Young receiving corps stepping up for the Golden Eagles
Published 10:42 pm Tuesday, October 30, 2018
HATTIESBURG — Southern Miss enjoys a solid group of receivers and, each week during the 2018 campaign, it seems like a new wide out jumps to the forefront with a stellar performance.
For a team that averages 28 receptions a game and 308.4 receiving yards a contest, there has been plenty of opportunity for this receiving unit — which includes three of its top four receivers being underclassmen — to make plays.
Sophomore De’Michael Harris was the latest in this trend, having his best day as a Golden Eagle last week with seven catches for 62 yards and his first career touchdown reception. Harris ranks fifth on the squad with 218 yards in the air on 21 catches.
The week before, sophomore Tim Jones, put together his first career 100-yard performance with 107 on seven receptions versus UTSA, ranking second on the squad behind fellow sophomore Quez Watkins for the team’s lead in both catches and receiving yards. Jones’ catch total equals 31 for 431 yards, behind Watkins’ team-bests of 46 grabs for 533 yards to go along with seven touchdowns.
Watkins leads the Golden Eagles with a pair of 100-yard receiving games, including 138 on eight catches against Jackson State and three scores, while also notching 109 on seven catches and a score at North Texas.
Sophomore Jaylond Adams ranks fourth on the team with 25 catches for 262 yards and a pair of scores, despite missing the last two games with an injury, while redshirt junior Jordan Mitchell ranks third with 29 grabs for 262 yards and two TDs with his best performance coming at North Texas with career highs of 12 catches and 135 yards.
The receiving group looks to continue that success this weekend when they entertain Marshall in a 2 p.m., contest at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The game will be shown on Stadium on Facebook as well as be heard on one of the affiliates of the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network.