University of Southern Mississippi NCAA News

Five members of the Southern Miss football team have been named to Phil Steele's 2013 Preseason All-Conference USA team, highlighted by first-team honorees defensive back Deron Wilson and defensive tackle Khyri Thornton .

What a difference a year makes. Southern Mississippi entered the 2012 season coming off of a 12-2 Conference USA Championship season.

Head coach Chip Kelly has done nothing to dispel the notion that rookie Matt Barkley, pictured, is in competition for the starting QB job with Michael Vick and Nick Foles.

Collins, who went to Southern Mississippi, was New England's top pick in the 2013 draft; they grabbed him in the second round with the 52nd overall selection.

But after Thursday evening's surprising news that Wes Lunt will transfer, quarterback now becomes perhaps the No.

Ellis Johnson struggled through one season leading the Southern Miss program before he was fired.

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has relished spending time with his two young children during the offseason and thoroughly enjoyed the getaway trip he and his wife took to sunny St.

Despite drafting Jamie Collins and Michael Buchanan, it seems like the New England Patriots are indeed interested in bringing back veteran pass rusher Trevor Scott .

The battle for the starting quarterback position at Alabama State wasn't settled in 14 spring practices or the annual Black and Gold Game, head coach Reggie Barlow said.

When USM finished their football season last year they were more than just down and out.

The youth infusion should add a new dynamic to the Patriots pass rush this season, as the rookies offer an increased level of athleticism that would theoretically help an area that needs improvement.

October 13, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive lineman Jamie Collins reacts after he sacked UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles during the second half at Bright House Networks Stadium.

Now last year's first-round draft pick from Syracuse wants to help the new group of rookies who open minicamp Friday.

Taking a look at the 2013 Patriots Draft Class, one by one, and seeing what each player's role with the team will be for the upcoming season.

Now that the 2013 NFL Draft is in the books, take a look at some stats that we think will blow your mind.

After trading out of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots chose Southern Mississippi outside linebacker Jamie Collins with the team's first pick in the second round .

On Nov. 14, 2010, three University of Southern Mississippi football players were shot in the parking lot of Remington's Hunt Club in Hattiesburg.

Welcome to New England, Jamie Collins. Everything I know about you, I learned in about 10 minutes Friday night, right after you were the Patriots' first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount is shown before a December game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

UPDATE - After taking Jamie Collins with the 52nd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Aaron Dobson, wide receiver out of Marshall.