University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: April 5
4/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Full Pads
Upcoming: Practice (3 p.m., Thursday, April 7)
Report: Southern Miss football took to the practice field on a beautiful Hattiesburg spring day. The team worked for a little less than three hours in full pads with clear skies and temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s. The team continued to focus on fundamentals, while implementing new schemes throughout the team periods. Competition continues to be a point of emphasis and many players are seeing increased reps during drills.
Head Coach Jay Hopson
On first practice since the scrimmage...
"I thought it was a pretty good day. Offensively and defensively, we were solid so it was back and forth. The defense really came out and turned it on during the team period."
On this spring and the transition...
"All I can say about the transition is that we do what we do. We have some really great kids and everyone is working hard. Football is a journey. Every year is a different journey. We have great coaches and we are blessed to have them on staff. It has been easy for this staff. I think everyone has gelled very well together. We all know we have work to do."
On the player / staff relationship...
"I think we have a great staff here and great players. There are just a lot of `Southern Miss guys' who love the black and gold."
Running Backs Coach Lytrel Pollard
On the stable of running backs...
"It is (a luxury), when you have a returner like Ito (Smith) coming back. Then you have George Payne coming back off an injury. You also have Tez Parks coming back off an injury. Both of those guys have played in the past. Then you have a guy like Pat Brooks who was redshirted last year. I personally watched him every day on the scout team so I know the potential that he has. I feel pretty good about the group of guys we have going into this season."
Running Back Patrick Brooks
How has camp been so far?
"Camp has been great so far. Coming back with Ito (Smith) and George (Payne) helps. Those two guys are veterans and they make me better every day. I try to take a few moves from Ito and George. They really make me compete every day."
Tickets: Season tickets for the 2016 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.
