2002 Ole Miss Football Preview

July 12, 2002

OVERVIEW
With 51 lettermen returning from last year's 7-4 team and fan interest the highest in over 30 years, David Cutcliffe's fourth Rebel squad has its eyes set on repaying that support with a banner 2002 campaign.

Although the Rebs had their bowl streak snapped at four straight last fall, Ole Miss fans responded by purchasing season tickets in record numbers. Even the spring football game attendance mark was shattered when 27,215 showed up to break a record that had stood for 25 years.

The latest expansion at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has pushed capacity to 60,580, the largest on-campus football stadium in the state of Mississippi. Seven home games are scheduled this fall, including Southeastern Conference dates with Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Non-conference campus games will be with Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, and Memphis.

The top priority during spring football drills was to install the 4-2-5 defensive system brought in by new defensive coordinator Chuck Driesbach.

"One of the most successful things about spring practice was the fact that our defensive staff got the new defense across well to our players," Cutcliffe said. "Not only did we get in the new defense, we executed about 95 percent of the package. We had people in better positions with the opportunity to make plays. We don't have all the answers, but I thought we tackled better than anytime since we've been here. Our four-man rush was better and we have a nice pressure package."

Heading into spring drills, Cutcliffe, who has led Ole Miss to a 23-13 record and two bowl games in his first three years at the helm, had pointed out that it was obvious the defense had to find ways to defend the run better. "With a conference as tough as this one (SEC) and the quarterbacks we see, we must put better pressure on the quarterback after having only 13 sacks a year ago," he said.

Senior linebacker Eddie Strong led the 2001 Rebels in tackles with 105 after missing the 2000 campaign with a foot injury.

Defensively, Ole Miss entered spring drills having to replace four starters - tackles Kenny Jackson and Anthony Sims and cornerbacks Syniker Taylor and Justin Coleman. Returning starters included junior Charlie Anderson and sophomore Cory Robinson at the ends, seniors Eddie Strong and Lanier Goethie, and junior L.P. Spence at linebacker, and senior Matt Grier and junior Von Hutchins at the safeties. Replacing Taylor and Coleman at cornerback was a major priority when it came to the secondary. Seniors Desmon Johnson and Chris Knight are two veterans back at corner.

"One of the most successful things about spring practice was the fact that our defensive staff got the new defense across well to our players. Not only did we get in the new defense, we executed about 95 percent of the package."

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

Spring drills also marked the return of three players who missed last season due to injuries - junior running back Tremaine Turner (neck), junior defensive back Wes Scott (lower back), and junior linebacker Ian Bass (knee). However, the Rebels were without the services of Goethie (foot surgery) and Spence (knee surgery), both impact players at linebacker. Junior defensive back Travis Blanchard (foot surgery), who had been expected to miss the spring, got in some work during the final stages, and junior defensive back Marcus Woodson, who started three games last year, missed work in the secondary due to shoulder surgery.

Injuries also ended the careers of four members of last year's team - linebacker Johnny Ducking, offensive lineman German Bello, defensive lineman Justin Blake, and defensive back Clifton Collins.

Cutcliffe came away from spring drills feeling better about having to replace Taylor and Coleman, who did the bulk of playing corner in recent seasons. "We had five corners work all spring and that was critical," he said. "I felt like Chris Knight led the way. He responded like you want a senior to respond."

Senior Desmon Johnson, who has probably played more than anyone else at the corner position among returning players, missed a lot of work in the spring due to a class conflict. "I was really pleased with Travis Johnson, Bryant Thomas and Tavarus Horne, all young players who made progress," Cutcliffe said. Horne was redshirted a year ago after playing as a true freshman. Scott, who redshirted last year after earning two letters, is back in the mix in the secondary. Thomas hurt a knee during the Red-Blue game and had ACL surgery, leaving his status for the fall unknown.

"I think our safeties have been put into position to make a lot of plays for us," Cutcliffe added. "You saw that from Eric Oliver, Matt Grier, and Von Hutchins. Von does a lot of things extremely well and his tackling improved. Eric and Matt will show up in a lot of places. Kelvin Robinson, Wes Scott, and Travis Blanchard, and we hope Marcus Woodson, are guys who are playmakers. That's what I like about this system. It puts them into position to make a lot of plays. Jeremy Ruffin is a true freshman who is learning how to play the safety position and it will take a little while, but he had some bone-jarring tackles in the spring that got everybody's attention.

"We lost the two big guys inside (Sims and Jackson), but at the end position we return Charlie Anderson, Josh Cooper, Germaine Landrum and Cory Robinson," Cutcliffe said. "Inside we have Jesse Mitchell, Yahrek Johnson and Daniel Booth, all of whom have played."

Cutcliffe is also excited about having four redshirt freshmen - Michael Bozeman, McKinley Boykin, Jimmy Brooks, and Michael Gibson - providing additional competition up front. "Those four defensive linemen had solid springs," Cutcliffe said. "McKinley Boykin led the way and he's an extremely talented young man. I expect all of them to work themselves into the rotation for playing time."

One of the top returning areas on defense is at linebacker, which Cutcliffe feels will be a strength for the Rebels. Strong led the Rebels in tackles last year with 105 after having missed the 2000 season with a foot injury. Although they missed spring drills, Goethie and Spence are expected to be at full strength by the fall.

"We also have some competition at the linebacker spot," Cutcliffe added, noting that 10 different linebackers have earned letters with the Rebels. Ryan Hamilton, Rob Robertson, Justin Wade, and Brian Lester all have seen extensive playing time. "Some people stepped up during spring drills," he said. "Eddie Strong got better, Justin Wade improved and made some big plays, and Rob Robertson made some plays for us."

Offensive starters the Rebels must replace include All-America left tackle Terrence Metcalf, running backs Joe Gunn and Charles Stackhouse, and wide receiver Jamie Armstrong. Metcalf, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears, anchored an offensive line which allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the SEC (10) last season. Gunn ended his career ranked second on the Ole Miss career list for rushing yards with 2,749. Stackhouse was considered one of the SEC's top blocking fullbacks and signed a free-agent contract with the New York Giants. Armstrong ranked second on the team in receiving last year with 40 catches, which gave him 71 for his career.

Returning starters include junior quarterback Eli Manning, who set or tied 17 school records last year in his first season as a starter; junior wide receiver Chris Collins, who led the team with 54 receptions; senior tight end Doug Zeigler, senior center Ben Claxton, senior tackle Belton Johnson, and sophomore guards Doug Buckles and Marcus Johnson.

"Offensively, I think depth and competition are once again the keys," Cutcliffe said. "What I see in most positions, outside of offensive line and quarterback, is we have quite a few people competing for playing time who have already played a good bit for us. If you look at our wide receiving corps, there is competition among guys who have played. At tight end and running back, there is competition among guys who have played."

There are also some newcomers on offense who could have an impact. One is running back Ronald McClendon, rated by one national recruiting service as the nation's top junior college prospect, who enrolled in January. The Rebels also return a couple of redshirt freshmen at running back, plus three redshirt freshmen at wide receiver.

"What I was most interested in during spring was to see our young offensive linemen," Cutcliffe said. "Not only did we redshirt five freshmen, we also redshirted junior Justin Sawyer, who played tight end before we moved him to center, and he's back in the mix again.

"I wanted to see Tre' Stallings, Chris Spencer, Ryan Jones, Bobby Harris, and Tony Bonds, as well as Justin Sawyer, get a lot of snaps. Those are six guys that we didn't have available a year ago who can impact our offensive line depth. Chris and Tre' had outstanding springs. If we had to start today, Tre' would be our starting left tackle. By the end of spring, we felt like we had three starters at the guard positions in Chris, Doug Buckles and Marcus Johnson. We want to grow in that direction with Cliff Woodruff, Tre' Stallings, Belton Johnson, and Bobby Harris at the tackles."

Claxton, a returning all-conference performer, is the leader of the pack in the offensive line, while Belton Johnson is back for his third year as a starter up front.

At tight end, Cutcliffe is pleased to have senior Doug Zeigler and sophomore Bo Hartsfield back along with sophomore Eric Rice, who redshirted a year ago. "Bo and Eric will compete for playing time behind Doug, who was a different player this spring," Cutcliffe said. "Doug has benefitted from a year in our weight program and has all the tools. He was better last spring than anytime he's been here. He has a complete game and we just hope he stays healthy."

"A lot of people don't realize how much more effective you can be after having 11 games as a starter under your belt," Cutcliffe said. "Eli's knowledge of the offense has improved, his decision making is quicker, and he helps us at the line of scrimmage. There's a lot of things that he's benefitted from coming back as a veteran."

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

After enjoying a successful sophomore season, Manning was challenged to take his game to another level during spring drills. "A lot of people don't realize how much more effective you can be after having 11 games as a starter under your belt," Cutcliffe said. "Eli's knowledge of the offense has improved, his decision making is quicker, and he helps us at the line of scrimmage. There's a lot of things that he's benefitted from coming back as a veteran."

According to Cutcliffe, one of the real challenges is when you look behind Manning and realize the Rebels don't have anybody with any extensive playing experience. Senior David Morris has one start in his career and has played sparingly in a few other games.

"I think David took the challenge and improved himself," Cutcliffe said. "He's a solid football player and a great team man and team leader. David must continue to work hard and stay ready. He did a great job as a No. 2 man last year in making every day in practice his game."

Redshirt freshman Micheal Spurlock got the bulk of the third team work since the other redshirt freshman, Seth Smith, was the starting right fielder on the Rebel baseball team. "Micheal took advantage of getting all the No. 3 reps and made a lot of progress," Cutcliffe said. "He's got to understand it's important to play every down like it's the down that's going to win or lose the game. Micheal is a talented young man."

With two veterans like seniors Toward Sanford and Robert Williams returning, Cutcliffe expected them to be the leaders at running back, which had all the makings of being an interesting position in the spring. It's also a position which Cutcliffe feels will be a strength for the Rebels this fall.

"At tailback, you have a log jam," Cutcliffe said. "You start with Robert Williams. We have junior Tremaine Turner, who we redshirted a year ago. Then we have redshirt freshman Vashon Pearson and junior Ronald McClendon right there as well. That's solid competition. At fullback, we have Toward Sanford, sophomore Rick Razzano and Brandon Jacobs, who redshirted as a freshman a year ago."

Even with all the competition, Cutcliffe felt nobody really stepped out of the crowd during spring drills. "I think you see great speed with Ronald and you see some good things with Robert. Tremaine broke tackles and Vashon has the complete package," Cutcliffe said. "I thought Rick Razzano closed the gap at fullback and Brandon Jacobs improved."

At wide receiver, the Rebels return a number of people that have caught a lot of balls, but Cutcliffe knew heading into the spring that it was critical to get people in the right places.

"Chris Collins, Jason Armstead and Bill Flowers, in particular, caught a lot of balls and made big plays for us last year," Cutcliffe said. "Trey Fryfogle and Ross Barkley have played. The three redshirts - Mike Espy, Taye Biddle and Mario Hill - are all very talented young men. Kerry Johnson has made the move from the secondary to a more natural position for him. He is a tall and rangy kid who has great endurance and speed."

There is fierce competition at the wide receiver spots, and it's evident they must be able to make the big plays and be able to block if the Rebels are to be successful in the passing game.

"Nobody outdistances anyone else very much in that group," Cutcliffe said. "Jason Armstead separated himself a little in the spring. He made some big plays. I thought all of our receivers did some positive things. That should be a solid crew for us."

When it comes to the kicking game, the Rebels return sophomore punter Cody Ridgeway, sophomore kicker Jonathan Nichols, junior kicker Lee Rogers, and senior long-snapper A.J. Kiamie. "This is an area that I want to become an edge for us," Cutcliffe said of the kicking game. "When you return your punter, place-kicker, snapper, kick returner, and punt returner, it should lead to positive things in the special teams area. Cody and Jonathan should become weapons. They both are talented young men and I want to see consistent production from them. They need to have great summers of preparation. A.J. Kiamie is as good a snapper as there is the country. We're excited about what A.J. does for us."

Cutcliffe believes the Rebels can excel in special teams play. "What I like is that we have people who can protect, cover, and block in the kicking game. We also have an outstanding return man in senior Jason Armstead coming back as a weapon. I think we have some others there who are potentially good. Jason may be as good a dual return man, punt and kickoff, as there is in the country." Armstead ranked second in the SEC a year ago in kickoff returns, averaging 27.6 yards on 19 returns.

Cutcliffe is especially pleased with having competition in almost every aspect of the 2002 team. "We have competition offensively, defensively, and in the kicking game," he said. "We have more competitive depth than anytime since we've been here. People are being pushed at every position and that helps with the focus and commitment a player has to make to be a part of this. We are going to play more people than we have over the last few years."

QUARTERBACKS
When opponents go up against the Ole Miss offense this fall, one of the first things they will notice is a different quarterback under center. The name on the back of the jersey is still Manning, but the junior signal-caller inside that jersey is bigger and stronger than the 2001 model. The return of Eli Manning, who set or tied 17 school records last year in his first season as a starter, gives the 2002 Ole Miss offense a veteran quarterback who took his game to another level during spring drills and was selected to the Playboy preseason All-America team.

QB Eli Manning set or tied 17 school records last year as a sophomore, including throwing a single-season record 31 TDs.

With Manning at the controls, last year's offense ranked fourth in the SEC with 415.0 yards per game, just shy of the school record of 419.2 yards set by John Vaught's Rebels in 1961. It was quickly evident after last spring's Red-Blue game that the time Manning has spent in the film room and weight room is paying off. His knowledge of the offense has improved, his decision making is quicker, and his continued improvement in throwing the deep ball is beginning to pay dividends.

If there is a down side to the quarterback position, it may well be the lack of playing experience behind Manning, which was a focal point during spring drills. Senior David Morris, who backed up Manning last season after being redshirted in 2000, has only one start in his career and has played sparingly in a few other games. Morris continued to improve last spring and enters the fall as a solid No. 2 who approaches every day of practice with a game-day mentality.

With redshirt freshman Seth Smith missing spring drills due to starting in right field for the Rebel baseball team, redshirt freshman Micheal Spurlock took advantage of getting all the No. 3 reps and made marked progress in throwing the football. Spurlock's running ability gives the Rebels a nice change of pace. Smith, a lefty, has some ground to make up, which makes the summer and preseason practice really important for the truly gifted athlete.

RUNNING BACKS
For the first time in several years, Ole Miss must come up with new starters at both running back positions. Gone from last year's team are tailback Joe Gunn, who ended his career ranked second on the Ole Miss career list for rushing yards with 2,749, and fullback Charles Stackhouse, who was considered one of the SEC's top blocking backs and signed a free-agent contract with the New York Giants.

Even with those losses, running back may well turn out to be a strength of the offense in 2002, especially with the potential quality depth that exists. That depth starts with a pair of senior three-year lettermen, fullback Toward Sanford and tailback Robert Williams.

After spending three years in a backup role, senior Robert Williams came out of spring as the starting tailback.

There's a definite log jam brewing at tailback. Although plagued by various injuries during his career, the versatile Williams came out of spring as the No. 1 tailback, but was pushed every day in practice by junior Tremaine Turner, redshirt freshman Vashon Pearson, and junior Ronald McClendon. Turner, a two-year letterman, returns to the mix after being redshirted last year due to an injury, while McClendon joined the squad in January after being rated by one national recruiting service as the nation's top junior college prospect. All four tailbacks bring something to the table - Williams, versatility; Turner, breaking tackles; McClendon, great speed; and Pearson, complete package.

At fullback, Sanford is a solid blocker who enters the preseason as the starter, but sophomore Rick Razzano really closed the gap in the spring. Redshirt freshman Brandon Jacobs is another talented fullback who has continued to improve.

Even with all the competition, the Rebels will head into 2002 still looking for a player to emerge from the crowd. New running backs coach Ron Middleton has a solid bunch to work with, and the ability is there to provide the results needed to boost a well-rounded offensive system.

WIDE RECEIVERS
When David Cutcliffe installed his offensive system in 1999, it was well known that one of the biggest keys to success would fall on the shoulders of the wide receivers. Now, after several solid recruiting seasons, it appears the Rebel wide receivers are finally ready to make a major impact to an offensive unit which continues to improve. Ole Miss enters the 2002 campaign having to replace only one starter at wide receiver, Jamie Armstrong, who ranked second on the team in receiving last year with 40 catches, which gave him 71 for his career.

Fierce competition exists at the wide receiver spots, and the coaching staff has placed a premium on having receivers on the field who are able to make the big plays and block, two key ingredients necessary if the Rebels are to be successful in the passing game. The Rebels do return a number of players who have caught a lot of balls, but it has been critical for the coaching staff to get people in the right places.

Junior Chris Collins led all Ole Miss receivers last season when he caught 54 passes for 692 yards and six TDs.

Junior Chris Collins, senior Jason Armstead and sophomore Bill Flowers are the team's top three returning receivers when looking at last year's statistics. Collins led the team with 54 catches for 692 yards and six touchdowns, while Armstead was third with 40 receptions for 470 yards and two TDs, and Flowers was fourth with 28 for 413 yards and five scores. Sophomore Trey Fryfogle and senior Ross Barkley are two other returning receivers who have experience.

The Rebels also have three talented redshirt freshmen - Mike Espy, Taye Biddle and Mario Hill - working hard to earn playing time. Another player in the mix is sophomore Kerry Johnson, who was switched from the secondary. Recruited as a quarterback, Johnson is a tall, rangy player who has shown great endurance and speed.

While it appears none of the receivers outdistanced anyone else in the group during spring drills, Armstead may have separated himself a little after making numerous big plays. All of the receivers did some positive things in the spring, and prospects of them becoming a solid crew are, indeed, bright as the season approaches.

OFFENSIVE LINE
One of the most productive areas for Ole Miss in recent years has been in the offensive line, which has made a habit of sending its best of the best to the NFL. The latest is Chicago Bear draftee Terrence Metcalf, who anchored an offensive line which allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the SEC (10) last season. The good news is that Metcalf was the lone offensive line starter lost from that forward wall.

Heading the returning group is senior center Ben Claxton, an all-conference performer who is one of four permanent team captains for 2002. Also back is senior tackle Belton Johnson, who will be starting for the third straight year, along with sophomore guards Doug Buckles and Marcus Johnson. Buckles and Marcus Johnson went from starting as redshirt freshmen to earning freshman All-America honors.

The Rebels feel good about the future of the offensive line and that future may be now after redshirting five freshman prospects a year ago when Tre' Stallings, Chris Spencer, Ryan Jones, Bobby Harris, and Tony Bonds all were held out. Junior Justin Sawyer, a two-year letterman, was also redshirted last year after moving from tight end to center. After not being available last year, those six players are expected to impact offensive line depth this season.

Stallings and Spencer had outstanding springs, with Stallings emerging as the starter at Metcalf's left tackle spot. Spencer put himself into a position of being considered one of three starters at the guard positions along with Buckles and Marcus Johnson. Junior Cliff Woodruff and Harris are considered solid back-ups at the tackle spots.

The biggest thing going for the offensive line is the competition for playing time. New signees will provide additional competition as the offensive line continues to become more physical while building quality depth.

TIGHT ENDS
Beginning with college football Hall of Famer Barney Poole in the 1940s, the "Position of Tradition" at Ole Miss has been tight end, especially in recent years. Former Rebel tight ends Wesley Walls, Kris Mangum, Rufus French, and Tyji Armstrong all made NFL rosters. Walls and Mangum are current members of the Carolina Panthers, and Walls has established himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends, having become a Pro Bowl regular during his 13 years in the league.

"Doug has benefitted from a year in our weight program and has all the tools. He was better last spring than anytime he's been here. He has a complete game and we just hope he stays healthy."

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

The latest in that line of Ole Miss tight ends is senior Doug Zeigler, who began his Reb career as a quarterback before being moved to tight end. Now heading into his final season, Zeigler's hard work has seen him develop into one of the nation's top returning tight ends for the 2002 campaign.

Although he missed the final two games last year after suffering a broken arm against Georgia, Zeigler bounced back in the spring to reclaim his starting spot. Now with a full year in Ruben Mendoza's weight program, Zeigler has taken advantage of his additional strength to become the complete player. In fact, his coaches felt he was better last spring than anytime during his Rebel career which has seen him start the last two years.

Zeigler, who is serving this season as one of four permanent team captains, isn't the only quality Ole Miss tight end. Sophomore Bo Hartsfield is back along with sophomore Eric Rice, who redshirted a year ago, and both will compete for playing time behind Zeigler. Hartsfield injured his shoulder in the spring and had to have surgery, but is expected to return to full speed in the fall.

DEFENSIVE LINE
In the defensive line, the Rebels must replace starting tackles Kenny Jackson and Anthony Sims, but do have senior Yahrek Johnson, junior Jesse Mitchell, and sophomore Daniel Booth returning inside.

At the end positions, returning veterans include senior Germain Landrum, juniors Charlie Anderson and Josh Cooper, and sophomore Cory Robinson as Ole Miss goes to a 4-2-5 look under new defensive coordinator Chuck Driesbach. Anderson's status is uncertain heading into the fall after having ligament reconstruction to his left elbow, an injury sustained during the Red-Blue game.

Four redshirt freshmen - Michael Bozeman, McKinley Boykin, Jimmy Brooks, and Michael Gibson - should provide additional competition up front. With Boykin leading the way, all four defensive linemen had solid springs and are expected to work themselves into the rotation for playing time.

Speed and quickness will be the key for the Reb defensive line as the players adjust to the new scheme.

LINEBACKERS
One of the top returning areas on defense is at linebacker which is expected to be a strength for the Rebels. At the top of the list of the linebacking corps is senior Eddie Strong, who led the Rebels in tackles last season with 105 after having missed the 2000 campaign with a foot injury.

Senior linebacker Lanier Goethie will be switching to No. 38 this fall after receiving the Chucky Mullins Courage Award.

Senior Lanier Goethie and junior L.P. Spence, both starters a year ago, missed spring drills due to injury, but are expected to be at full strength by the fall. Goethie, who rated third last season in tackles with 85, received the "Chucky Mullins Courage Award" and will wear the late Mullins' No. 38 this season. Goethie and Strong are also serving as permanent team captains this season along with center Ben Claxton and tight end Doug Zeigler.

There appears to be plenty of competition at the linebacker spot with as many as 10 different players having already earned Ole Miss letters. Senior Ryan Hamilton, who came out of the spring as a starter, junior Justin Wade, and sophomores Rob Robertson and Brian Lester have all seen extensive playing time in the past. Junior Jamil Northcutt is another linebacker who has lettered.

A number of linebackers used the spring to their advantage as Strong got better, Wade improved and made some big plays, and Robertson also made some plays. Additional depth at the linebacker spot could come from this year's incoming recruiting class.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Ole Miss enters the 2002 season having to replace two secondary starters who did the bulk of playing corner in recent seasons, Syniker Taylor and Justin Coleman. Even with those two key losses, the Rebels had five corners who worked all spring, and the coaching staff came away feeling better about filling those spots. Leading the way was senior Chris Knight.

Senior Matt Grier had 82 tackles last season, including 58 solo stops.

Senior Desmon Johnson, who has probably played more than anyone else at the corner position among returning players, missed a lot of work in the spring due to a class conflict. Redshirt freshmen Travis Johnson and Bryant Thomas, plus sophomore Tavarus Horne, all were young players who made progress. Horne was redshirted a year ago after playing as a true freshman. Thomas hurt a knee during the Red-Blue game and had to have ACL surgery, leaving his status for the fall unknown.

"We had five corners work all spring and that was critical. I felt like Chris Knight led the way. He responded like you want a senior to respond."

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

Putting the safeties into position to make a lot of plays was critical when the new defensive system was installed during spring workouts. Results were positive in that area as players like sophomore Eric Oliver, senior Matt Grier, and junior Von Hutchins responded. Redshirt freshman Kelvin Robinson and juniors Wes Scott, Travis Blanchard, and Marcus Woodson are considered playmakers. Scott, a two-year letterman, is back in the mix after being redshirted last year. True freshman Jeremy Ruffin, who is still learning how to play the safety position, had some bone-jarring tackles in the spring that got everybody's attention.

The Rebels appear to have developed some depth in the secondary. Who the starters will be may have to wait until August.

SPECIAL TEAMS
When you return your punter, place-kicker, snapper, kick returner, and punt returner, it should lead to positive things in the special teams area. That's exactly the position the Rebels find themselves in heading into the 2002 season.

Senior Jason Armstead excels both as a wide receiver and one of the nation's top kick returners.

Sophomore Cody Ridgeway returns at punter, sophomore Jonathan Nichols and junior Lee Rogers are back as kickers, and senior A. J. Kiamie is once again the long-snapper. Ridgeway and Nichols both are talented players who are being called on for consistent production in order to become weapons the Rebels need in those two areas. Kiamie is considered as good a long-snapper as there is the country.

One of the biggest weapons in the kicking game for Ole Miss is senior return man Jason Armstead, who many feel may be as good a dual return man, punt and kickoff, as there is in the country. Armstead ranked second in the SEC and ninth in the nation a year ago in kickoff returns, averaging 27.6 yards on 19 returns. Ability in the return game doesn't start and stop with Armstead, because there are other Rebels who are potentially good.

Special teams play can often provide the winning edge and Ole Miss appears to have the players who can protect, cover, and block in the kicking game.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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