University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Initial Practice for First-Year Players In the Books
8/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Initial Practice for First-Year Players In the Books
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The opening Southern Miss practice of the 2003 football season is in the books, and Golden Eagle head coach Jeff Bower liked what he saw.
"I was very pleased with how the first practice went," Bower said. "I was impressed with a lot of the players and how they worked today."
Monday's practice was the first of the 2003 preseason, and only the first-year players and walk-ons participated.
After a preliminary conditioning period, players went through various drills in their respective positions -- all as a means of getting the new players used to the Southern Miss system. It also was the first chance Bower and the Golden Eagle coaching staff had to evaluate players on the field.
"I am not trying to compare them to last year's group, but I like what I see," Bower said. "We are basically just teaching the practice routine as far as what we do, and we got into our schemes on offense and defense some."
Monday's practice was split into two periods of work -- half of the time going through offense and the other half on defense.
"We just wanted to see everyone on both sides of the ball," Bower said. "We are going to be able to see who can play what position, and that could help down the road if we have an injury or something."
Bower noted that first-year players would have a chance to play this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
"We are in much better shape defensively, but there will be a chance to play," Bower said. "We may need a couple of wideouts and a tight end, and there is a chance at running back as well."
The new quarterbacks also looked good on the first day, and Bower had nothing but good things to say about the group.
"I was real impressed with the quarterbacks," Bower said. "This was the first day for us to see how they do, and they moved around real well. These are without a doubt some of the more athletic quarterbacks we have brought in."
Bower said that some varsity players would join the newcomers in practice on Tuesday, which will allow for 11-on-11 drills and also help with the practice organization.
First-year practices continue through Thursday, while the first full practice for both the varsity and first-year players is set for Friday.
