USM adjusts to new offense

By By Jeff Byrd / sports editor
May 21, 2003
When the Nebraska Cornhuskers roll into Roberts Stadium next fall, they will see a revamped offense from the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.
USM head coach Jeff Bower said his team made progress during spring practice in grasping the offense installed by new offensive coordinator Rip Scherer, but they will need more work as soon as pre-season drills begin.
The new offense and vacant holes in the areas of special teams are Bower's primary concerns heading into the summer.
As for the new offense, Bower says Eagles fans will see a more multiple attack.
Gulfport product Mickey D'Angelo will head into the fall as the incumbent starter at quarterback. Dustin Almond will enter as the backup.
The offensive line will need some work as well. Former Southeast Lauderdale product Torrin Tucker graduated and was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.
Center Jim Hicks out of Philadelphia, however, returns for his senior year.
The defense has fewer questions.
That's because one of the nation's top linebackers return in Rod Davis, a Butkus Award nominee.