Practice Report: Southern Miss continues to install in Fall Camp

The time of just helmets has concluded at the practice field, and Southern Miss head coach Will Hall knows that real football begins tomorrow when the pads come on. The Golden Eagles wrapped up day two of fall camp on the practice field this morning, with several important notes evident on the second day of the offensive install, as Hall coined it.

"We continue to install our schemes; it's day two of installation," Hall said. "We've installed through spring and summer."

Today's practice was much cleaner than yesterday's, with Hall attributing the improvement to the team acclimating to the practice routine and learning how to stay hydrated and focused in the heat of the day.

There were fewer dropped passes and significantly fewer mental mistakes, such as players being in the wrong position or moving the wrong way. This group shows a seriousness that separates it from other fall camps in the Hall era. It is an older and more experienced group that understands what's at stake this season for Southern Miss football, spending less time joking around and more time encouraging and correcting each other.

"It's a product of three years worth of recruiting our type of people," Hall said. "Everybody we recruited to be here chose to stay. It's a bunch of people who believe in the things that are being done and also who know what the standards are."

With Chip Long as the offensive coordinator, the coaching on the field has transformed. He runs practice like a meticulous drill sergeant, each correction delivered with precision and purpose, ensuring every player is in top form. Long doesn't shy away from this approach and doesn't back down.

"I think the guys have worked hard," Long said. "They just got to get used to playing in the heat, playing at a little bit different tempo, and dealing with me. When you cross those white lines it's on. If they don't like it, they can find somewhere else to play."

The offense looked very in sync today during the eleven-on-eleven drills. Ethan Crawford and Tate Rodemaker split evenly with the first and second teams. Notably, Crawford goes first with the ones during passing drills with receivers versus defensive backs, while Rodemaker generally goes first during full-team eleven-on-eleven work.

There were a lot of screens and misdirection in the run game, along with many plays up the seam to the tight ends. Justyn Reed continues to impress, possibly having had the best back-to-back days out of anyone on the team.

"He's been very impressive," Long said. "Out of all the offensive guys, he's probably the one that has stood out the past two days."

The offensive line might be set for week one, with Gabe Cavazos at left tackle, Zack Conti at left guard, Drew Lawson at center, Donate Lucas at right guard, and Greg Nunnery at right tackle. This group was consistently the starting offensive line for the ones in the eleven-on-eleven drills today and yesterday.

"The ability is there," Long said. "We just have to get in shape and get to playing together and communicating a little bit better. But the talent is there. I like the makeup of the group; we just got to get out there and get the pads on."

Braxton Myers moved from safety to cornerback on defense and played with the ones.

Crawford and Rodemaker each had their share of great reads and throws today. Rodemaker hit Keyshawn Buckley in perfect stride deep down the field, and Crawford connected with Jack Schwing on a terrific sideline throw while running around in the pocket.

Tomorrow, the pads come on.