Today, July 1st, we celebrate the birthday of one of the most electrifying running backs in Southern Miss history — Damion Fletcher. From 2006-09 Fletcher left his mark not just on the Golden Eagles program but on the entire college football landscape.
A standout at Biloxi High School on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Fletcher arrived in Hattiesburg in 2006 and made an immediate impact. As a true freshman, he rushed for 1,388 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors and setting a school record for most rushing yards in a season by a freshman.
Over the next three seasons, Fletcher proved to be one of the most durable and productive backs in the country. He posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons, finishing with:
- 5,302 career rushing yards
- 44 rushing touchdowns
- 5,602 total yards from scrimmage
At the time of his graduation, Fletcher ranked 8th all-time in NCAA FBS history in rushing yards, ahead of legendary names like Herschel Walker and LaDainian Tomlinson. His vision, balance, and football IQ made him the engine of the Golden Eagles’ offense from 2006 to 2009.
Fletcher helped lead the Golden Eagles to four straight bowl appearances — the GMAC Bowl (twice), the PapaJohns.com Bowl, and the New Orleans Bowl — and played a key role in each. His most memorable postseason performance came in January 2007, when he rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Ohio, earning GMAC Bowl MVP honors as just a freshman. He also won the 2007 Conerly Trophy as the top college football in the State of Mississippi,
So today, on his birthday, we salute a player who embodied the toughness, loyalty, and work ethic of Golden Eagle football. Happy Birthday to Damion Fletcher, a true legend in black and gold. SMTTT.
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