NEW ORLEANS, La – Southern Miss head coach Will Hall knows that in his fourth season, it is time to win. He understands the expectations and feels very confident that this is the year for the Golden Eagles.
While Hall’s record at Southern Miss is just 13-24, he feels that this year is one of the strongest teams he has had at Southern Miss.
He sat down exclusively with The Student Printz to discuss the 2024 season and his thoughts on those who doubt him and his abilities.
It all started with the returning production and the last three years of recruiting going into the 2024 season.
“We’re excited about 2024 because we’ve recruited well and we’ve been able to retain,” Hall said. “There’s a lot to like about them, and I’m really excited to coach them.”
Hall needed to add a couple of position players after spring training in the summer transfer window, and he delivered with flying colors. The biggest name he got was Dannis Jackson from Missouri. Jackson, a former four-star recruit, gives the Golden Eagles some much-needed experience and talent in their already questionable wide receiver core.
“Four-star recruit who has played in the SEC at Ole Miss and Missouri,” Hall said. “A really humble kid who wants to get back home and who wants to matter. Incredible story. He’s really bought in and excited to get Southern Miss back.”
He also added two names to the offensive line that give the team even more depth in an area that in years past has needed that depth.
“We added Dante Lucas, who I think is going to be one of the best players in this league at any position,” Hall said. “Incredible guard, physical, tough, and has dominated this league for the last two years. And then Joe Cryer from LSU. Young guy who is going to be a great player down the road.”
Hall said he did not have one area that might go unnoticed in previewing this team but knew that all the guys on his roster were highly recruited.
“I know these kids are all highly recruited,” Hall said. “So, at some point in their life, people thought they were really good. I know this style of talent accumulation is really highly thought of in the profession. The reason Georgia is so much better now than they were 20 years ago is because of talent accumulation. We’ve recruited at a high level the last three years and we’re going into year four with all of those guys.”
Hall also answered fan doubts about him and the team.
“I was listening to a show where a fan called in and he asked, ‘Why should we have hope in this season?’ Well, that’s an easy answer. You should have hope because we’ve had three consecutive top-three recruiting classes, we have a whole lot more returning production than anybody and we just hired two great coordinators. Our fans hate me calling plays, not anymore, I’m not going to do it. I’m just so excited about this team, no matter what has happened in the past because of all we got playing for us.”
The Printz then asked Hall why he thinks people doubt him so much.
“I don’t know…I don’t know,” Hall said. “It’s been a hard rebuild. One day I’ll let everybody know how hard it really was but I’m not going to do it now because it’ll look like an excuse. I’m going to wait until we win and get over the top before that happens. This year we’ve got everything we need to win.”
Hall was not ready to name a starting quarterback, but he said that Ethan Crawford and Tate Rodemaker are the frontrunners heading into fall camp.
“Everybody wanted Ethan out of high school,” Hall said. “We had to beat everybody for Ethan, and if he doesn’t get hurt last year we probably beat Mississippi State. Tate has won college football games. They are both very good and I love coaching both. And by the way, John White is going to special.”
Hall also said it “meant a lot” with the players dedicating the season to MJ Daniels.
“It was the most unfortunate death I have ever been a part of,” Hall said. “I love the kid. I will love him to this day. I love everything about him, and I wish that I could see him tomorrow. I know this team will honor him with the way they play this year. I’m proud of our kids.”
Finally, The Printz asked Hall about his experience playing the new EA College Football 25 game.
“I have played it, I loved it back in the day,” Hall said. “I showed Pete [his son] how to run a dynasty. I showed him how to set it up and do it. I played a little bit but the controllers are so much different know than what they were when I was little. But I do go up there and sit with him and watch him play. I think it’s great for college football.”
