Emerging onto the scene to lead the Majors in 2006 is first year head coach, Mike DuBose. After a three-year stint at Northview High School and Luverne High School in Alabama, DuBose will take the helm of his first collegiate team since the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2000. DuBose is preceded by David Saunders, who led the Majors to a 7-21 record in three seasons.

Along with the addition of DuBose as head coach, Shannon Dawson (Offensive Coordinator), Aaron Pelch (D-Line/Special Teams), Lane Powell (Linebackers) and Ross Rutledge (Outside Linebackers) are new to the staff in 2006.

“ I think the leadership at the top is very strong,” DuBose said. “If everyone keeps falling in place, we have a good chance for a great future.”

The Majors have the luxury of playing seven home games this season, including the much anticipated “Backyard Brawl” against Mississippi College to kick off the season on Sept. 2. The two teams will meet on a campus site for the first time in over 40 years. The longstanding rivalry renewed in 2000 – after a 41 year absence – with the Majors holding a 3-2 series advantage.

Three of the Majors seven home games will be against SCAC opponents, with the Nov. 11 match-up against Trinity University slated for Homecoming. “Purple Pride Day” falls on Sept. 30 against Lincoln University, while “Family Weekend” is scheduled for Centre College on Oct. 7.

The Majors return 14 starters from a year ago along with eight seniors. On the offensive side of the ball, the Majors return six including leading rusher, Tyson Roy. Roy, who is only a junior, accounted for four of the Majors 11 rushing touchdowns last season, while averaging 58.1 yards per game. He averaged just over 4.2 yards per carry, while rushing for 407 total yards and four scores.

Taking the snaps behind center for the Majors is sophomore, Juan Joseph. The 6-foot-2, 178-pound, Edgard, La., native will take the starting role this season after throwing for 477 yards and three scores last season as a freshman. Joseph held a 118.53 QB rating, completing 35 of his 70 attempts for 68.1 yards/game. He’ll receive the starting nod, with sophomore Burt Pereira and freshmen, Chris Graves and Edward Cantrell rounding out the depth chart.

Leading all scorers last season and returning for his sophomore season is kicker/punter, DJ Mello. The Decorah, Iowa, native accounted for 29 total points last season, including 4-for-8 from field goal range and 17-for-18 on extra point attempts.

Dawson and his offensive staff of Wright, Fred McNair and David Johnson will introduce a whole new offensive system this season. “We’ll run an offense similar to Texas Tech,” Dawson said. “Airing it out is the only thing I know how to do. We’ll use a four-wide set and try and mix in a few things from a couple other big-time programs.”

This year’s squad will have a core of 14 receivers, including former defensive back turned wide receiver, Josh Hanna. Hanna, Western Kentucky transfer Chris Jackson, All-SCAC honorable mention Eric McCarty and the speed of Kennedy Griffin will play a major factor in the success at the wide receiver position.

The Majors will introduce seven new freshmen to the offensive line this season, and must rely on the leadership of senior, Conell Phillips and sophomore, Chuck Stall to help lead this year’s young squad. “We’re optimistic about the freshman class,” offensive line coach Jack Wright said. “In order for us to be effective, they must step up and be a factor.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Majors return eight starters from a year ago. The defense will play a major factor in the success of this year’s squad, after surrendering 35 points per game and 389 yards of total offense per game last season.

All-SCAC second-team selection Ray Kline, Casey Younger, Ronnie Wheat, Canaan Farris, Marcus Harris, and senior defensive back EJ Johnson all totaled 40 or more tackles last season and bring in-game experience for the Majors. Also returning for Millsaps is sophomore Marcus Stokes, who returns after being hurt early in the 2005 season. “Stokes had a really good spring,” Rutledge said. “We expect him to play a big part in this year’s success.”

Kline was the second leading tackler for the Majors last season, tallying 56 tackles (36 solo) and one sack, while Younger was the third leading tackler with 50 tackles (21 solo) and one sack. Wheat and Farris rounded out the top five with 45 and 43 tackles, respectively. Farris also led all linebackers with three sacks for minus 21 yards.

The Majors however lose their top linebacker and leading tackler from a year ago, Rutledge who contributed 68 tackles (40 solo) and one sack. Rutledge will assist Lane Powell with the linebackers this season, while he pursues his master’s in history.

This year’s squad promises to have an explosive philosophy on offense, an aggressive, attacking approach on defense and a creative and innovative stamp on special teams.

“ We’re pretty young as a football team right now,” DuBose said. “They’re learning how to adapt to the system we’re in right now because it’s a different structure than what they had in the past. They’re doing a great job, and if they come ready to play and play hard and execute then we as a football team will be successful.”