• Approximately 9,000 fans will be allowed into The Rock tonight for the first game of the season matching NCAA FBS teams. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • University of Southern Mississippi wide receiver Neil McLaurin (13) gains yards on a play during Southern’s game against Jackson State University in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • USM fans had plenty to cheer about during the Eagles’ 55-7 victory over Jackson State Saturday night. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University’s running back Jordan Johnson is stopped by the University of Southern Mississippi’s defense during their game in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University football players watch from the sideline during their game against the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • The University of Southern Mississippi wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) runs towards the end zone during their game against Jackson State University at USM in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State fans cheer during Jackson State’s 55-7 loss to USM Saturday night Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University’s defensive back Ryan Theyard (28) blocks a catch intended for USM’s wide receiver Jaylond Adams (2) in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University’s running back Jordan Johnson looks to gain yards during a play against the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University’s quarterback Derrick Ponder looks looks to throw a pass during their game against the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • University of Southern Mississippi’s band plays during Southern’s game against Jackson State University in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Jackson State University’s running back Jordan Johnson looks to gain yards during a play against the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg Saturday, September 1, 2018. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America
  • Quez Watkins, 16, is stopped after a pass reception by Jackson State defensive back Tonea Alex. Watkins scored fur touchdowns to lead USM to a 55-7 victory at Hattiesburg. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/ Report for America

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Eric J. Shelton was a 2018 corps member in Report for America, and joined the team as our first photojournalist. A native of Columbia, Miss., Eric earned his bachelor’s in photojournalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a multimedia journalist for Abilene Reporter-News, chief photographer for the Hattiesburg American and photo editor for the Killeen Daily Herald before joining our team June 2018. He rejoined Mississippi Today as our health photojournalist in January 2022.