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News Nuggets, 10.07.05
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Coley twins mean double trouble for USM foes

JACKSON, MS — Quarterbacks aren't necessarily seeing double. There really are two Coleys making most of Southern Mississippi's big hits on defense.

Identical twins Trevis and Kevis Coley have combined for more than a quarter of the team's tackles, and are doing their part to continue the Golden Eagles' tradition of strong defense.

Kevis, the starter at middle linebacker, leads the team with 28 tackles. Trevis, who starts at free safety, is second with 22. They shared the team lead with 11 tackles apiece last week against East Carolina, and are making their cases as perhaps the next great Southern Miss defenders.

``Playing through high school, flag football, it's like I can't play without him,'' Trevis Coley said.

The Coleys are barely distinguishable to the eye. Each is about 6-foot-1, and the 228-pound Kevis is seven pounds heavier than his brother. Both share strikingly similar facial characteristics. Trevis, the older brother by 11 minutes, is more outgoing than laid-back Kevis.

``We're real similar to each other, and we can relate to each other and talk about anything,'' Kevis said. ``I love him and he loves me. We have our differences sometimes, but we've never had conflicts. Me and my brother always get along.''

Especially on the football field, where they use differing styles to achieve similar results.

Kevis said he fancies himself flashy, speedy and perpetually looking for the big hit. Trevis is considered a just-get-the-job-done tackler with a sharp eye for the ball and a knack for leadership in the secondary.

``I've got the killer instinct. I'm looking for the kill shot,'' Kevis said. ``He's more like just making the tackle.''

The brothers came to Hattiesburg four years ago from Palatka, FL. Southern Miss recruiters were scouting quarterback Dustin Almond of nearby Orange Park, FL, when Almond's high school coach told them about the Coleys.

``They recruited both of us at the same time,'' Trevis said. ``It was a package deal.''

The Coleys were interested in Southern Miss because the school has produced several NFL defensive players, including linebackers Rod Davis and Michael Boley and defensive backs Patrick Surtain and Greg Brooks.

``Before I came to Southern Miss, all I heard about was the tradition on defense,'' Kevis said.

Added Trevis: ``We're trying to keep that tradition alive.''

They're off to a good start.

The twins are hoping to parlay big senior seasons into spots on pro rosters, though they know that means they could wind up playing against, not alongside, each other for the first time.

``We get separated, we get separated — we'll get used to it,'' Trevis said with a laugh.

Golden Eagles hoops squad loses leading scorer

HATTIESBURG — Senior Rashaad Carruth, the Southern Mississippi basketball team's scoring leader, has left the Golden Eagles because of personal reasons.

``I am going to concentrate on getting my degree from Southern Miss while I take care of some personal matters,'' Carruth said Thursday in a statement issued by the school. ``(Coach Larry Eustachy) has been like a second father to me, and I am grateful for all he has done and continues to do for me.''

Carruth, a 6-3 guard from College Park, GA, averaged 13.4 points last season.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from Associated Press and other sources. Copyright 2005 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007 12:28 PM