Aug. 3, 2012

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss first-year football coach Ellis Johnson opened football practice here Friday with an early morning workout at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility.

The Golden Eagles, working in helmets and shorts, practiced for almost 2 ½ hours in temperatures that rose into the low 90s by the end of the workout.

For Johnson, it was a typical first day of practice as the team could not have any contact due to not wearing pads. It did, though, give the Golden Eagles a chance to work on repetitions and Johnson was pleased with the team's overall conditioning heading into camp.

"The kids are in pretty good shape and I was pleased with what we got done (today)," said Johnson.

Johnson went on to say that one of the goals of the preseason was to find some leadership on the squad especially over the first part of the regular season.

"We have to find some leadership on this football team," said Johnson. "Our first five games will be key to the success of our season." The Golden Eagles open the campaign Sept. 1, at Nebraska, before taking on East Carolina at home on Sept. 15.

Southern Miss returns to practice Saturday morning and then participate in their annual media day before attending the 17th annual Eagle Fanfare at the Lake Terrace Convention Center at 2 p.m.