HATTIESBURG - Southern Miss has a reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen.
Since 2008, eight players along the team's front four have either been drafted or signed a free agent contract with an NFL team. The iron has been hot for Golden Eagle defenders in recent years. Starting with Jamie Collins, taken by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2013 draft, at least one defensive lineman has made the transition to the professional level in each of the past four seasons.
Dylan Bradley hopes to become the next in line next April. The former Noxubee County star is the latest in a string of versatile defensive linemen to suit up for the Golden Eagles with a chance to make some noise as a senior.