a scheme standpoint, we're way ahead. We've still got some work to do polish and get better, but that will come.
"We also have to work to get some people healthy. We're really thin at defensive line because of the injuries, so we need to get people healthy over the summer so we can go full speed when we return in the fall.
"I thought our defensive effort was really good today, but I think we have to do a better job of tackling, especially in the secondary. There's always going to be both good and bad on both sides of the ball when you go against each other, but I thought we did a really good job of stripping the ball on defense. We created some turnovers, something we've worked hard on this spring. Offensively, we probably had the worst day I can remember in quite awhile in taking care of the football. We put the ball on the ground several times, when we were in scoring position inside the 10. You just can't do that. I thought we made some big plays on offense, a couple of long pass completions and some big runs; but on the other side, we also have to work defensively to not give up the big play.
"I think we missed (center) Jim Hicks today. Addaryl Edwards is doing a good job there, but he hasn't been at that position very long, and, considering all the looks the defense was throwing at us, it makes it really tough at that position. I thought the effort was good, and we got in some extensive work in the kicking game, which we needed as we head into spring game week.
"I also think we've improved in running the football, over where we finished up last year, and that was evident today."
The offense Bower referred to included running back Derrick Nix's best day of the spring. The senior, who sat out last season with a kidney problem, rushed 19 times for 140 yards, including a 25-yard scoring run. Anthony Harris added 71 yards on nine carries.
All three quarterbacks had solid days. Dustin Almond completed 10-of-17 for 188 yards and threw touchdown passes of six yards to Naton Stewart and 50 yards to Kenneth Johnson. Zac White added 14 completions in 21 attempts for 187 yards, but also threw three interceptions. Micky D'Angelo was 8-of-21 for 64 yards.
A total of 12 different players caught at least one pass each, led by LeRoy Handy's seven grabs good for 146 yards. Stewart had four grabs for 26 yards, including the TD catch, and Johnson and Rocky Harrison had three catches each, for 73 and 52 yards, respectively.
Defensively, the three interceptions belonged to Tootie Myers, Alex Ray and Greg Brooks. Terrell Paul, LaVon Pears and Ray also each had a fumble recovery during the scrimmage.
During the various kicking phases, Southern Miss kickers made 2-of-4 field goals, connecting from 52 and 32 yards and missing from 31 and 35 yards.
Next week, the Eagles will work Tuesday and Thursday and then put the finishing touches on the spring period with EagleFest and the accompanying spring game, April 13 at 1 p.m., in Roberts Stadium. Southern Miss opens the 2002 season Aug. 31, at home, against intrastate rival Jackson State.
