After the fatal shooting of George County product and senior Southern Miss defensive back MJ Daniels in June, his teammates are playing for more than wins this upcoming season.
Daniels was the victim of a fatal shooting in June in which four teenagers allegedly murdered him as he sat in his vehicle at the Ivy Row Apartments in Hattiesburg. In the season opener against Kentucky, the black and gold will don a No. 11 decal on their helmets and will step onto the field with his jersey in tow.
“We lost a great young man who had a beautiful smile – unbelievable competitive nature,” head coach Will Hall said in the week following the tragedy. “He was growing as a leader. We always talk about living with the end in mind, and if MJ wanted to be remembered as a competitor, who lifted others up and brought joy to people, then he lived well. I love him. We’re hurting as we go through this. I miss him every day.”
As Southern Miss begins the season without Daniels’ presence, they’ll attempt to carry the mantel of competitive edge and leadership ability he possessed. Daniels collected 28 tackles for the Golden Eagles last season, tied for a team-high with three interceptions, along with four pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles. The former George County star, who began his career at Ole Miss, was expected to be the leader of the defensive backfield in 2024.
Southern Miss opens the regular season in Lexington against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, with the home opener set for next week against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.
