this guy seems like the real deal and a great hire for a number of reasons. If / when Dawson leaves, Walden can step in and likely be a step up. If / when Hopson leaves, he could step in as head coach too.

He appears to be a great offensive mind that's a proven OC and has HC experience as well. He could prob step up to OC tomorrow and we would be fine and HC in 2-3 years and be fine as well. In other words, a great hire.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story...100082158/[/align]

Sounds like a great up-and-coming coach. Just the kind of energy we need on the sidelines.

Something else I noticed in the article is how Hopson took Woz's departure as an opportunity to change how the receivers coaching staff is structured (he hired two recievers coaches--one for outside recievers and one for inside receivers--instead of one coach over all receivers and one for tight ends.) He said this was because we had so many drops last year.

I am glad that...
1. Hopson acknowledges that the drops were a huge problem
2. He's hiring good people to try to do something about it.

Part of me thinks the drops were mostly a talent problem and not coaching, but at least the ole Head Corch is recognizing problems and doing what he can about them. Hop wasn't my first choice when he came, but I've mostly liked what I have seen so far.

The hire of Walden has me really excited. Read an article from when he was at his last job and it was impressive. He is highly thought of and may be an O difference maker at USM.

I wouldn't be surprised if he hired him in anticipation of losing Dawson in a year or two, so he can step right on in.

(04-09-2017 08:42 PM)Reggie Favre Wrote:  I wouldn't be surprised if he hired him in anticipation of losing Dawson in a year or two, so he can step right on in.

From what I've been told, Dawson really likes it here. Not saying that couldn't change once the money from Kentucky dries up.

(04-10-2017 09:21 AM)eagle04 Wrote:  

(04-09-2017 08:42 PM)Reggie Favre Wrote:  I wouldn't be surprised if he hired him in anticipation of losing Dawson in a year or two, so he can step right on in.

From what I've been told, Dawson really likes it here. Not saying that couldn't change once the money from Kentucky dries up.

Tyndall loved it here too. His mom moved to Hattiesburg.

I'm still concerned about our O line this year...seems like every year we are thin at O line. "Sup with dat!?"

(04-10-2017 09:37 AM)EagNBran Wrote:  

(04-10-2017 09:21 AM)eagle04 Wrote:  

(04-09-2017 08:42 PM)Reggie Favre Wrote:  I wouldn't be surprised if he hired him in anticipation of losing Dawson in a year or two, so he can step right on in.

From what I've been told, Dawson really likes it here. Not saying that couldn't change once the money from Kentucky dries up.

Tyndall loved it here too. His mom moved to Hattiesburg.

They ALL love it here. They just love boatloads of money more. Our Achilles heel.

(04-10-2017 10:09 AM)TTT Wrote:  I'm still concerned about our O line this year...seems like every year we are thin at O line. "Sup with dat!?"

OL is definitely a big concern. Hop seems to have brought in a lot of young OL, but they need (will need) to get stronger and learn the college game. I think the OL in 2018 and 2019 will be really good with depth. I expect there to be some growing pains last year. We need the big juco guy to arrive in the summer in shape and ready to get to work.

Pollard is also out this spring, and that is allowing younger guys to get a few more much needed reps.