By Ralph Lauro Aug 20, 2007, 14:20 GMT
DEFENSE: The defense has long been the heart-and-soul of this program and this year's unit could be among the best in the nation. The Eagles welcome back nine starters, including five all-league players, from a unit that ranked 30th in total defense (308.1 ypg) last season. On the defensive line, all four starters return for the Eagles, including seniors Martavius Prince and Robert Henderson. Prince, a tackle, posted 49 tackles and 15 TFLs in a breakthrough 2006 campaign, while Henderson, an end, finished with 59 stops and 12 TFLs. The defensive line isn't the only experienced group here, as USM also welcomes back its entire starting linebacker corps. The highlight of this group is sophomore Gerald McRath, who broke on the scene to lead the Eagles in tackles with 104. The 6-3, 213-pound McRath is on the verge of becoming the next great linebacker at USM. As for the secondary, it ranked an outstanding 26th (180.3 ypg) in the nation against the pass last year, but that kind of success will be hard to duplicate with a pair of new starting corners this season. The secondary however, does welcome back a pair of starting safeties in seniors Brandon Sumrall and LeVance Richmond. Sumrall posted 80 stops last season, while Richmond finished with 54 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. Both players will be counted on for leadership in what is a young secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Britt Barefoot handled the punting duties last season and he is expected to that as well as kick field goals in '07. Barefoot averaged just 38.6 yards per punt last year, but with a year of experience now under his belt he hopes for a better result this season. Kicking field goals however, may be a little more challenging for Barefoot, who last attempted a kick in high school. While he has a strong leg, he has struggled with mechanics in the spring and that could be a problem down the road.
OUTLOOK: The Eagles appear to be the team to beat, as they welcome back a wealth of experience and talent on both sides of the ball. USM has the ability to be successful on both offense and defense and that is a rarity in this conference. Mix in a favorable schedule and the Eagles could find themselves in the C-USA title game for the second straight season.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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