Southern Miss Football Coach Will Hall is feeling optimistic about his team’s potential despite being overlooked. The Golden Eagles were predicted to finish fourth in the Sun Belt Conference West Division this season, and only two players from the team were selected to the conference’s preseason first teams. However, Hall believes in his roster and is excited about the challenges that lie ahead.
One area that lacked stability for Southern Miss last season was the quarterback position. But with the arrival of transfers Holman Edwards and Billy Wiles, Hall is confident that they will bring change and provide a strong foundation for the team’s offense. Edwards, a Houston transfer, and Wiles, a former walk-on at Clemson, impressed during spring ball and will compete for the starting role alongside sophomore Zach Wilcke.
Hall expressed his belief that this will be the first time since his tenure began that they will be able to run their offense effectively. Last season, the Golden Eagles had six games decided by seven or fewer points, and improving their performance in close games is crucial for their overall success. Hall highlighted the importance of learning from those close losses and hopes that his team has done just that.
In terms of individual talent, running back Frank Gore Jr., the team’s leading rusher, is expected to have an even better season with increased depth across the offensive line. Hall revealed that they have made significant progress in developing and recruiting offensive linemen, going from seven scholarship players at the position to 17.
The additional depth in the offensive line and at quarterback is evidence of the culture that Hall has cultivated since taking over as head coach in December 2020. With three wins in 2021 and seven wins in 2022, Hall and the team believe they are on an upward trajectory. Redshirt senior tight end Cole Cavallo emphasized the progress they have made, from a culture change in the first year to learning how to win in the second year. Now, with a seasoned group of players, Cavallo is confident that they have what it takes to be successful.
Overall, Hall’s optimistic outlook and confidence in his team’s potential are clear. Despite being overlooked and facing challenges, he believes that his roster, bolstered by talented transfers and a strengthened offensive line, has what it takes to surprise people this season. The Golden Eagles will look to improve on their 7-6 record from last season and prove that they are a team to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference.
