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.