In their first year in the Sun Belt Conference, can Southern Mississippi achieve something they failed to last year and have a selection in the 2023 NFL Draft? The Golden Eagles have had success in sending talent to the NFL before, and there’s several potential prospects to watch out for in the upcoming college football season.
Southern Miss prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
Back-to-back three-win seasons are a far cry from some of Southern Miss’ great college football successes. However, in some respects, even achieving three wins last fall was something of an accomplishment. As a result of some of their standout 2023 NFL Draft prospects, there’s reason to believe that the Golden Eagles can soar once more in the upcoming season.
Frank Gore Jr., RB
While the Southern Mississippi offense was one of the worst in the nation last fall, it would have been even worse without running back Frank Gore Jr. Not only did Gore lead the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, but he also led the Golden Eagles in passing yards per attempt while throwing four touchdowns to one interception, a far better ratio than any of the starting quarterbacks. Gore was the epitome of an offensive weapon last fall.
Of course, as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, we’re evaluating Gore purely on his ability to run the rock, not on his wildcat QB skills or the fact that he’s the son of one of the best running backs to ever do it. Gore might be a tad on the smaller side than his famous father at 5’8″ and 195 pounds, but that doesn’t stop him bulldozing in at the goal line or stiff arming with the best of them. The younger Gore possesses speed and elusiveness, with great change-of-direction ability that allows him to rip off big plays for fun.
Swayze Bozeman, LB
A former JUCO standout, Southern Mississippi fans were treated to a glimpse of what Swayze Bozeman is capable of in 2019, his first season with the program. However, the last two seasons have been particularly disrupted, with Bozeman missing multiple games through injury.
While that might throw up a red flag for some teams, Bozeman can be an impactful playmaker when fully healthy. A smart footballer who showcases good play diagnosis, the 6’3″, 224-pound linebacker is a ferocious hitter who is best coming downhill.
Jason Brownlee, WR
Although the quarterback play left a little to be desired last fall, Jason Brownlee was once again the go-to guy at wide receiver. He’s tallied over 600 yards in consecutive seasons and snagged eight touchdowns during the 2021 campaign.
At 6’3″ and 202 pounds, Brownlee has the size to be a playmaking pass catcher in the NFL. However, he’s more than just a jump-ball specialist. The Southern Miss WR can win with explosive releases, deceptive speed, crisp route running, and elite ball-tracking skills.
TQ Newsome, LB
Although he’s yet to see a start for Southern Miss, TQ Newsome has the potential to emerge as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect if he continues his upward trajectory. After all, the former high school QB is preparing for only his fourth season on the defensive side of the ball.
Newsome’s experience of playing quarterback is evident in how he reads the game. Meanwhile, he boasts impressive physicality from his 6’1″, 230-pound frame. When his strength and ability to fly downhill combine, he’s a devastating force behind the line.
Natrone Brooks, CB
Listed at 5’11” and 168 pounds, Natrone Brooks’ slender frame may be a stumbling block for him as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect. However, the former JUCO standout is blessed with exceptional length that helps mitigate some of those concerns.
A genuine speedster, Brooks frequently jumps the route to make a play on the ball. Brooks’ ball skills are such that, despite his eight PBUs last year, teams routinely threw away from him. Brooks’ stock is helped by special-teams experience on punt return.
Tylan Knight, DB
A multi-sport athlete who excelled on both sides of the ball in high school, Tylan Knight spent the first four seasons of his college career at Ole Miss. Initially, on offense and special teams, he switched to defensive back full-time in 2020.
At 5’7″ and 175 pounds, Knight isn’t a traditionally sized DB. However, he plays much bigger than that. As a tackler, he’s incredibly physical and often flies downfield to make a play. He’s also got the vertical athleticism to compete at the catch point, even against much bigger WRs.
Santrell Latham, LB
After redshirting in 2017, Santrell Latham has slowly but surely worked his way into being one of the most important players on the Southern Miss defense. Last season, he led the Golden Eagles with four forced fumbles while tallying seven tackles for loss and one sack.
The 6’2″, 225-pound LB has good size but even more impressive functional length, which he uses well as a block shedder. Good downhill speed, physicality, and football intelligence make him a 2023 NFL Draft prospect to keep an eye on this fall.
Malik Shorts, S
The heartbeat of the Souther Mississippi defense, Malik Shorts was the program’s finalist for the Conerly Trophy — given to the best college player in Mississippi. A 6’0″, 202-pound playmaker, Shorts tallied seven pass breakups and two interceptions while leading the Golden Eagles in tackles.
He’s adept at reading the passing game to a high level and has the athletic attributes to act on his play diagnosis, flying to the ball in a hurry and hitting with impressive physicality either behind the line of scrimmage or in the open field.
Other potential Southern Mississippi prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Quentin Bivens, DT
- Camron Harrell, CB
- Josh Carr Jr., EDGE
- Jay Stanley, S
- Cole Cavallo, TE
- Bryce Ramsey, C
- Demarcus Jones, WR
- Gerquan Scott, G
- Hayes Maples, LB