University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: August 26
8/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Shorts
Upcoming: Practice (4:15 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27)
Report: Southern Miss held an energized practice at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility, taking advantage of cool autumn-like weather. The practice, which lasted for two and a half hours worked with special teams, ball security and several team periods. In addition, the team worked with position coaches on individual drills.
Head Coach Todd Monken
With all of the good vibe around here lately is there anything that is bothering you at all?
"We have built towards this. We have brought in players. We have fought like heck to do it better, myself included. From all areas, whether it is strength and conditioning to coaching or creating a culture of being positive and I feel like our players have taken to that. I like our team a lot. We will see, but I never fear the season because that's what tells you where you are. It tells you what you have to get better at and so I don't fear it. I look forward to it and this is the most I have looked forward to it since I've been here and I should. With every year, you should be building to be better and do it better."
How did today go?
"Today was another really good day. I thought yesterday was a really good Tuesday and like I said yesterday it's hard to come back with class and a big load day Monday. That's what I like about this team. We had the fewest off-season issues that we've had in terms of class and doing things right. Today, we asked them to bring more energy and they did. We have no excuses. Today was a beautiful day and we are 10 days out from playing and that's why we do it."
Defensive Lineman Michael Smith
On being a cornerstone of the defensive line...
"I'm very humble to even be considered a cornerstone because I wouldn't even consider myself that. Personally, I just do what I can for the team because I'm a team player. As far as defensive line goes, Dylan Bradley and I probably have the most experience but we are just trying to be great leaders for the other guys and try to bring them with us. The coaches might have guys moving around but that is what's best for the team. Whatever coach wants me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability."
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State (9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, Fox Sports 1)
Tickets: Season tickets, as well as single game 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.
