Dec. 10, 2013

IRVING, Texas - Conference USA announced its 2013 All-Conference football teams Tuesday afternoon, as selected by the league's 14 head football coaches. All 14 schools were represented with at least one selection on the 59-man first and second team. Southern Miss' Khyri Thornton was named to the second team, while Tyre'oune Holmes and Emmanuel Johnson were both honorable mention selections. In addition, C-USA released its 2013 All-Freshman team and a trio of Golden Eagles appeared on the list - Holmes, Nick Mullens and Cameron Tom.

Thornton, a senior defensive lineman from Panama City, Fla., played and started in 11 games for the Golden Eagles this season. He recorded 39 tackles on the year, including 16 solo tackles and 23 assisted tackles. Thornton boasted 6.5 tackles for loss including a half a sack for eight yards. He was credited for a team-best four quarterback hurries. Thornton was also a finalist for the C Spire Conerly Award for the most outstanding collegiate football player in the state of Mississippi. At Southern Miss' end of the year football banquet, Thornton was named the Jeff Bower Team MVP, as well as, one of the four recipients of the Reggie Collier Team Captain Award.

Johnson, a junior defensive back from McKenzie, Ala., played and started in 10 contests this season. He finished fourth on the team with 54 tackles, including 39 unassisted tackles. Johnson recorded an interception, broke up a pass and forced a fumble during the season.

Holmes, a true freshman wide receiver from Tylertown, Miss., played in 11 games, making seven starts. He led Southern Miss with 53 receptions. Holmes tallied 410 yards with two touchdowns. He had a receiving touchdown in USM's final two games, including a 3-yard touchdown reception in the Golden Eagles' 62-27 victory over UAB.

Mullens, a true freshman quarterback from Hoover, Ala., played in nine games on the year, starting the final six contests for the Golden Eagles. He accumulated 1,776 yards in the air, including 1,659 (276.5 yards/game) as a starter. Mullens tallied 13 touchdowns on the season, including a school-record five TDs in USM's 62-27 victory at UAB. Mullens posted a pair of 300-yard passing performances on the year, becoming the first true freshman in school history to throw for over 300 yards in a game.

Tom, a true freshman offensive lineman from Baton Rouge, La., played in 11 games and started in nine contests. The true freshman helped the Golden Eagle offense tally 2,911 passing yards. Southern Miss running backs amassed 1,075 combined yards behind Tom and the rest of the offensive line. In the season finale, Tom and the rest of the offensive line paved the way for Kendrick Hardy to rush for 106 yards - the first 100 yard performance of the season. In addition, Tom helped protect the pocket, allowing Mullens to throw for 370 yards and a USM record five touchdowns in the 62-27 win over UAB.