University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: August 27
8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Full Pads
Upcoming: Practice (4:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27)
Report: Southern Miss was able to practice once again in autumn-like temperatures as the Golden Eagles continued preparation for the 2015 season. The team went through a rigorous two and a half hour practice in full pads concentrating on in-game scenarios for both the ones and the twos. The team also did 7-on-7 drills and work on special teams.
Defensive Coordinator David Duggan
On the depth of the defense...
"Just having the depth and competition makes a difference. We've got two and three deep at a lot of positions and everyone knows their jobs are at risk every day. I think it keeps guys fresher so they give a little bit more on each rep. We don't have to throw the same guys out there. I think we are having some flexibility moving guys around like Michael Smith who has been inside but also has the ability to go outside. Their comfort with the system really gives us the ability to move around and really gives us more flexibility with the depth."
On the transfer players...
"Most of the guys are where we have expected them to be so that's a really big positive for us. D'Nerius Antoine started at linebacker. He was a junior college safety but we knew he had the ability to play linebacker. With our safety depth during spring, we felt needed him back there and he is a very active player that gets to the football. (Sherrod) Ruff was exactly what we thought he was. He is a very high IQ player that has picked up the system very fast. Anthony Swain has played a lot of football at a high level in the SEC and his leadership helps. He is a bigger guy that gives added size inside which will help with the run throughout the season. Andrew Bolton has been a very pleasant surprise. Also, Quincy Russell is another big guy. Those two have played football at really big Division I programs and it shows because they are really helping us."
Wide Receiver Jordan Mitchell
On being a local kid on the team...
"Well, I have always wanted to be a Golden Eagle so this is a big thing for me, as well as my family. The first game I get to play here just happens to be against Mississippi State and of course that game is going to be a big one for the whole crowd."
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.
