University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Football Practice Report: August 10
8/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Full Pads
Upcoming: Practice (8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 11)
Report: For the second time in three days, the Southern Miss football team took advantage of cooler temperatures on the practice fields Wednesday morning as they went through their first practice of fall camp in full pads. The Golden Eagles enjoyed a 2 ½ hour workout under their most in as they continue to install their schemes for the season opener at Kentucky, Sept. 3.
Head Coach Jay Hopson
First day with pads on, was the intensity level where you wanted it to be?
"Yeah, I think so. Everybody was physical, (and on our) third and one (drill) our offense did a good job. We did some situation stuff and they played physical there. As we got further away in our long stuff, the defense came through and made some plays. We competed pretty hard so I'm pleased with that. Good spirits today with first day of pads."
Talk about Isaiah Jones and Allenzae and picking up the offense:
"They are. They're two guys that we are going to count on on being playmakers for us for sure."
Is Isaiah's size something you like:
"Of course. It's always a plus when you're big. Big, tall and fast is always a plus and he's a guy that we know can make a lot of plays."
What is something Allenzae does really well?
"Zae's got really good explosion to be that tall. Some tall guys sometimes take a while but he's got a good burst and explosion. He can run and for a big receiver that's what you need."
Quarterback Nick Mullens
Talk about Isaiah and Allenzae:
"The newcomers are awesome. Stagg and Isaiah have done a great job in buying into the system, learning and making a lot of plays here early. To be able to add those guys into the mix, add another factor into our offense is great for the team and great for them to succeed."
Is Isaiah's size something you like?
"Oh yeah. Anytime you know you can just go up and give a guy a chance on a throw, that's awesome. He's made a lot of plays, really solid hands, just a dependable guy, great guy off the field and that's what you want."
What has coach Hopson been teaching you?
"Just be tough. Everyday after practice we run gassers, we're always hitting and we're just going to a physical Southern Miss football team. Under Coach Hops, we're going to be nasty, we're going to be tough and we're always going to fight harder than our opponent."
On the pads coming on:
Oh yeah, the energy level naturally picks up, guys are ready to get after it, show what they're made of so be able to have the pads on and play football, be able to go at it is just awesome."
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.
