University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
New Rule this Fall Could Help More Southern Miss Freshmen See Field
8/14/2018 6:10:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Every year during fall camp, young players for Southern Miss show that they are ready for the rigors of playing at the college football level. This year they will get a chance to play and possibly not lose a year of eligibility.
Starting this fall, college football players will now be able to take part in up to four games and still keep their redshirt.
The change will allow players to maintain a year of eligibility in the event of injuries of other factors require them to play and opens the door to greater development earlier in a players' college career.
One true freshman, though for Southern Miss, has already earned a starting job, while others continue to battle for playing time this fall according to third-year coach Jay Hopson.
"Trace Clopton has come in and earned the starting job at center and that is pretty impressive as a true freshman," said Hopson, of the Brookhaven, Miss., native.
But Hopson did not stop there when talking about his freshmen to the media earlier this week.
"Tate Whatley at quarterback has done some really good things and he has been impressive," said Hopson. "Trivenskey Mosley at tailback and offensive lineman Kam King has really had a good camp so far working with the twos. Ethan Edmondson on the defensive line has really had some good days. Hayes Maples at linebacker has really been impressive and you look at wide and you have Curry Benn at corner. Nicaro (Harper) has shown flashes (of good play), while J.J. Jones got here late, but he has shown some things (during camp). I know I am missing some guys, it is hard to remember everybody, but I think the freshman group has done really well this camp. How many will play four games, or the season is yet to be determined."
Hopson said he looks to see more freshman play because of the new rule, but also sees guys that are going to help this team the whole season.
"It is the sign of the times especially with the four-game deal," said Hopson. "You are going to have a few more freshman playing, I don't think there is any doubt of that. Those that we need to play are going to play the season. Last year, we had a ton of true freshman play, but we had to have them."
Single-game and season tickets are still available for the 2018 Southern Miss football season. Tickets may be purchased on online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by phone at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) and in person weekdays at the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office during normal business hours.
Starting this fall, college football players will now be able to take part in up to four games and still keep their redshirt.
The change will allow players to maintain a year of eligibility in the event of injuries of other factors require them to play and opens the door to greater development earlier in a players' college career.
One true freshman, though for Southern Miss, has already earned a starting job, while others continue to battle for playing time this fall according to third-year coach Jay Hopson.
"Trace Clopton has come in and earned the starting job at center and that is pretty impressive as a true freshman," said Hopson, of the Brookhaven, Miss., native.
But Hopson did not stop there when talking about his freshmen to the media earlier this week.
"Tate Whatley at quarterback has done some really good things and he has been impressive," said Hopson. "Trivenskey Mosley at tailback and offensive lineman Kam King has really had a good camp so far working with the twos. Ethan Edmondson on the defensive line has really had some good days. Hayes Maples at linebacker has really been impressive and you look at wide and you have Curry Benn at corner. Nicaro (Harper) has shown flashes (of good play), while J.J. Jones got here late, but he has shown some things (during camp). I know I am missing some guys, it is hard to remember everybody, but I think the freshman group has done really well this camp. How many will play four games, or the season is yet to be determined."
Hopson said he looks to see more freshman play because of the new rule, but also sees guys that are going to help this team the whole season.
"It is the sign of the times especially with the four-game deal," said Hopson. "You are going to have a few more freshman playing, I don't think there is any doubt of that. Those that we need to play are going to play the season. Last year, we had a ton of true freshman play, but we had to have them."
Single-game and season tickets are still available for the 2018 Southern Miss football season. Tickets may be purchased on online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by phone at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) and in person weekdays at the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office during normal business hours.
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