Grove Bowl Postgame Quotes

March 31, 2001

HEAD COACH DAVID CUTCLIFFE

(Opening comments)

"I was really happy to see so many fans turn out for the spring game. I know the players really appreciated the support. It was a great atmosphere. We did something a little different and tried to play our units together. We played our ones versus our twos, and I think our team responded. I think our twos got off to a good start. We were very limited to what we could do and what plays we could run. We have a long way to go this summer. I am looking forward to what our team is going to do physically. Our strength has already improved, and it can improve a great deal more."

(On Robert Williams and the strength of the backfield)

"Robert has definitely improved his quickness. He is faster, stronger and in really good shape. He is an explosive player who can do a lot of things for us. He has really good hands. He can get us the tough yards, and his added strength has made a significant difference for him. I think there is a chance we could go with a Joe Gunn-Robert Williams rotation, and I think Tremaine Turner is right there in the hunt with them. I am anxious to see how it all shuffles out in the backfield. I feel the same way about our fullbacks with Charles Stackhouse, Toward Sanford and Rick Razzano."

(On Manning's performance)

"Eli was not challenged much mentally, but he did throw the ball well. There was some wind out there and he did overthrow the long ball some, but he has been accurate all spring. Eli has gotten better. He is a stronger and quicker player right now and he really threw the ball accurately today."

(On getting everything accomplished this spring)

"I think we improved as much as we could have improved in 15 days. We are not exactly where we want to be, but this is a young team. We only have 12 seniors this year. There are some holes that we have to fill, but this team's attitude is all about working hard and that will make a big difference. We got something out of each day of spring practice."

(On the receivers)

"All of our receivers have a lot of speed. Omar Rayford has really taken his play to another level. He knows the offense know much better than he did last year, and he has really improved. I think our seniors Jamie (Armstrong) and Omar (Rayford) will be really good leaders for this group. We are expecting them to step up big for us. Chris Collins has used the spring to become a better receiver. He is no longer making plays just because of his speed. He is making plays because he is using the right techniques."

(On the defense)

"I am really enthusiastic about what Coach (Don) Lindsey has come in here in done in just 15 days. We have gotten a great jump-start in learning our defense for fall practice. I am excited about what we can do when everyone has a better knowledge of what we want to accomplish."

OLE MISS PLAYER QUOTES

Senior Joe Gunn:

(On the game)

"I feel really good about today's game. We are excited about what we accomplished this spring. This game helps us a lot with our confidence, especially the younger guys. I feel like we did good on offense today, but we still have some things to work on."

Sophomore Eli Manning:

(On the game)

"It is fun to get out there and work in a game situation. We had fun today. Everybody had a great attitude and went out there and had fun. We are all really excited about the upcoming season."

(On what it is like being a "Manning" and playing at Ole Miss)

"I do not feel any added pressure because of my last name. I am just going to go out there and try to win some football games."

Senior Mitch Skrmetta:

(On the game)

"The offense did a good job today. I had a couple of catches, and overall, I feel like I performed well. "

(On playing with Eli Manning)

"I think Eli played great today. He is really smart with the football, and he knows what to do with it. As he progresses over the years, he will turn into a great quarterback for Ole Miss."

Sophomore Chris Collins:

(On the spring season)

"We worked really hard this spring, and it showed on the field today. A lot of players have progressed and are starting to step up and make big plays for us. Our expectations are very high for the upcoming season."

Junior Eddie Strong:

(On the new defense)

"We are going to be different this year. We have learned a new system, and I think we are starting to get the hang of it. We are going to stop the run this year. We have worked hard, and the defense is starting to come together. "

(On his injury last season)

"I feel like I have become a better player since my injury. I learned a lot from watching from the sidelines last year. It has helped me perform better on the field."

Senior Charles Stackhouse:

(On his performance in the spring game)

"I went out and tried to get a `game-type' focus today. I tried to finish all the plays. I think we played really well. We had some good execution. We had a great running game, a great passing game. It just all really came together today."

Senior Kevin Thomas:

(On wearing No. 38)

"It is a very, very big honor. I am so proud to be able to wear it. I will give it my all to represent Chucky Mullins well and will play to the best of my abilities."

Junior Robert Williams:

(On today's performance)

"I just went out there and tried to make some plays. I just ran hard like I always try to do. I think Joe Gunn and I have a nice rotation going, and I also think Tremaine Turner is doing really well. I think we will be pretty good next season as a backfield. I am looking forward to it."

Senior Syniker Taylor:

(On his performance)

"I think I played a pretty even game today. I did not make any big plays, but we did not really have a chance to make many big plays. The offense did a good job, and I think overall it was a good performance. I got a lot better during the spring practices. With the new defensive coaches coming in, I learned some new things that I think have really helped me be a better player. I am going to keep working hard this summer to get ready for the season."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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