Student Printz, University of Southern Mississippi, MS
4 hours ago by Matthew Lawrence
If you are looking for proof that hard work, talent and a little patience will get you somewhere, look no further than Southern Miss middle linebacker Gerald McRath.
In his fifth summer in Hattiesburg, McRath, the reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year says feels the Eagles are more focused than ever and ready to play.
The promising McRath, from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., was redshirted as a freshman in 2004 after a knee injury in summer practice. He returned an interception in his debut at the 2006 opener at Alabama, but after another knee injury against McNeese State the following week, he would had to sit out yet another season.
Luckily, McRath was granted a medical redshirt by the NCAA, allowing him to retain his freshman status leading into 2006.
When he finally got on the field, McRath proved he was well worth the wait by leading the Golden Eagles in tackles with 104, 11 for a loss, and was named to the Freshman All-Conference Team as well as a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News.
McRath provided an encore last season with 139 tackles (10.7 tackles per game) and four sacks as he earned C-USA Defensive Player of the Year honors.
In a losing effort against Central Florida, he had a career-high 21 tackles battling future NFL first round draft pick Kevin Smith.
With the injury troubles seemingly behind him and a degree in sports management, the preseason All-American is focusing on football this semester. He said he is taking yoga and fitness walking classes this semester, and kicking back.
Daily Helmsman, Universtiy of Memphis, TN
3 days ago by Jesse Morrison
As an incoming freshman, college can seem like a daunting task. Friends go off to different schools, you have to get used to a new schedule of classes and sometimes Ramen Noodles are your only friend.
Getting adjusted to this new environment can sometimes seem challenging, but there's always one thing that can bring together new friends when all else fails - sports.
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