Southern Miss Football Holds First Full Pads Practice of Spring

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss football took the field for its third spring practice Monday, marking the first time this season the team wore shoulder pads. The two-hour, five-minute session was held at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility under first-year head coach Blake Anderson.

Practicing with full pads allowed the Golden Eagles to focus on team drills and physical development. Anderson said the emphasis remains on establishing the program’s culture, even as players compete in full gear for the first time this spring.

“The main thing for us, and I think something that our guys have to embrace, is that we’ve got to play harder than the opponent,” Anderson said. “We won’t know talent level until we start playing other people. We may be in a talent deficit, but we can outwork people, play harder, longer, and be in better shape. We need to prepare to win and not let talent be the issue.”

Anderson highlighted efforts to build team cohesion, including mandatory meals and outside-the-field activities aimed at fostering relationships among players. The coaching staff is focused on instilling a culture of selflessness, toughness, and accountability, he said.

Southern Miss continues practices as the team prepares for the Spring Showcase on April 18. The season opener is scheduled for Sept. 5 against Alcorn State at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Fans can purchase season tickets and renew existing ones through the university’s website, with six home games planned at The Rock.

Follow @SouthernMissFB on social media for updates on the Golden Eagles’ spring practices and upcoming season.

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