BILOXI -- The countdown to the Larry Fedora era at Southern Miss has begun.
The colorful first-year coach drew positive marks from fans and alumni during the annual Gulf Coast Beach Bash at the Hard Rock Casino on Thursday, exactly one week before the 2008 Golden Eagles arrive for two-a-days.
The Golden Eagles report on July 31, their first workout set for Aug. 1, eyeing the Conference USA Championship Game during the first week of December.
"I am excited," said Fedora, whose Eagles open the season aganist Louisiana-Lafayette on Aug. 30. "I am ready to roll and I know the players are. It's time to play and I'm fired up. The rest of the conference respects Southern Miss and we know there's a target on us."
Fedora said an offensive mind helps win games, but a physical in-your-face defense wins championships.
Despite being picked to finish second or third in its division, the Golden Eagles have firepower on both sides to contend for its first C-USA title since 2003.
With junior running back Damion Fletcher of Biloxi and junior middle linebacker Gerald McRath, Southern Miss has C-USA's preseason players of the year on offense and defense.
"They (publications) can see what they want to," Fedora said. "They are all predictions. We will see what happens at the end of the year.
"To have the offensive and defensive players of the year is huge. I would rather have it that way than not have either one. They are both deserving and great players. I am happy to have them both."
Fletcher, who needs 622 yards this season to become the school's all-time leading rusher, downplays the preseason publications' predictions.
"You do not want to be the team that sees it (winning seasons) end," Fletcher said. "We want to be the underdog so we can fight our way to the top and win a championship.
"All I know is I'm ready. I haven't been this excited in a long time. Everyone on the team is excited. Personally, I'm excited to be in this type of offense where I can show some of my other skills. We have a different buzz around here this year."
Fedora also called former Ocean Springs wide receiver DeAndre Brown, the Sun Herald's No. 1 prospect a year ago, fit and ready to play.
"Academically, he's ready," Fedora said. "He is certified and ready."
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