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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Football Keeps Focus On Being Physical
8/22/2003 | Football
Aug. 22, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss football team pushed forward with preparations for their season-opener against Vanderbilt on Friday. The Rebels continued to focus on being a more physical football as game-week approaches.
"We got a lot of good work done today," said Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. "We have been working hard on becoming more physical on the field, especially the last few days."
With the challenge of practicing in high temperatures, the Rebels cut practice a little short on Friday after working on formations and position drills for an hour and a half. The Rebels also have been working on conditioning in preparation for their season-opener against the Commodores.
"The last few days of practice we have had a focus on being physical," said Cutcliffe. "This weekend we will focus on the mental aspects of our preparation. On Monday, we will aim to be in the best physical shape that we can be entering our first game week."
Cutcliffe announced Friday the signing of freshman Nate Banks, a 5-11, 175-pound defensive back from Liberty, Miss. Banks, who went through his first practice Friday afternoon, had originally signed with Ole Miss in the 2002 class, but did not enroll at the University of Mississippi until this fall.
As a senior at Amite County during the 2001 season, he earned SuperPrep All-Dixie honors, while being named a Mississippi Association of Coaches 3A All-State first team selection at wide receiver and second team All-State (all classifications) pick of The Clarion-Ledger, also at the wide receiver spot. He was a member of The Clarion-Ledger Top 40 list and a two-time All-District selection.
Banks played wide receiver and cornerback at Amite County, earning Most Valuable Players honors on his team. During his senior season, he accounted for 2,286 all-purpose yards and 14 TDs. He rushed 60 times for 760 yards with four TDs, caught 50 passes for 870 yards and eight TDs, returned 15 punts for 310 yards and two TDs (returning one for 90 yards and a score against Pass Christian), had 11 kickoff returns for 250 yards, and completed two of four passes for 96 yards and a 52-yard score. On defense, he had 47 tackles and two pass interceptions.
Banks' older brother, Alonzo, was an All-America sprinter for the Ole Miss track team, earning four letters (1995-99).
The Rebels will kick off the 2003 season on Saturday, August 30, when they travel to Vanderbilt. Game time is set for 11:30 a.m., with live coverage on Jefferson Pilot Sports.
