March 17, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss holds the first of 16 football workouts this spring at the Joe P. Park Practice facility here Tuesday afternoon. The practice officially opens the Larry Fedora era.

Ninety-nine players are expected in uniform tomorrow as practice begins, including eight players that were named All-Conference USA last season. Those players include C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Gerald McRath, a middle linebacker.

The other returning all-league players who made the first or second team are running back Damion Fletcher, tight end Shawn Nelson, kicker/punter Britt Barefoot and offensive lineman Ryan McKee. Defensive backs C.J. Bailey and Chico Hunter, as well as place kicker Justin Estes were All C-USA Freshman a year ago.

Southern Miss returns 41 letterwinners from a season ago, including six starters on offense and four on defense.

The Golden Eagles are expected to practice four days this week, three times the following two weeks and four times during the week of the Spring Game with the final scheduled workout slated for Tuesday, April 15.

The annual spring game will take place on April 12 at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at Roberts Stadium. Game time is set for 6 p.m., and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Ticket purchases can be made either at the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket office, via phone at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or the internet at SouthernMiss.com.

Please note all spring practices for the Golden Eagles, except the annual Spring Game, are closed to the general public.