USM Football Spring Practice: Day 2

Southern Miss football is in the air. Albeit, it's spring football practice, but it is something to get excited excited about for Golden Eagle fans. This is not the team fans are used to, especially on defense. New defensive coordinator Dan Disch brings a 3-3-5 defensive scheme with him, a change from the traditional 4-3 the Eagles have used in the past. I interviewed Head Coach Larry Fedora, running back Kendrick Hardy, offensive lineman Austin Quattrochi, and defensive back Jerrion Johnson after the team's second day of official practice this afternoon.
Coach Fedora seemed upbeat about today's practice. He said the team is excited to finally get back on the field, whether it be true freshmen, redshirt freshmen who haven't had a chance to get on the field, or veteran players hungry after a three month layoff. He said that because it is only the second day of practice the backup quarterback position is still up for grabs. He also said Tim Green and Deddrick Jones, two of the victims of the November 2010 shooting, were partially participating in practice. Even though Green and Jones were not in contact drills, Fedora said Green had a chance for an interception in team drills, but he dropped it.
Running back Kendrick Hardy was short and to the point this afternoon, like usual. Hardy said this offseason his main area of focus is on improving his hands. He said he has mainly used these first few practices to get back in the swing of things and get his football mind back. When it came to the multiple talented skill position players on the team this year, Hardy said they will just have to spread the ball around.
Offensive lineman Austin Quattrochi is the early favorite to replace Cameron Zipp at center, although Fedora said there are a few competing for the position. Quattrochi said it will be tough to fill the shoes of such a great player and leader like Zipp. He also said that he enjoys the chance to step up and fill the position of center that Fedora has likened to the quarterback of the offensive line.
Defensive back Jerrion Johnson was excited about the new defensive scheme the Golden Eagles are employing this year. He said he is happy with adding an extra DB in the 3-3-5 because it gives the defense more speed on the field. Johnson said this defense is different from last seasons. He said they have a new confidence and excitement, and they cannot wait to hit the field to show people what they are made of.

USM Community Reacts to Shooting of Student Athletes

The Southern Mississippi football team was in high spirits after their victory at conference rival and #24 in the nation Central Florida. Some players went out to celebrate in Hattiesburg after they returned home, and the night turned from celebration to tragedy. USM linebackers Martez Smith and Tim Green and defensive end Deddrick Jones were all shot outside of Remington's Hunt Club in Hattiesburg during the early hours of Sunday, November 14. The three players have been listed by the university as in fair to good condition since the shooting. As a result of the shooting, Martez Smith is currently paralyzed from the waist down, and Tim Jones cannot speak because of undisclosed injuries suffered in the shooting. As a proud Golden Eagle, I went around campus in the days after this tragic event to see how the university family is copping with this harrowing situation. For the latest information regarding the Southern Miss Football Team, visit the team homepage at Golden Eagle Football. For the latest breaking news about the shooting and other issues in Hattiesburg, MS, visit the Hattiesburg American website at Hattiesburg American.

Southern Miss Women's Basketball Preview

The Southern Miss Women's Basketball team tips the season off this Friday November 12th at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg. The Lady Eagles had a tough season last year, but they look to rebound this season with some senior leadership and solid freshman play. Head Coach Joye McNelis says the team has a motto of "Uncommon" this year to motivate players to step their game up. I caught up with Coach McNelis after their blowout win in a scrimmage against Mobile 80-49. For more information on the Lady Eagles and their schedule, go to the Southern Miss Lady Eagles' website at Southern Miss Women's Basketball

USM Baseball Black & Gold Game

The Southern Miss baseball team had a magical ride to the College World Series in 2009. Support for the Golden Eagles had never been better. Some fans may have drifted away from the diamond, but there are still very loyal fans of Southern Miss baseball. I went out to the inter squad Black & Gold Game on Halloween and talked to some fans that attend every home baseball game. Last season the team went 31-21 in the regular season. They won the Conference USA tournament, and received a bid to play in a regional at Auburn. Unfortunately for the eagles, they were eliminated from the regional to end their season. Fans are hopeful that the Golden Eagles can make a run at a good season this year. If you would like more information on the team visit Southern Miss Baseball

New Orleans Hornets Hot

Two supposedly disgruntled all-stars squared off in New Orleans tonight. Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets and Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, who both were rumored to want out of their current teams during the offseason, took to the hardwood in both teams' second game of the season. The Hornets edged the Nuggets 101-95 at "The Hive" in New Orleans. Although it was an "average" game for the Hornets' point guard, he was the leading scorer for the team with 18 points. He also added seven assists and seven rebounds on the evening. Anthony was the leading scorer for the Nuggets. He posted a double-double on the stat sheet for the visitors with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Although some news outlets report that Anthony is ready to leave Denver, the future for both superstars is uncertain. All that is known at this point is that the New Orleans Hornets are 2-0 after taking down two playoff teams to start the season at home.

Jones County Junior College State Champs

The Jones County Junior College Ladies' soccer team had a superb season. The team won seven games in the southern district of the state, and they only lost once. After their great season, the team hosted the state championship tournament. The Lady Bobcats beat Itawamba in their first game 1-0 to move on to the state championship game. The JCJC Bobcats faced Hinds County Junior College in the championship. The Lady Bobcats beat the Hinds Eagles 1-0 in sudden death overtime to become State Champions of Mississippi. For more information about the JCJC Lady Bobcats soccer team, visit JCJC Athletics

Dangerous Game

Injuries are a part of any sport, but they are especially common in football. The concussion problem facing football players has received plenty of attention recently with studies done for the National Football League on the effects of the injury on players. National news organizations like ESPN talk about the injuries often, especially with the new rules and fines for helmet-to-helmet contact. I talk to Oak Grove High School's Certified Athletic Trainer Kevin Mauldin to discuss concussions in football. He says that they are very serious injuries, but there are also other injuries to be wary of.