After a tough 2021 season for Southern Miss, finishing 3-9 with a short-handed roster (approximately 62 scholarship players), the Golden Eagles’ secondary has momentum coming into the 2022 season. They recorded 8 INTs, returning three of those for touchdowns over their last five games.
(All stats provided by cfbstats.com)
Arguably the most experienced unit on the team in 2022, the Golden Eagles secondary has 4 out of 5 starters back as they began fall camp this week.
Shorts led the Golden Eagles with 89 tackles. He also made 2 INTs, broke up seven passes, and recovered a fumble. As an honorable mention All-CUSA selection, he recorded 6+ tackles in eight games last year.
Scott made at least one tackle in every game last season. He made 20 tackles to go with 2 INTs (vs Middle Tennessee State and UTSA).
Harrell racked up 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and broke up four passes. He made at least one tackle in 11 out of 12 games.
3rd on the team with 56 tackles, Stanley recorded 2 INTs (vs FIU and North Texas), 1 sack, and 4.5 tackles for loss. He made 5+tackles in 8 eight games. Against North Texas, Stanley returned an INT 55-yards for a TD.
Brooks made his presence felt with 18 tackles and returned an INT 34-yards for a touchdown vs UTSA.
The Golden Eagles defense ranked 24th in the FBS (and led C-USA) in passing defense, allowing just 202 yards per game.
Against La. Tech, Southern Miss held Tech QB Aaron Allen to just 100 yards passing and only 11 completions (out of 26 attempts, for less than 50%), and zero TDs in a 35-19 win.
LB Josh Carr. Jr. also picked off a pass in the win over La. Tech (to go along with his 55 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble).
The Golden Eagles move on to week 2 of fall camp, as they continue to evaluate players, install schemes, and prepare for their season opener at The Rock against Liberty.
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