University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Football Practice Report: Saturday, Aug. 6
8/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Shorts
Upcoming: Practice (8 a.m, shorts)
Report: Southern Miss's second fall camp practice featured an extra level of intensity from the Friday opener. It was a toasty morning on the field, but both sides of the ball maintained a high level of intensity and motivation. Quez Watkins and Korey Robertson each pulled down impressive catches for the white jerseys.
Head Coach Jay Hopson
On the team's goals
"I thought we came out to practice hard today. That was a good job, and it's still the second day of camp. The intensity is what it's all about, and it's good to see emotions as long as you can harness them."
On comparing it to Day One
"I thought our effort today was a lot better. Practice was a little harder too, so that sometimes goes hand-in-hand.
Running back George Payne
On his increased role for the 2016 season
"Just getting back into the swing of things so we can win a conference championship. It was tough coming back after I was hurt. Not being able to travel didn't make me feel as much a part of the team. I'm really happy to be back and to win this year."
On his ACL injury the previous year
"It was a setback, a major one. I felt like I had a chance to come into last year in a playmaker role, but I had to stay positive. Back in the spring I didn't feel as back, but now there's no pain at all."
Redshirt junior wide receiver Marquise Ricard
On how his and the team's camp has gone
"It's going real well. We are just trying to learn what works and who wants it. Nobody can get comfortable because everyone is competing everyday. I'm working my way back in right now. I just came back from the offseason and I'm just trying to earn my rank."
On what he can do this season
"We are missing a lot of pieces from last year and I'm just trying to fill that role. We have a good quarterback, so I have a good opportunity to be great."
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. The Golden Eagles open the 2016 season at Kentucky on Sept. 3. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.
