Football Announces Roster Addition

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss Football Coach Jeff Bower has announced the signing of Josh Barnes, a 5-11, 190-pound wide receiver from Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss., to a letter of intent and grant-in-aid. He will join the team for the 2005 spring semester.

"We are excited about the addition of Josh to our program," Bower said. "He will help fill one of our needs we have with the graduation of senior wide receivers, Marvin Young and DaRon Lawrence. With Josh enrolling for the spring semester, it gives him a chance to get accustomed to the academic responsibilities, as well as a chance to go through spring workouts and learn our system before next season."

Josh Barnes, WR, 5-11, 190, Hattiesburg, Miss./Pearl River CC

Two-year starter at Pearl River Community College ... Helped lead Pearl River to a 12-0 record, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges State Championship and the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship in 2004 ... Finished his sophomore season with 51 catches for 753 yards, an average of 14.8 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns ... Three-year letterwinner at Tailback for Coach Clemon Ector at Hattiesburg High School .... As a senior, finished with 814 yards on 132 carries for 6.5 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns ... Also had a kickoff return for a touchdown ... Fourth leading scorer in the state in Class 5A as a senior with 102 points.

This is great. I think we have an outstanding group of recievers already, although they under achieved & had injuries this past season. Reciever is a spot that we can always use more depth.