Bower counts on locals to help Southern Miss
Published 5:00 am Monday, May 2, 2005
FERNWOOD — It could be argued that Southern Miss Head FootballCoach Jeff Bower has possibly been the most influential figure inthe success of the Golden Eagle gridiron program. In 14 seasons,he’s got the resume to prove it.
Thursday evening at the Fernwood Country Club’s Southern MissAlumni Association and Eagle Club Spring Dinner, Bower spoke toseveral area Golden Eagle fans about the program’s success and riseonto the national scene as a premier college football power. USMopens the 2005 season, Sunday, Sept. 4, at M.M. Roberts Stadiumagainst Tulane.
“We had a good spring,” said Bower, who has guided USM to 11straight winning seasons. “We have a good group returning thisyear.”
During his tenure at the Hattiesburg-based university, Bower hasamassed a record of 96 wins, 67 losses, and one tie. He has guidedUSM to four Conference USA championships and three consecutive bowlappearances.
Talent wise, the Golden Eagles are loaded with solid players atevery position each and every year. This year, is no exception.Bower sees a local blend of Southwest Mississippi talent rising.Two area standouts are Wayne Hardy of Monticello and Phillip Tobiasof Brookhaven.
Both players switched positions and sides of the football duringspring drills.
Hardy, a talented 6-foot, 230-pound junior, made the switchduring the spring from fullback to linebacker for USM. Despite theswitch, Hardy maintained his aggressive style of play by beingnamed Most Improved on defense.
“Wayne had a good spring and looked good at the linebackerposition,” added Bower. “He was our most improved player ondefense, despite switching positions.”
Last year Hardy played in all 12 games at fullback for theEagles, netting two starts. He scored four touchdowns.
“He (Wayne) plays hard,” continued Bower. “We’re looking forgood things out of him.”
With Hardy excelling, Tobias is learning.
Last year as a true freshmen Tobias, a 2004 Brookhaven Highgraduate was red-shirted, due to depth on the offensive line. Sincethen, Tobias has also changed positions from offense to defense. Heparticipated in spring drills as a defensive lineman.
“Phillip’s got a little ways to go,” said Bower. “He switchedpositions in the spring from the offensive line to the defensiveline.”
Tobias earned All-State honors as a standout defensive end forthe Brookhaven Panthers in 2003. Bower feels Tobias’ size and bulkyframe will add much needed depth to the Golden Eagles up front.
“He’s a tough kid,” added Bower. “He gives us depth at thedefensive line position.”
Besides Tobias and Hardy, Bower also has two Copiah-LincolnCommunity College transfers on his team in senior cornerback HowardOverby and sophomore defensive end Shadler Manning.
Overby signed with USM in January of 2004, after earningAll-State honors as a standout cover corner for the Wolves in 2003and 2002. Overby played in all 12 games last season, earning onestart versus Memphis. He missed spring drills with an ankleinjury.
“Howard is expected to have surgery on his ankle fairly soon,”said Bower. “He missed the entire spring with the injury, but stillhe’s one of those players with tremendous athletic ability. We hopehe makes a full recovery.”
Manning red-shirted at USM in 2003 before transferring to Co-Linlast year. After playing one year with the Wolves, Manningre-enrolled at USM in January. He will have three years ofeligibility remaining.
“Shadler should help us,” added Bower. “He transferred back herefrom Co-Lin. He also has tremendous ability at his position.”
Overall, Bower feels optimistic about the 2005 season ahead.He’ll have local support both in the stands and on the field.