University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Goes Through Light Workout Friday on Eve of First Preseason Scrimmage
8/11/2023 11:31:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Practice day number eight was shorter than the previous seven workout sessions for the Southern Miss football Golden Eagles as they get ready for their first extended scrimmage Saturday morning.
The Golden Eagles finished up 30 minutes earlier than normal, as Saturday presents an opportunity for players battling for playing time this fall.
"I bet I've answered that question every time the same," said third-year coach Will Hall discussing what he will be looking for during the team's first extended scrimmage. "I'm looking to see who can block, who can get off blocks, who can tackle and who can break tackles, because that's what football is all about."
Hall also discussed the much-anticipated battle at quarterback and mentioned that two of the younger players that position will go live when they get the opportunity to perform.
"You know, everybody wants to know at quarterback and it's the same thing I've sat with that," said Hall. "I want to see who will put their eyes in the right spot and then make the throw. It's got to be, we've got to have our eyes in the right spot and make the throw accurately where they can catch it. And then, see if anybody can make a play off-script, because that matters too. Who can make a play off-script as well. Probably going to let our two young guys go live—Ethan Crawford (Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Hillcrest HS) and Austin Gonzalez (Plano, Texas / Lovejoy HS)—because they haven't played in a while, you know, and they're young so we need to see what all they can do. We'll keep all the rest of them [quarterbacks] in a red jersey."
Hall also said one aspect he looks forward to seeing is the team's special teams and how they are progressing with jobs still up to grabs in those areas.
"Really looking forward to the kicking game," said Hall. "We'll go kickoff coverage versus kickoff return. Good on good, full go. Then we'll go punt versus punt return full go. So, that'll be great [to] see some of these newcomers in settings with special teams and how they're going to be able to help us."
The season opens at home Saturday, Sept. 2, against Alcorn State and tickets are still available for that game as well as the final five home games this fall. Fans can contact purchase home season or single game tickets at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office on campus weekdays during normal business hours.
The Golden Eagles finished up 30 minutes earlier than normal, as Saturday presents an opportunity for players battling for playing time this fall.
"I bet I've answered that question every time the same," said third-year coach Will Hall discussing what he will be looking for during the team's first extended scrimmage. "I'm looking to see who can block, who can get off blocks, who can tackle and who can break tackles, because that's what football is all about."
Hall also discussed the much-anticipated battle at quarterback and mentioned that two of the younger players that position will go live when they get the opportunity to perform.
"You know, everybody wants to know at quarterback and it's the same thing I've sat with that," said Hall. "I want to see who will put their eyes in the right spot and then make the throw. It's got to be, we've got to have our eyes in the right spot and make the throw accurately where they can catch it. And then, see if anybody can make a play off-script, because that matters too. Who can make a play off-script as well. Probably going to let our two young guys go live—Ethan Crawford (Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Hillcrest HS) and Austin Gonzalez (Plano, Texas / Lovejoy HS)—because they haven't played in a while, you know, and they're young so we need to see what all they can do. We'll keep all the rest of them [quarterbacks] in a red jersey."
Hall also said one aspect he looks forward to seeing is the team's special teams and how they are progressing with jobs still up to grabs in those areas.
"Really looking forward to the kicking game," said Hall. "We'll go kickoff coverage versus kickoff return. Good on good, full go. Then we'll go punt versus punt return full go. So, that'll be great [to] see some of these newcomers in settings with special teams and how they're going to be able to help us."
The season opens at home Saturday, Sept. 2, against Alcorn State and tickets are still available for that game as well as the final five home games this fall. Fans can contact purchase home season or single game tickets at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office on campus weekdays during normal business hours.
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