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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football Goes Through First Full-Squad Workouts
8/9/2001 | Football
Aug. 9, 2001
OXFORD, Miss. -? Despite overcast skies the entire day, the Ole Miss football team went through their first two-a-days Thursday, and Rebel Head Coach David Cutcliffe was excited with what he saw during the squad's non-contact practices.
"We had a good start," said Cutcliffe, who is in his third full season at the helm of the Ole Miss program. "I was really encouraged by the attitude and energy that was displayed. Obviously, you're going to have first-day mistakes, but for the most part, the players were moving well in our drill work. We got a lot of things done in a short period of time. I was extremely pleased with the start we had today."
An early-morning rain storm gave the Rebels somewhat cooler conditions to work in, but Cutcliffe is confident that the players are in shape to handle the hot weather that may come in later practices. "Our players have been running all summer, and this team is in really good shape," Cutcliffe said. "The tempo we work with conditions our players as they practice no matter what the weather is." Cutcliffe was also pleased with the work of the quarterbacks and wide receivers in their drills on the first day.
"I thought our throwing drills went well," said Cutcliffe. "Eli (Manning) separated himself from the other three quarterbacks, but David (Morris), Seth (Smith) and Michael (Spurlock) had their moments. Eli had a really good start to practice, and you could tell he has worked very hard. The receiving corps got their feet under them. They're running their routes like they should, and that tells me they have worked hard on their own during the summer."
McKinley Boykin participated in his first practice Thursday. The Bessemer, Ala., native was held out of the newcomers' first two days of practice Monday and Tuesday to complete further tests on his physical. L.P. Spence did not practice Thursday, and results of his tests for heart palpitations are expected Friday.
"We got McKinley cleared, and he was with us today," Cutcliffe said. "It was really good to see him out here. We should know something on L.P. Friday afternoon."
The Rebels continue two-a-days Friday. Ole Miss opens its 2001 campaign at home versus Murray State Sept. 1. The season opener is set for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field.
