<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Eagles need a brace of 'backers</span>

Only one returns from last year

By Al Jones
Sun Herald Sports Writer

HATTIESBURG - Linebacker Marcus Raines has yet to set foot on the Southern Miss campus. However, when the gifted junior college transfer arrives Friday, he will be counted on to help fill a void this season.

The Golden Eagles must replace three top-flight linebackers: Two-time All-American Michael Boley, Antoine Cash and Dillon Cleckler.

During coach Jeff Bower's 14 years at Southern Miss, the Golden Eagles built a strong tradition at linebacker with the likes of Rod Davis, Adalius Thomas and T.J. Slaughter, all playing in the NFL.

Despite being the favorite to win C-USA's East Division, the Golden Eagles have a glaring weakness at linebacker.

The Golden Eagles do return senior Kevis Coley, who had 55 tackles last season while sharing time with Cleckler at middle linebacker. Beyond Coley, no other linebacker on the roster has started a game.

During the spring, defensive coordinator Jay Hopson shifted fullback Wayne Hardy to fill the void at weak side linebacker. Naton Stewart was scheduled to start at strong side backer but he quit the team last week.

<a href='http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/sports/12297978.htm' target='_blank'>SUN HERALD: Southern Miss needs linebackers</a>

Fellow EAGLES, I just met Marcus Raines a few hours ago in the University Commons. He is one the most well spoken individuals I have ever met. I think we have a real winner here. Just thought some of you all might want to know.

bowerfan Wrote:Fellow EAGLES, I just met Marcus Raines a few hours ago in the University Commons. He is one the most well spoken individuals I have ever met. I think we have a real winner here. Just thought some of you all might want to know.

Good to hear. Let us know if you have any other experiences like that.