University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Completes Second Two-Practice Day
8/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Southern Miss Completes Second Two-Practice Day
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss Golden Eagles completed their second two-practice day of the preseason, but this day didn't go as well as the first one.
Head Coach Jeff Bower was displeased with the morning session, citing a lack of focus and attitude for the letdown.
"I don't think we had a very good workout this morning," Bower said. "I wasn't pleased with it. We were not mentally into it, and that was obvious. Our concentration was poor, and we missed assignments and dropped passes."
The afternoon workout went somewhat better, but it also included a redo of a poor period from the afternoon practice.
"That is part of preseason," Bower said. "You have to be able to concentrate and execute when you are tired. There is enough youth, especially on the offensive side of the ball, where we need to address that and try to do some things to improve on that."
Bower did have some good comments after reviewing film of Saturday's scrimmage, though, as he saw an improved performance from a number of players.
"DeMarcus Barner had a great scrimmage," Bower said. "He really improved and made a lot of plays. There were a number of guys who played well, but that was the best I have seen him play."
Bower also said that junior defensive back Darrell Bennett underwent knee surgery, and he should return to the field some time next week.
"We have to get some guys well," Bower said. "We had a lot of guys who were limited in practice because of injuries today, but we need to get some guys to fight through the pain."
The Golden Eagles return to practice on Tuesday, holding one session at 10 a.m. The team also will host two more scrimmages this week, one on Wednesday and another on Saturday. Both scrimmages are closed to the general public.
