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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Defense Shines In Scrimmage
3/11/2006 | Football
March 11, 2006
OXFORD, Miss. - A day after being dominated by the Rebel offense, the Ole Miss defense took its turn Saturday afternoon in the first day of full pads for the spring season. The defensive effort was well received by Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron.
"I was surprised how much the defense dominated out there today," said Orgeron. "The offense controlled most of yesterday's practice, but today we got more from the defense."
In particular, Orgeron noticed some marked improvement along the defensive line.
"I thought Peria Jerry and Hayward Howard really are starting to develop along the defensive line," said Orgeron. "The line is an area of concern for us on the defense with all of the players we lost. It's an area we are focusing on and those guys are doing some very good things, but we just need to develop some consistency."
Jerry was all over the place on Saturday. The rising sophomore picked up five solo tackles, including three TFL's. Howard, a sophomore, added two tackles, while rising sophomore LeRon King turned in four tackles, two of which were sacks.
Orgeron was pleased with the development of the defense in general, not just the line.
"Our linebackers are learning how to play," said Orgeron. "And we will certainly be a lot better with that group when Patrick Willis returns to the field. Our defensive backs are very solid and will be that much better with Jamarca Sanford back there in the fall."
While the day belonged to the defense, the offense saw a few bright spots as sophomore to be Mico McSwain gained 28 yards on six carries and added a touchdown after taking a screen pass 37 yards for a touchdown. Junior BenJarvus Green-Ellis picked up 25 yards on nine carries and junior Hiram White produced 20 yards on 10 carries.
"Mico and BenJarvus-Green Ellis are doing very well," said Orgeron. "Now we just need to get some more players out there making plays to compliment those two. The tight ends made some catches today, but we need them to be more involved in the offense. The offensive line is improving, but we still have a ways to go there."
Junior Seth Adams ran with the first team offense at quarterback. Adams was 10-of-21 for 80 yards. He also had two carries for seven yards and a touchdown. Junior Bruce Hall was 4-of-5 for 70 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown to junior Carlos Suggs. Freshman Marshay Green led the receivers with five receptions for 44 yards.
After five spring practices, Orgeron likes what he sees, however, he feels like there is still a lot of work to be done.
"I am happy with what we have gotten done so far," said Orgeron. "We have to keep on pushing. Offensively we have to pick up the pace as far as the installation of the new offense goes. We still have a lot more to implement there. Defensively we are right on target as far as getting the work done. The kicking game is still no where near where we need it to be and that is something we will spend a lot of time on when we return from spring break."
The Rebels will take a week off for spring break before returning to classes and the practice fields on Monday, March 20.
