HATTIESBURG &045; Antwon Courington enjoyed a breakout season in 2004.

And he wants more.

&uot;I’d like to be among the elite, I’ll put it that way,&uot; he said.

The 6-2, 210-pound led Southern Miss in receiving last season, finishing with career-highs in catches (47), yards (659) and touchdowns (five).

He followed his breakout season with the most productive offseason of his career, leading teammates and coaches to rave about his work ethic and leadership.

&uot;I hesitate to brag on him. I have in the past,&uot; Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower said, &uot;and he’s gone the other way on us. I’m going to be positive. He’s worked harder than I’ve ever seen him work since he’s been here. He’s a player that has a lot of ability.&uot;

Courington’s development can be charted by peeking at his career statistics.

He arrived in Hattiesburg in 2002 as a prized recruit from Walker High in Jasper, Ala. &045; a big receiver renowned for his ability to make catches in a crowd.

Courington played in all 12 games as a freshman &045; making only three catches, but showcasing his enormous potential.

As a sophomore, he moved into the receiving rotation and made 36 catches for 532 yards and three touchdowns. Then last year his production improved even more.

&uot;It wasn’t as flashy as you’d think for someone to have 40-something catches and 600 yards,&uot; he said. &uot;I just go over the middle, do my job and continue to do whatever I can to help this team.&uot;

Courington arrived for fall practice in the best shape of his career, and it prompted teammates to gain even more confidence in his abilities.

&uot;It’s a guy that wants his ball in his hands on every play, and we’re going to do our best to get it to him,&uot; quarterback Dustin Almond said.

Make no mistake &045; Courington has become the Golden Eagles’ No. 1 receiver.

&uot;The expanding of his role really goes more to the ‘I’m the one that’s going to make the big play. Throw the ball to me. Give me the opportunity to do the things I can do,’&uot; wide receivers coach Courtney Messingham said. &uot;He’s the guy now. Every week he knows he’s got to step up and make those plays.

&uot;His mental approach is, ‘Hey, I’m supposed to make plays. That’s my job, and that’s what I’m going to do.’&uot;

The Golden Eagles have made no secret that they plan to win Conference USA this season, and they also want to make a splash with a victory over a high-profile non-conference team.

For Courington, he would like nothing better than to beat the Crimson Tide on Sept. 10.

Courington’s combination of size and production makes him a potential NFL draft pick, but he said he’s concentrating on winning a championship as a senior.

&uot;The program is on the rise. Everything is on the rise, so we’re going try to start making some national attention around here,&uot; he said.

&uot;Maybe you come into your senior year know this is your last shot and time to get it,&uot; Bower said. &uot;I think that’s kind of clicked with him.&uot;