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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 03.27
3/27/2009 | Football
Nutt was happy to be back on the practice fields and although the Rebels only practiced in helmets and shorts, he was pleased with the pace of the workout.
“It was a good first day,” said the Rebels second-year boss. “There was a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of guys jumping around out here. The key is keeping that enthusiasm all the way to the 15th practice. That was a good start, though.”
The Rebels turned around their fortunes in 2008, going from winless in the conference in 2007 to knocking off eventual national champion
“Even though we didn’t have pads on, you could tell that was a lot of retention,” Nutt said. “There was quite a bit of difference between today and this time last year. Now, we just have to keep improving.”
Nutt was impressed by the speed the defense showed in the first practice, noting that the players seemed to play as a unit.
“The defense is so fast,” Nutt said. “Kentrell Lockett, Kendrick Lewis, Lawon Scott, Marshay Green, Emmanuel Stephens, Patrick Trahan, Jonathan Cornell and everybody just seemed to be flying to the football. They are into every play and encouraging everybody.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Nutt is happy to see junior Jevan Snead behind a line that returned three starters from a year ago.
“It is so good when you have an experienced quarterback, like Jevan,” Nutt said. “He started really good today. Daverin Geralds, John Jerry and Reid Neely all three had a good day along the line. We just have to keep bringing Rishaw Johnson and Bradley Sowell along for some depth.”
Nutt also noted the presence of freshman defensive lineman Craig Drummond, who graduated from high school early and is participating in spring drills.
“Craig is athletic,” Nutt said. “He doesn’t know what he is doing right now, but boy is he athletic. He can run and move. I’m glad he is here and him being here early will really pay off.”
The Rebels will continue spring drills tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Indoor Practice Facility on campus. Practice is open to the public. Ole Miss will wrap up spring practice on April 18th with the annual Red-Blue Spring Game in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
