The University of Mississippi Athletics
Trio of Freshmen Highlight Football Scrimmage
8/24/1999 | Football
Aug. 24, 1999
OXFORD, Miss.- Three freshmen -- quarterback Eli Manning, defensive back Darius Tate and running back Robert Williams -- highlighted the second Ole Miss scrimmage of the preseason on a rain-soaked field Tuesday afternoon.
Manning finished the day by completing five-of-six passes for 75 yards, including a 42- yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Jake Hill, the longest of the day. Sophomore quarterback David Morris connected on four-of-eight passes for 68 yards and the day's only touchdown through the air of the scrimmage, a 25 yarder to Hill. Junior Romaro Miller completed four-of- seven passes for 51 yards and also rushed for two touchdowns. Williams led all rushers with 42 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, the seniors continue to control the defense, but Tate made his presence felt during scrimmage with three fumble recoveries and four tackles.
"I think our seniors on the defensive side are really setting the tempo," said head coach David Cutcliffe, "and that's a pleasing thing.
"We came out a little sharper on offense in the open field. We moved the football and sustained some drives."
Although the offense enjoyed some success, Cutcliffe did voice some concern.
"Without question, we're not getting the ball across the goal line," Cutcliffe said. "We had some problems with discipline and not taking care of the ball as well as we would have liked. We had a couple of big fumbles, and we can't afford to let that happen."
The kicking game also got extensive work during the afternoon. Junior placekicker Les Binkley made four-of-five attempts, including a long of 41 yards, while junior punter Reagan King averaged over 45 yards on three kicks, with a long of 52 yards.
"We put ourselves in more of a game situation with out punting game," said Cutcliffe. "Reagan King was very adamant that he came through in a big way.
"Binkley has worked hard during the off season. He came in January and had a good offseason program and started a really good work ethic. The thing I like about him is that he in consistent and smooth."
Junior running back Deuce McAllister had to leave the scrimmage with a shoulder injury. He was taken from the field for x-rays, which came back negative.
"I know that McAllister got banged up a little bit, but it looks like he should be fine," Cutcliffe said after the scrimmage.
Ole Miss received good word Tuesday when the NCAA ruled that free safety Syniker Taylor will be eligible to play this season. Taylor, a sophomore from Gulfport, was the second- leading true freshman tackler last season when he was credited with 39 total hits while playing in only seven games due to an ankle injury.
"Syniker gives us a lot of versatility," said Cutcliffe. "He is a guy that can play corner or safety. He gives us an opportunity to look at a couple of different combinations of people. Now we can plan for him to be there this season."
RUSHING (Att-Yds): Robert Williams 11-42 (TD), Joe Gunn 6-40, Deuce McAllister 7-27 (TD), Cory Peterson 1-18, Romaro Miller 3-11 (2 TDs): John Meeks 5-3, Toward Sanford 1-0, Eli Manning 1-(-3), David Morris 2-(-9).
PASSING (Att-Comp-Int-Yds): Eli Manning 6-5-0-75, David Morris 8-4-0-68 (TD), Romaro Miller 7-4-0-51.
RECEIVING (No.-Yds): Jake Hill 3-78 (TD), Todd Campbell 1-30, Robert Williams 1-20, Marshall Blanks 1-18, Jamie Armstrong 1-12, Deuce McAllister 1-8, Toward Sanford 1-7, Cory Peterson 1-6, Ronnie Letson 1-5, Von Hutchins 1-5, Justin Sawyer 1-4.
TACKLES (UT-AT-TT): Al Rice 1-4-5, DeNiro Fisher 1-3-4, Shawn Johnson 3-1-4, Darius Tate 0-4-4, Anthony Magee 1-2-3, Jesse Mitchell 2-1-3, Arthur Spear 1-2-3, Kevin Thomas 2-1- 3, Michael Boone 0-2-2, Kendrick Clancy 2-0-2, Chad Cook 0-2-2, Josh Cooper 0-2-2, Kevin Farmer 0-2-2, Desmon Johnson 2-0-2, Anthony Sims 0-2-2, Eddie Strong 0-2-2, Tyler Williams 0-2-2, Kenny Woods 1-1-2, Marshall Blake 0-1-1, Dusty Braddock 0-1-1, Lanier Goethie 0-1-1, Yahrek Johnson 1-0-1, Rickey Jones 0-1-1, Jamil Northcutt 0-1-1, Markee Pearson 0-1-1, Armegis Spearman 0-1-1, Timothy Strickland 0-1-1, Syniker Taylor 0-1-1