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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Holds Second Scrimmage of Spring
3/29/2008 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. In front of a crowd of around 700 fans, recruits and their families, Ole Miss held its second major scrimmage Saturday, as the Rebels approach the midway mark of spring football drills.
As part of "Junior Day", 150 rising high school seniors were on hand to see the team work out for two hours inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels did some positional work before joining together for some game-like situations.
"We're trying to get better," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "There were a few good spots, but we have a long way to go. We had too many missed assignments, and we gave up too many big plays. That's why you have spring practice. I love their intensity, and I love their effort.
"I really want to thank all the high school coaches who came out yesterday for our coaches' clinic, and we had over 450 people here for Junior Day today. It's been a great weekend for Ole Miss Football, and we just have to build off of it."
Highlighting the scrimmage was the passing game, where the Rebel receivers have shined throughout the spring.
"We have outstanding wideouts," Nutt said. "Jevan Snead is a guy who just continues to execute the offense and take care of the ball. He throws it where he is supposed to throw it. That excites you. Our offensive line is doing a better job of protecting. It's good to see that."
Nutt and the offensive staff continue to line up junior Dexter McCluster at different positions, including at running back.
"He gives you the quickness you really want," said Nutt. "I think he and Cordera Eason could give us a good one-two punch. We'll continue to experiment there."
While Snead has impressed his new coaches, senior quarterback Billy Tapp also earned the praise of Nutt.
"Billy is getting better," he said. "He has to continue to perform. The last seven practices, he's really coming on. I'm proud of him."
Nutt has also been pleased with the effort in trying to create depth along the defensive line.
"They've been good," said Nutt. "Ted Laurent, Lawon Scott and LaMark Armour are coming along. You're seeing a good group of guys getting some work. We're trying to build some depth along the defensive line. We have two more weeks to do it."
Ole Miss returns to the practice fields Monday for spring drills, which are open to the public. The Red-Blue Game will be staged on April 12 at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
