The Student Printz

Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Rebecca Macias Junior kicker Britt Barefoot practices his punting skills during Tuesday's practice. Barefoot is now the starting kicker, handling not only kickoff's, but punting and field goals as well.

Media Credit: Rebecca Macias Spring walk on Chris Walker sets up to receive a pass during the first spring football practice Tuesday.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team put on their pads for the first time yesterday since their 28-7 GMAC Bowl victory over Ohio University.

The Tuesday afternoon practice at Joe P. Park Practice Facility was the first of 15 NCAA allowed practices ending with the annual Black and Gold spring game on April 14.

The team spent practice in shorts and helmets while participating in individual drills, special teams work, followed by team play between the offense and defense.

"We had a good first day," said head coach Jeff Bower, who is entering his 17th-year at the position. "The overall effort was good. There was a lot of teaching and fundamentals. There was a lot of teaching and working on fundamentals. We worked on the kicking game. I thought the attitude was good and we got through it well."

Graduation and injuries hurt the Golden Eagles as they find themselves with limited depth on the offensive line.

Due to the departure of three seniors including center Robby D'Angelo, guards George Batiste and Travis Cooley the team is looking for new starters. Junior tackle Ryan McKee and redshirt sophomore Micah Brown are out with foot injuries, while senior tackle Dwayne Paulin is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

"We are so thin in there," said Bower.

Even with the loss of three seniors and sidelined players due to injury expectations are still running high after 2006-2007 campaign that ended with a 9-5 record as well as the team's fifth consecutive bowl appearance.

The Golden Eagles come into the spring with 95-to-96 players, including the walk-ons.

"It's exciting because you get to see some of these guys that haven't played a lot and this is their time to step," said assistant head coach Randy Butler. "It's exciting to see a guy step up and grab a starting role and see if he can hold on to it."

The Golden Eagles return starting quarterback Jeremy Young and running backs Damion Fletcher and Tory Harrison. The offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback positions are searching for starters.

"I think it's built in with tradition here," said Butler. "We expect to win conference championships each year. If we don't we're disappointed.

"I think it's motivation."

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