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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Holds First Scrimmage of Preseason
8/9/2008 | Football
Wrapping up the opening week of the preseason, the team began the day with an hour of skill work on the practice fields before moving into the stadium for a 100-play scrimmage. For the second straight day, the Rebels trained in full pads while enjoying unseasonably mild temperatures. The Ole Miss faithful on hand saw some early fireworks, as quarterback Jevan Snead hooked up with Mike Wallace on a 65-yard touchdown toss at the start. It was the first of three scoring passes for Snead, who later connected with Markeith Summers for 20 yards and Andrew Harris for 13 yards. “On the deep balls, you can tell he’s really accurate,” said Rebel head coach Houston Nutt. “What’s so good that you probably don’t see is how many times he got us out of the wrong play and into the right play. That’s a real quarterback, and that’s exciting to me. I didn’t think he’d be that far along, and that’s where Coach (Kent) Austin has done a great job with him.” Dexter McCluster hauled in a 45-yard throw from Snead to set up the second TD of the day on a three-yard run by Enrique Davis. The freshman running back also notched the scrimmage’s final score on a four-yard scamper. “I was impressed especially with our young backs,” said Nutt. “Enrique Davis, Brandon Bolden, Devin Thomas, they’re showing up. Cordera Eason and Derrick Davis are solid, and they know more. “Our offensive line is getting more physical and better. Darryl Harris at left guard, Michael Oher at left tackle, John Jerry at right tackle, Maurice Miller at right guard and Daverin Geralds at center, that’s a good group. They’re really gelling. And we’re building some depth with Bradley Sowell and Brandon Green.” Nutt also praised the leadership and effort of a couple of the seniors on the other side of the ball. “Defensively, Jamarca Sanford is a leader. He’s a winner and a sure tackler,” Nutt said. “Ashlee Palmer has been probably our most consistent linebacker.” The Rebels will hold meetings and a walk-through on Sunday to correct Saturday’s mistakes before returning to the practice field on Monday. All practices are now closed to the public.
