University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: August 12 (Morning)
8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Full Pads
Upcoming: Practice 10 (8:15 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12)
Report: Southern Miss football once again participated in the first of two practices on the day as the Golden Eagles began their second two-a-day practice. The team practiced for two and a half hours in full pads in the scorching summer heat. The practice was a physical test with a lot of energy on both offense and defense. The team returns to The Rock for practice in the evening for just under 90 minutes in shorts and helmets.
Head Coach Todd Monken
On practice...
"Today was a very good day. A lot of energy today. I thought for the first time in a while, maybe since day one, I felt our offense had some energy. I felt like we took it upon ourselves to really decide that today we wanted to be a good offense. I think offensively and defensively that was our best practice we've had yet."
On the physicality...
"It was physical. Guys were flying around. Guys understanding that it's about us. Our guys did that today. If we can continue down that road, we have a chance to be special."
Any particular players on the o-line stand out?
"It was a group effort but I'd say Rashod (Hill). Rashod had been under the weather the first few days. Today, I thought he did a great job of leading. I thought (Brandon) Farmer played better today. Farmer's got to play better and be more explosive. He's got it in him. I know Cameron Tom brings it every day and Norman (Price)'s got it. We've got guys that have talent but it's not going to be about talent; it's going to be about toughness. It's about want to and getting up off the mat and moving people against their will. Today, I think we tried to do that. Whether we accomplished it every time, I don't know. If we bring that toughness, we will be really good up front."
Linebacker Brian Anderson
What have you done to anchor yourself as the heart of the defense?
"The biggest thing I knew I had to work on was my communication on the field. The coaches brought in a lot of players that will help and become great assets to the team. As far as camp has been going, I have been trying my best to communicate, study a little more and make sure I know what every other positions' job is in every formation we set up in."
Defensive Back Picasso Nelson Jr.
On the competition in the defensive backfield...
"I love it. I know when the game comes it doesn't matter who is on the field. We're all brothers. We want each other to catch picks and score touchdowns. I'm really thankful for the depth of the defense. I know we are going to play well together and gel together. We are going to lift each other up and play Southern Miss football."
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State (9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, Fox Sports 1)
Tickets: Season tickets for the 2015 Southern Miss home season can be purchased by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, or by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) as well as visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Center on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
