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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Continue Practice as They Prepare for Season Opener
8/28/2007 | Football
“Our guys were very crisp, very sharp today,” said Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron, who is entering his third season with the Rebels. “We went over a lot of game plan stuff and assignments. I thought the team did a fine job. Our guys were focused. They went very hard today.”
Orgeron also addressed the situation of defensive lineman Jerrell Powe, who was declined eligibility by the NCAA on Tuesday.
“Knowing Jerrell Powe, I know he is going to continue to compete,” Orgeron said. “There still is a chance for him. I know there are appeals. The bottom line is I think Jerrell will eventually, whether it is this year or next year, play for Ole Miss and be a great player. I was saddened when I heard it, and he was too. It was a big blow to him, but knowing Jerrell, he will compete to be on this football team. He was disappointed, but after I talked with him he held his head up high. I think he will continue to be at Ole Miss and continue to be on our football team. I think that eventually everything will work out for him.”
Freshman Chris Strong practiced at middle linebacker today, as the Rebels search for the best three for the linebacking corps.
“Chris (Strong) work at middle linebacker today,” Orgeron said. “He did a very good job. We are just mixing and matching our best linebackers. We have only had these guys for three weeks, 28 practices to be exact, and we are going to find out what they can do best.”
The Rebels are also engaged in a battle for the starting punter spot.
“Justin Sparks looks like he may be the guy,” Orgeron said. “He had a good day today, but we are not definitive on that. There is not one who is clearly better than the others right now. They are all about equal.”
Ole Miss opens the 2007 season on Saturday against
