University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles Practice for First Time in Pads
8/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2009
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss transitioned into helmets and shoulder pads here Friday afternoon for the team's third practice on the Golden Eagle campus.
Second-year coach Larry Fedora was excited about getting his team back into pads as the squad went through over a 2 ½ hour practice which started with a temperature in the mid-90s.
"It was great just to get back out there and get pads on," Fedora said. "The guys were really flying around and hitting each other. They actually had a lot of fun today. I think everyone is eager to get going and a couple of day in shorts can be frustrating."
Fedora also praised several players for their play over the last couple of days, including one redshirt freshman defensive lineman.
"In what little you can do in shorts I have been impressed with the way that Joel Ross has moved around," Fedora added. "He has lost some weight and you can tell he has worked hard and got himself in shape."
Fedora also liked the progress of one defensive back which missed the last third of 2008 with a knee injury.
"It is good to have Chico Hunter back out there, he has made some plays in pass skelly," said Fedora.
Fedora went on to praise the play of Ronnie Thornton, the only player thus far to garner a black jersey during fall drills, along with Eddie Hicks and Justin Wilson as well signees Jamie Collins and Deron Wilson, who he added had done some nice things on the practice field.
Fedora's praise, though, was not limited to the defense as his team went through 20 minutes of team play drills to conclude practice
"Offensively, Quentin Pierce is still making plays for us at receiver and from the running back spot, Damion Fletcher and Tracey Lampley each had a run today that really made you go wow."
The Golden Eagles continue preparations for the 2009 season opener against Alcorn State, Sept. 5, when they return to the practice fields Saturday morning. It will be a complete day for the squad as they will go through media day Saturday afternoon, before appearing at Eagle Fanfare at Lake Terrace Convention Center beginning at 5 p.m.
Season tickets, as well as single-game tickets, are available through the Southern Miss Athletic Ticket Office. Fans can purchase tickets via online at SouthernMiss.com, or by the phone at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by walkup at the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., located on West 4th Street on the north side of the Golden Eagle campus.
