University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Newcomers, Selected Veterans Arrive On Campus
11/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Newcomers, Selected Veterans Arrive On Campus HATTIESBURG, Miss.
Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower said that 44 incoming players -- made up of freshmen and junior college signees, as well as selected walk-ons and veterans -- arrived on campus. Bower said that only incoming player Octavious Everett did not report as expected, but should join the team in a matter of days.
For the first time in three years, Bower and his staff decided to bring in the newcomers and some veterans early to give them some extra attention during the first few days of practice. The remaining veterans will report to preseason camp on Monday.
While it is different than in recent seasons, Bower thinks this season's format will work well.
"I like doing it this way," Bower said. "We have a couple of days to give the players all of our attention. We're able to work with them and teach them the routine. We'll also have academic orientation for them, along with other things to help them get adjusted."
In each of the last two seasons, all of the NCAA-allowed 105 players who are eligible to practice before classes begin reported on the same day. But Bower felt that didn't allow for the specialized attention for many of the new players.
"It's tough when you bring them in and throw them out there with 80 guys who are returning and know the routine," Bower said. "Now we have a couple of days to teach. We can spend more time with the new players and get to know them better.
The selected returnees who reported not only help the coaching staff run more organized practices, but they also include players who could benefit from extra work and reps that they would not normally get in full-squad workouts.
With the season-opener less than a month a way, Bower is excited about getting the season started.
"I'm ready to get started," Bower said. "We're ready to roll."
The first platoon of players will practice once each on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m., and also will take part in a hectic schedule that includes orientation meetings with coaches and athletic staff.
Southern Miss opens the season on Sept. 4, when the Golden Eagles host Tulane in the annual "Battle for the Bell", at 3 p.m., at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
