Jason Munz/Hattiesburg American
Sherrod Ruff and Paxton Schrimsher knew nothing of one another before both arrived at Southern Miss in 2015.
But they’ve come to share plenty in common.
Hailing from neighboring states (Georgia and Alabama respectively), the Golden Eagles have also earned starting positions on the defensive depth chart — Ruff at mike linebacker and Schrimsher at the wolf linebacker spot.
The pair also came to Southern Miss despite strong, late recruiting pushes from Louisville.
“Yeah, I almost went to Louisville,” said Ruff, who spent a year at Coffeyville Community College before signing with Southern Miss.