It was an entertaining and emotional year for Southern Miss.

Including the bowl game, four of Southern Miss' losses came by a combined 11 points. Late in the season, three players were shot at an area nightclub, leaving one paralyzed.

The Golden Eagles suffered some inconsistent play this season, but should be among the top contenders in Conference USA next season due to the talent returning on both sides of the ball. Southern Miss has playmakers and numbers returning, and coach Larry Fedora has shown he can keep the winning momentum going.

Southern Miss will lose some key linemen, on offense and defense, but should be able to bring replacements up next season. Departures at receiver will also have an impact, but Fedora and Co. seemed to address that in recruiting.

"Probably people are going to think this class does not have the flash or the bling," Fedora said. "But I am going to predict that this will be the strongest class out of all of them when the four years is up. That is my prediction."

Fedora still needs to find a defensive coordinator, and he needs a strong hire because defense has been a strength of the team.

TOP OF THE CLASS

OT Vincent Brown (ASA Institute, Brooklyn, N.Y.) -- Brown has the build (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) to be a dominant lineman. He only played one year in high school, but his natural talent earned him a spot at a juco. Enough development this offseason could put him into the rotation this season.

OG Garrett Clark (North Gwinnett, Suwanee, Ga.) -- Southern Miss needed to add depth on both sides of the line and Clark should be a part of the offensive rotation for several years. He may need a redshirt year for seasoning, but he has the power and nasty streak to excel.

WR Jhyryn Taylor (Pearl River C.C., Poplarville, Miss.) -- At one time he played for Louisiana State, but the possession receiver transferred, and after a year of junior college ball, he should be ready to contribute for the Golden Eagles. He's known for his hands and for being a fierce competitor.

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