University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
D'Angelo Returns To Practice
10/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
D'Angelo Returns To Practice HATTIESBURG, Miss.
D'Angelo, who has not practiced with full contact or played since suffering a concussion in the Memphis game, was cleared by team doctors and returned to action in the team's Tuesday afternoon workout at the Joe P. Park practice fields.
"The doctors cleared him," Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower said. "I found out right before practice, but he is here and ready to go."
While D'Angelo has not practiced at full speed for the past month, he has gotten some work in. After a two-week period of no physical exertion, D'Angelo was able to practice in a limited role, primarily working with the scout team offense.
Bower said that a decision on who will be the starting quarterback for next week's home game against USF has not been determined.
"We haven't talked much about it," Bower said. "He hasn't played in a month, and right now, we are going to work all three quarterbacks. The conditioning factor is there, and we have to get him back in shape. He's just missed a lot of football. It'll just take some time."
In D'Angelo's absence, both redshirt-sophomore Dustin Almond and freshman Damion Carter have split time at quarterback. With D'Angelo's return, the team now has three quarterbacks who have started a game this season.
"We are going to play the quarterback who will give us the best chance to win," Bower said.
For D'Angelo, the return was a welcome feeling.
"It felt good to be out there," D'Angelo said. "But at the same time, I am a long way from where I need to be both physically and mentally. I just have to take advantage of each rep that I get in practice."
Bower said that defensive back Greg Brooks returned to practice today, but defensive end Eric Scott (foot) did not practice.
With recent struggles from the offense and run game, Bower said a few changes will be made. Offensive lineman Travis Cooley will return to the lineup, and Chris White will move from guard to left tackle. Patrick Corbett will also move back to tight end. Myron Powe will be the backup at right tackle, while Neal Mead will back up the left tackle spot.
"We are making every effort to get better," Bower said. "We are looking at a number of tailbacks. We want to get our five best people on the offensive line. We have to get some guys to compete. We have to be a more physical offense, and we have to do a better job of that."
