SU Transfers Look to be Playmakers
8/11/02

Transfers have always played a big part in SU's greatness. Over the championship years the transfers made the difference. Many of the players transferred for different reasons but all have the same goal in winning with their new team. The two new transfers Victor Ike (Texas) and Kevin Young (Tennessee) seem to be no different from past transfers. 

Ike brings an explosive running attack to the table which hasn’t been present since the championship season in ’99.  Southern needs to have more rushing yards to combat the lack of experience at quarterback. Head Coach Pete Richardson had this to say about the performance of Ike

"Ike is what we thought he was. We just have to slow him down some. When the upperclassmen get in, then he'll be able to open up. Right now, he's getting there before a lot of the offensive linemen can get to their blocks. They're not sure exactly who they're blocking up front."

New Offensive coordinator David Oliver is especially pleased with Ike.

"He's a very conscientious kid. He's knowledgeable. He was well trained at Texas. He's quick and decisive with his cuts. He has good hands. He's a dynamic player, and we expect big things from him. We're going to find a bunch of different ways to use him." 

Defensive end Kevin Young brings a pass rush threat back to Southern which hasn’t been present in a couple of years.  By having a passing rusher in the game the Jags don’t have blitz in order to get pressure and it lets the linebacker drop into coverage.  The pressure up front will also cause turnovers for the defense. Young brings all this to the table.  Defensive co-coordinator/line coach Cliff Lewis had this to say about young

 "You can tell he's been playing college football. Great first step. He understands the game. Only the terminology is different. I've been pleased with him."