Bower expects 18 of 19 signees to show

The Clarion-Ledger

HATTIESBURG — Southern Miss football coach Jeff Bower said he expects to have all but one of USM's 19 high school signees on hand when first-year players report on Aug. 8.

Wayne County defensive end Cedrick Jones did not meet minimum NCAA academic requirements for freshman eligibility and will attend Jones Junior College.

The only other question mark is Vicksburg receiver Maurice Taylor, and Bower said he still has a chance to gain first-year eligibility.

"We're worried about him, but he's still got a shot," Bower said. "Other than that, all of them are going to be here."

Defensive back Dustin Danzie of Homer, La., had an issue raised by the NCAA Clearinghouse, but Bower said he expects that to be worked out in time.

Five USM seniors-to-be will not return. Offensive lineman Javar Young, defensive lineman Anthony Jones and linebacker Terry Anderson have all graduated and are passing on their final year of eligibility.

Linebacker Beau Maggio also graduated, but has transferred to McNeese State to play his final season.

Bower said he dismissed former starting running back James Walley for violating unspecified team rules as well as team academic policy.

<a href='http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040718/SPORTS/407180379/1097/SPORTS030104' target='_blank'>CLARION-LEDGER: Bower expects 18 of 19 signees in school</a>