Nick Dean

63

Class: Senior Hometown: Shannon, Miss. Last College: Itawamba CC

Height / Weight: 6-3 / 284 Position: OL Birthdate: 04/21/1986 Experience: JC

Adds depth as the backup at the left tackle position on the offensive line ... Worked hard in the spring and looks to become a consistent part of the rotation this season .... Named the offensive player of the week, along with the rest of the offensive line, following their performance against NC State (9/16) ... 2006 (Jr.): Played in five games ... Participated in 57 total plays this season, all of them on the offensive line ... Helped pave the way for Southern Miss' first 1,000-yard rusher since 2002 ... Assisted the Golden Eagles in finishing with over 2,000 yards rushing for the first time since 1987 ... Also contributed to the offense setting the single-season total offense record (4,635) ... Junior College: Played for Coach Jeff Terrill at Itawamba Community College ... Helped protect the No. 7 quarterback in the nation, Thomas Kirksey, as the team finished with 182 passing yards per game and was ranked No. 2 in passing efficiency by the NJCAA ... Named First Team All-State and All-Region 23 as a freshman and sophomore ... Team had a 6-2 record and advanced to the state playoffs as a sophomore ... Team finished 5-5 and lost in the state playoffs to eventual national champion Pearl River CC as a freshman ... Becomes fourth offensive lineman to sign with a Division I school from Itawamba... Prep: Played at Shannon High School in Tupelo, Miss. ... Named all-area and all-county ... Also named to the Super 24 ... A two-star rating by rivals.com ... Personal: Son of Earl and Glenda Dean ... Majoring in psychology with a minor in coaching and sport administration... Born April 21, 1986.