FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2008

Lions report to camp today, first practice scheduled for August 7

Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern football program reports to campus today, August 6, and will begin fall practice tomorrow (August 7) morning. Practice will begin at approximately 10:05 am and 7 on 7 drills will start at 11:10 am. All practices will be held at Hughes Stadium.

Southern, 6-5 last season and 11-11 in Tatum's first two years, return nine starters from the MIAA's best defensive unit of 2007. The Lions ranked first in total defense and pass defense and were fourth in defending the rush. The defense is anchored by middle linebacker Jared Brawner who finished second in the MIAA in tackles per game last year with an average of 8.7. Linebacker Antwan Dyer returns after an All-MIAA campaign from a season ago, while cornerbacks Jordan Patton and Corderial Collier ranked third and fourth in interceptions last season with five and four, respectively.

Offensively, the Lions return record-setting quarterback Adam Hinspeter for his senior year. With 675 completions and 7,173 yards in his first three years, the Centralia, Mo., veteran is on pace to eclipse MIAA records as well as all of Missouri Southern's passing marks. He has completed 64.4 percent of his passes. He has a solid cast of receivers, including last year's exciting Isaac Norman, returning this season. The 5-foot-6, 155-pound speedster grabbed 46 passes for 608 yards and six touchdowns in 2007. The Lions have three running backs with experience in Renard Johnson (5-8, 195) of Tulsa, Ok., Ronnell Newman (5-8, 205) of Kansas City and Toderick Hunt (5-9, 215) of Jasper, Tx.

Missouri Southern has four changes to its coaching staff this year. Raleigh Jackson, of the Citadel will coach linebackers, while De’Von Lockett, a Northwestern State grad will help coach defensive backs. Jared Elliott, a graduate of Miami of Ohio, will coach wide receivers, while Matt Plunkett will move from receivers to offensive line.