Will Hall has secured a top-three recruiting class in the Sun Belt during each of his first three years as head coach at Southern Miss, with the 2024 class being the highest-ranked in the league. However, there is significant pressure to achieve immediate success, as evidenced by the addition of 17 new transfers.
Here are the players most likely to make an immediate impact in the 2024 season:
Tate Rodemaker | Quarterback | Florida State
Southern Miss fans have been frustrated with the quarterback situation during Hall’s tenure, largely due to injuries and missed opportunities in the transfer portal. The addition of Rodemaker, along with the return of sophomore Ethan Crawford and Mississippi’s all-time high school passing leader John White, has strengthened the quarterback position significantly. Rodemaker has experience, having played in 23 games at Florida State, and his competitive spirit will enhance the quarterback battle with Crawford.
Dontae Lucas | Offensive Lineman | South Alabama
Lucas, who earned second-team freshman All-America honors at Florida State, has become a multi-year starter at South Alabama, where he started 11 games in 2023. He is expected to provide crucial support for the offensive line, especially with the departure of key players. Hall has praised Lucas as one of the top offensive line transfers in the country, and his performance will be vital for the Southern Miss offense.
Will James | Defensive Back | Mississippi State
James initially committed to Southern Miss before switching to Mississippi State. After entering the transfer portal following coaching changes, he will compete for a starting role in a defensive backfield that struggled with injuries last season. His addition is timely as Southern Miss looks to improve its pass defense.
Braxton Myers | Cornerback | Purdue
As a redshirt freshman, Myers adds youthful depth to the secondary. Previously ranked as the No. 27 cornerback in the nation, he transferred to Southern Miss after following a coach from Ole Miss to Purdue. With a projected starter sidelined due to injury, Myers has a chance to earn significant playing time.
Desmyn Baker | Linebacker | Western Kentucky
With the departure of experienced linebackers, Baker joins Southern Miss after starting 11 games for Western Kentucky. He will be expected to take on a leadership role in a defense that lost several starters.
Tre Pinckney | Linebacker | Coastal Carolina
Pinckney brings valuable experience from Coastal Carolina and has been recognized as a JUCO All-American. His addition, along with Baker, will bolster the linebacker corps.
Zack Conti | Offensive Line | Eastern Michigan
Conti, who transitioned from walk-on to starting offensive lineman at Eastern Michigan, joins the team to help solidify the offensive line. His partnership with Lucas at the guard positions is anticipated to strengthen the line.
Dannis Jackson | Wide Receiver | Missouri
Returning home for his final year, Jackson brings extensive experience from his time at Ole Miss and Missouri. His presence will be crucial as the Golden Eagles look to fill gaps left by departing wide receivers.
Larry Simmons | Wide Receiver | Ole Miss
Simmons, a former high school standout, will have the opportunity to make an impact after limited playing time at Ole Miss. His size and potential will help address the loss of key wide receiver talent.
These transfers reflect the urgency for Southern Miss to improve its performance in the upcoming season.
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