As the temperatures rise in Southwest Mississippi, the excitement for Southwest Bear Football does as well. Coach Cliff Collins enters year number three as head coach at Southwest and for the first time in his tenure, his team is completely made up of players that he and his staff have recruited.
 
"It has taken three years to build this thing up the way that I wanted," Collins said. "In the first year, we played with half of the team on scholarships. In the second year we still had walk-on guys who were on scholarships. This year, we have a full scholarship roster. It has taken three years to get to this point. That is what I told my guys, you don't level a foundation one day and start building a house. It has to set and you have to do the ground work and the footing. That is what we had to do around here. Overall I feel like we will have better depth and a more complete football team."
 
The depth the Collins refers to played a big role in helping the Bears last season as the injury bug bit Southwest in a significant way.
 
"Eleven starters had season-ending injuries," Collins said. "When I talk about depth, that is where our team is at, right there. Our two top Division I receivers (Jacoby Bellazar, JaCoby Matthews), they did not play in the last two games. We hope and pray that we have a healthier season than last year." 
 
Once again, the 2023 team consists of a good mix of experience and youth. And whether they are freshman or sophomore, collectively as a team, the Bears are ready to make their mark on the field and help the team find continued success.
 
The Bears wrapped their summer session in late July and based off of what he's seen, Collins feels good about his program.
 
"The guys are working out really hard," he said. "We have had a great summer and I've liked what I've seen from the guys so far. I like the discipline and they are taking care of their business. They are showing up for work each and every day and doing what we are asking them to do."
 
One of the big changes comes on the coaching staff as Dominique Sullivan takes over as offensive coordinator. Sullivan who is no stranger to the Bear Football program has hit the ground running and excelled thus far, according to Collins.
 
"He's been fine, we evaluated Coach Sullivan and he did a good job this spring," he said. "The offense is more up-tempo, and spread around. He's as deserving of the job as anybody is and this is a guy who has paid his dues. He has been here through three head coaches."
 
Another new face is Quentin Saulsberry who takes over as offensive line coach. A former player at Mississippi State and in the NFL, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.
 
"He loves football, that is what he does," Collins said. "With Coach Saulsberry, between a military guy and a football guy. That is what you want out of your offensive line, tough, physical. They are going to have the mental aspect that they need to have. He's a guy that has had a great career at Mississippi State and he has played in the league. He's going to do well."

In addition Southwest hired former player Brinson Johnson as wide receivers coach and a pair of volunteer assistants in another former Bear Jalon Thigpen, who will coach linebackers and Stephon Huderson who leads the running backs. 
 
On offense, the Bears face the tough task of replacing multiple starters along many key positions. Gone are the likes of quarterback Chris Roberson, running back Damuriyon Montgomery, receiver Jacoby Bellazar and offensive tackle Izavion "Too Tall" Miller. Taking over for Roberson will be Jordan Mills who missed his entire freshman season due to a knee injury. Collins said that Mills has embraced his new leadership role.
 
"He's done a great job," Collins said. "We have to have that leadership from the quarterback."
 
Slated to join Mills in the backfield is a slew of talented players including a returning sophomore in Tyler Reed who missed a large portion of last season due to injury. Another is freshman Jalen Williams who made a huge impact in Class 2A at Mangham (LA) High School finishing with a state-best 2,844 rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns, 44 of which came on the ground. He earned the Class 2A Offensive Player of the Year honor as well as a Class 2A First-Team nod.
 
As far as receivers, the trio of Jeremiah Ratliff (17 rec, 214 yds, 2 TD), Ty Moore (16 rec, 149 yds, 2 TD and Tyler Daniels (8 rec, 115 yds, 1 TD) all return with plenty of experience obtained last season.
 
Up front, the departure of Miller has opened a big hole on the right side of the offensive line. One new face who could fill that void is Hastings Carruth. Other experienced players who are also slated to be big contributors are Cortney Lyles, Kendarius Small, Trelin "Mo" Miles and DaKaevion Harris.
 
Like on the offensive side, the defensive line also returns several players with experience. Jaden Hamlin (32 tackels) and James Kate III (18 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovered) were big pieces to the middle of the line last year while Jameer Lewis (42 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 fumbles forced) became a threat to opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills. One incoming freshman that Collins and associate head coach and defensive line coach Trevor Stigers believe can make a significant impact in the rotation is Amarion Ware.
 
"Amarion Ware is a Mississippi/Alabama All-Star out of Harrison Central," Collins said. "He's a big-time football player who can go."
 
The linebacker corps is forced with replacing three starters and three of the top four leading tacklers in Hunter Lee (60 tackles), Fred Lewis (49 tackles) and Buddy Felder (42 tackles). Despite this, multiple players with plenty of playing experience in Wil'Tayvious Herbert, Dredarius Robinson, Ethan Williams and Jarius Anders, in addition to several new faces will help fill those voids.
 
In the defensive backfield, cornerback Kharel Coney and safety Rontavious Thomas have moved on. Despite suffering a season-ending injury late in the year, safety Javier Simmons returns eager to pick back up where he left off. Defensive backs coach Deontay Evans has plenty of players to add to the rotation as he works to fill voids.
 
Special teams will also see a change as kicker/punter Tres Ladner and long-snapper Jackson Fortenberry have both graduated. Looking to fill the void is punter Kye Braddock and kicker Lyndall Boatman, both of whom are freshman. Josh Lambert returns for his sophomore year and will be looked to help with the long-snapping duties. 
 
Overall, Collins said that he is pacing as he and his staff are getting the kids ready for the upcoming season but he is anxiously awaiting the opener on September 7 at Mississippi Delta.
 
"I'm ready for it," he said. "I'm just ready to get rolling.