University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: August 4
8/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Helmet, Shorts
Upcoming: Practice 2 (9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5)
Report: Southern Miss football took the field for the first practice of fall camp on Tuesday morning. The Golden Eagles worked out for two and a half hours in the summer heat and humidity. The 10-period practice included three team sessions and several group sessions. The team did one-on-one drills and seven-on-seven skill drills, as well as focusing on special teams.
Head Coach Todd Monken:
"First day was good. There was a lot of energy and our guys were moving around but that's every first day. Now, it's how we build on it, sustain it and keep it that way. Everyone needs to raise their level every single day. If we were already where we needed to be then we wouldn't even practice. We are figuring out who is going to play, who is going to contribute, and who is going to be taking the field the first week against Mississippi State."
"The biggest thing from today was communication. Communication is a byproduct of mental toughness. Are we communicating up front? Are we loud? Is our quarterback loud? Are our linebackers, our mike linebackers, our safeties all communicating? Are we getting lined up? Are we in a football position? Are we able to play fast? That was the emphasis on today and we still have another level to get to and I think our guys understand that."
Quarterback Nick Mullens:
On the tight ends...
"Coach Monken brought in Julian (Allen) and Taylor (Marini) and they're two really good guys with big bodies that are physical with great attitudes. We're really excited to see them evolve and show what they've got in camp. I believe they are competing right now and we expect both of them to be very viable to the offense."
Defensive Lineman Wil Freeman:
On entering senior year...
"I feel good. Now that I can show up physically, I try to help some of the younger guys with some of the mental aspects of the game. Just knowing where they go and things like that."
Running Back Jalen Richard:
On returning after missing the spring...
"This is what I came to school for, to get a degree. Football was just a train to get that. Refocusing and making sure I handle those things properly so I can be on the field that was one of the things that motivated me. Being out there with the guys. We spend so much time playing football that we don't have many friends that aren't athletes and getting to be back out on the field with them was really motivating."
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.
