The University of Mississippi Athletics
Q & A with Ed Orgeron
6/28/2007 | Athletics
Q & A with Ed Orgeron
Q:
What are your overall impressions of your team heading into your third season as head coach of the Rebels?
A:
First of all, I believe we have developed a strong offensive line. One of the first things I wanted to do after getting here was for our offensive line to get bigger and stronger. We are going to average from 315 to 325 pounds on the offensive line. We still need to create depth. I think the offensive line is going to be the strength of our team along with the running of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bruce Hall and Cordera Eason.
Q:
How has not being your own defensive coordinator changed your approach to being a head coach?
A:
I got to work with the offensive line in the spring and let them know what’s expected of them. I think I was also able to bring my intensity level to the offense.
Q:
What are some of the keys to success for this team.
A:
With five straight games during the month of September, we have to start fast. We have to win the games we’re capable of winning and play hard at the very beginning and continue to make progress throughout the season.
Q:
After waiting a year, Ole Miss fans finally got to see BenJarvus Green-Ellis. What are your impressions of him?
A:
He’s one of the best backs in the SEC and one of the best backs in the country. BenJarvus is very strong, a hard worker and a good leader.
Q:
What are the areas of strength of this defense?
A:
I think our defensive line. We have two Freshman All-America ends in Marcus Tillman and Greg Hardy. Peria Jerry is going to be healthy and we have Jeremy Garrett and Daverin Geralds. We did a good job of recruiting. We have Ted Laurent coming in. Obviously, we have to replace Patrick Willis and we’re going to have an athletic linebacker corps, but they are going to be young. We also have Jamarca Sanford returning in the secondary and that’s another strength.
Q:
What can you tell us about the quarterback position?
A:
It’s going to be open going into camp. Brent (Schaeffer) was the starter going into spring ball. Seth (
Q:
Leadership is so important for a football team. Who will be some of the leaders this season?
A:
I think BenJarvus, obviously, is a leader. Jamarca Sanford’s a leader. Those guys have shown leadership ability. John Jerry and Michael Oher are coming along as leaders. Marshay Green on special teams is a young leader.
Q:
How do you replace a guy like Patrick Willis, who was one of the best, if not the best, to ever play linebacker at Ole Miss?
A:
First of all, we need to be stronger in the middle and on the defensive line. Last year we weren’t very strong and Patrick had to make all the plays. I think Peria Jerry, Jeremy Garrett and Ted Laurent are going to shore up the middle for us. We also will have Tony Fine, who is 6-2, 250. I think it’s going to be awhile until we see another Patrick Willis.
Q:
You brought in offensive coordinator Dan Werner and offensive line coach Art Kehoe to add to the offense a year ago. How has that gone?
A:
First of all, I think Art Kehoe is a tremendous coach and he brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our staff and our team. Dan is more comfortable in what I expect from the offense. I think his run game was excellent last year. We just have to shore up the short passing game.
Q:
You added John Thompson as your defensive coordinator last spring. What does John bring to your staff?
John also brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our staff. He did a fantastic job of capturing the defense in the spring. He put in a few new things that he likes to do, and that made it very difficult for the offense to pick up. He is an excellent addition to our staff and we love having him here.
Q:
What about the other staff changes you made?
A:
We promoted David Corrao from graduate assistant to a full-time position to coach the linebackers. David is a bright young coach who has been with us two years. He understands our scheme and will do an outstanding job. Tony Hughes has moved from defensive backs to tight ends and Hugh Freeze has switched from tight ends to wide receivers. I’m excited about our entire staff.
Q:
It’s no secret that recruiting has been a strength since you’ve been here as Ole Miss continues to get better players. What are your thoughts about recruiting to Ole Miss and what do you see for this latest class?
A:
You can see the play makers we’re putting on the field like Dexter McCluster. In his first game, he had the fourth best all-purpose yardage (268) in Ole Miss history for a single game. We expect another outstanding class to be able to contribute this year. The No. 1 strength that we’ve made is on the line of scrimmage and the ability to put athletes on the field at a young age is No. 2. I believe we have, at least, eight or nine guys from this year’s class who will have to play, especially at linebacker and cornerback, and we want to get them involved in our rotation. We had four Freshmen All-Americans last year and we expect those guys to be big-time players.
Q:
The strength and conditioning program continues to make great strides under Aaron Ausmus. What do you think about that important area?
A:
You can really see a difference in our team with Aaron directing our strength and conditioning program. He is a tremendous strength coach and provides a great deal of leadership for our staff. You can really see a difference in our team. Our guys are bigger, stronger and faster. Our players always come back in shape. They work hard and have a great team chemistry. That’s a credit to Aaron.
Q:
What are your impressions of having to play in the Southeastern Conference?
A:
It’s a very challenging schedule, but it’s also fun. It was fun last year when we played