University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Injuries Continue To Be A Problem
8/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Injuries Continue To Be A Problem
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The injury bug continued to take its toll as the University of Southern Mississippi continued preparation for the fast-approaching 2002 season.
Senior defensive back Corey Yates (5-10, 177, Holly Springs, Miss.), who suffered a knee injury in a Saturday scrimmage will require arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss the upcoming season. "Corey tore an ACL, the same injury that forced him to miss last season," said Head Coach Jeff Bower. "It was his other knee this time, and we, as a team, really feel for Corey and what he's going through."
In addition, junior defensive lineman George Brice (6-4, 262, Natchez, Miss.) also is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery to repair either a torn meniscus or cartilage, and he will miss from two-to-six weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. A decision has not been made regarding possible surgery for junior offensive lineman Ben Culp (6-5, 311, Sand Springs, Okla.) who continues to miss practice with a shoulder injury.
Sophomore running back James Walley (5-10, 196, State Line, Miss.) and sophomore defensive back Darrell Bennett (6-0, 200, Lake Charles, La.) both remain on limited status, and Bower says "he's not sure when they will return to full practice."
Sophomore quarterback Zac White (6-5, 242, Gardendale, Ala.) also missed practice Tuesday. "Zac has 'mono,' didn't work today and probably won't return to practice until, at the earliest, Monday," Bower said.
The Eagles are scheduled for a "mock" scrimmage Wednesday, a dress rehearsal workout, before continuing regular workouts Thursday.
With the start of classes Monday, the Golden Eagles started one-a-day workouts and will continue that schedule this week and next as they prepare to open the 2002 season Aug. 31, at home, against Jackson State. Southern Miss follows that with two more home games, against Illinois, Sept. 7, and Memphis, Sept. 14, before hitting the road for the first time, Sept. 21 at Alabama.
