University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Two-A-Days Are Just Ahead
8/6/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Two-A-Days Are Just Ahead
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss coaches got two more looks at the Golden Eagle freshman class Tuesday, as the first-year group practiced continued preseason workouts. At the same time, returning players checked into fall camp for the first time.
Head Coach Jeff Bower reported that all the returning players checked in during the afternoon, and following conditioning tests Wednesday, the two groups will start two-a-day workouts Thursday. "It's not unusual that we get everyone here on time," Bower said. "But it's also good to see everyone back again. They look good. We had a lot of them here this summer, and I think our conditioning tests Wednesday will show that the players reported in great shape."
Bower also announced a couple of position changes after the coaching staff got a firsthand look at the freshman group. "We moved Jonathan Palmer (6-4, 252/Tyler, Texas) to tight end and DeMarcus Nash (6-6, 290/Gulfport, Miss.) from the defensive line to the offensive line," he said. "Everyone else stays where we originally had them slotted."
Bower also was pleased with the way the freshman group worked. "They came in prepared, mentally and physically, and we got a lot accomplished," he said. "I think what we got done will allow our first-year players to quickly adjust to our schemes and practice routines. They'll be more comfortable and will be better able to make a contribution."
Wednesday will be spent with morning running tests and afternoon strength tests for returning players, before two-a-day workouts for the full squad start Aug. 8, with 7:35 morning and 3:55 afternoon sessions on the schedule for that day, and through Aug. 10.
Aug. 11 will be devoted to Media Day/Meet the Eagles activities that start at 2 p.m., in Roberts Stadium. Fans are invited to meet their favorite players as well as hear Bower talk about the upcoming season.
Two-A-Day workouts also will continue Aug. 12-17 with practices scheduled for 7:35 a.m., and 3:55 p.m., each day. Classes start Aug. 19, and the Golden Eagles 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.
