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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Football Drills Finally Underway
2/28/2003 | Football
Feb. 28, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - It took a week, but Ole Miss finally hit the practice field here Friday afternoon as Coach David Cutcliffe sent his Rebels through their first day of spring football drills.
The Rebels were set to open spring workouts February 21, but inclement weather -- which included heavy rain, snow and ice -- combined with soggy field conditions, forced the delay in beginning preparations for the 2003 season.
"It is hard to tell much after just one practice, but I was pleased with our enthusiasm," Cutcliffe said after the first workout, which was held inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. "We have a good corps of veterans returning and they set a good tone for us. Hopefully, the younger guys will be able to match their intensity. That is what spring is all about."
The Rebels were not at full strength for the opening day of spring drills as several key players were not able to practice due to various reasons.
Wide receiver Bill Flowers, defensive tackle McKinley Boykin, defensive back Marcus Woodson, strong safety Jeremy Ruffin, punter Cody Ridgeway, and defensive lineman Billy Armstrong were unable to practice due to injuries. Wide receiver Mike Espy missed the first practice due to a death in his family. Wide receiver Taye Biddle is running track and defensive back Bryan Brown is playing basketball.
Weather permitting, practice will continue on Saturday. Even with the delay in the official start of spring drills, the annual Red-Blue Game is still set for Saturday, March 29. NCAA rules limit spring football workouts to 15 days, with 12 days in pads.
