University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Damion Fletcher Honored By State House of Representatives Thursday
3/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 13, 2008
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss running back Damion Fletcher (Biloxi, Miss.) was recognized today by the Mississippi House of Representatives in Jackson, Thursday, for his accomplishment of winning the 2007 Cellular South Conerly Trophy as the state's top college football player.
Fletcher rushed for a school single-season record of 1,586 yards last fall to go along with 15 touchdowns. He finished 13th in the country among the Division I-BCS schools in rushing yards per game. In addition, he ranked among the top 10 in four categories for career active leaders following the 2007 in rushes per game (fifth-22.0), rushing yards per game (sixth-114.4), all-purpose plays per game (fifth-23.8) and all-purpose yards per game (130.4).
As one of just three Golden Eagles to ever rush for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, he tallied more yards than any other Southern Miss rusher in back-to-back campaigns with 2,974 yards. He also ranks second on the school chart in number of 100-yard rushing games with 16 behind Ben Garry's 17 from 1974-77.
He should become only the fourth Southern Miss player to rush for over 3,000 yards in his career. The other three were Garry with 3,595, Derrick Nix (1998-2000, 2002) with 3,584 and Sammy Winder (1978-81) with 3,114.
The rising junior also caught 29 passes for 227 yards in 2007.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2008 Regular Session To: Rules By: Representatives Patterson, Barker, Byrd, Fredericks, Janus, Palazzo, Parker, Zuber House Concurrent Resolution 57
(As Adopted by House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING Damion Fletcher UPON HIS ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GOLDEN EAGLES AND BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE 2007-2008 CELLULAR SOUTH CONERLY TROPHY.
WHEREAS, as a freshman, Damion Fletcher was a welcomed addition to the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team, and as a sophomore continued to prove the value of his worth as a vital asset in his quest to set and break school records; and
WHEREAS, during his 2006 freshman season, Damion set a USM and Conference USA freshman record when he scored 11 touchdowns and rushed for a total of 1,388 yards, averaging 106 yards per game; and
WHEREAS, proving himself a formidable force with whom to reckon on the gridiron, Damion, in his debut game, rushed 89 yards and caught two passes for 38 yards against the National Champions, the Florida Gators, subsequently was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week when he rushed for 177 yards and scored three touchdowns against North Carolina State in the third game of the season and has continued his ascent to the top of the collegiate football echelon; and
WHEREAS, as he continues to awe the crowds with his eager tenacity to press toward the end zone, he exceeds the expectations of the throngs of onlookers, as well as his own, as he has been ranked 11th nationally among all running backs in rushing yards for the second consecutive year and set the school's single rushing record with 1,586 yards in the 2007 season, scoring 15 touchdowns and averaging 169.9 yards per game; and
WHEREAS, Damion set a USM school record with seven 100-yard rushing performances his freshmen year, only to return as a sophomore to shatter that record with nine 100-yard games this season; and
WHEREAS, Damion was named Freshman All-American by five different organizations, earned First Team All-Conference USA and was on the All-Conference USA Freshman Team; and
WHEREAS, only the second Golden Eagle running back to rush for more than 1,000 yards in two consecutive seasons, Damion was once again named to the Conference USA All-Conference Team; and
WHEREAS, this 2007 GMAC Bowl Most Valuable Player was one of three finalists for the 2006 Conerly Trophy, signifying him as one of the best college football players in the state, and in 2006 and 2007 won the Cellular South Fan Favorite Award; and
WHEREAS, the 2007-2008 football season not only further defines Damion Fletcher as a talented individual, but also distinguishes him from his peers with exceptional athleticism, skill and ability, and as the recipient of the prestigious Conerly Trophy, solidifies him as the best college football player in the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the stellar achievements of outstanding student athletes whose talents and high degree of sportsmanship are exemplary of the honor reflected upon their schools and the state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby congratulate and commend Damion Fletcher upon his athletic accomplishments with the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and for being the recipient of the 2007-2008 Cellular South Conerly Trophy, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future academic and athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Damion Fletcher, the University of Southern Mississippi and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
