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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 04.14
4/14/2009 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. Ole Miss made up a missed football practice date from earlier in the spring with a light, early-morning workout Tuesday in the Indoor Practice Facility.
After several physical practices, the Rebels were wearing shirts and shorts when they took the field at 5:30 a.m. for a 90-minute training session.
"We didn't put pads on, to let them get the soreness out," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "We moved around and really had the same type practice as with pads."
Among the position battles this spring has been at the receiver spot previously held by Mike Wallace. On Tuesday, Andrew Harris drew notoriety from Nutt as well as Markeith Summers, who collected five catches for 94 yards last season.
"Markeith Summers has gotten deep for us," Nutt said. "He's been our deep guy. He has to keep coming for us. I'm proud of him."
The competition also continues at backup quarterback, where redshirt freshman Nathan Stanley has earned the praise of Nutt lately.
"Nathan had a really good day," said Nutt. "He has really made a step forward, learning the offense, making good decisions, not trying to force as many. He's one of those strong arm guys that thinks he can throw any ball, and we have to be careful with that but I'm proud with how far he's progressed."
After a slow start to the spring, Nutt has been particularly pleased with the overall team energy and work ethic in recent weeks.
"The last two weeks we've really stepped up." he said. "The first week was a little tough, feeling our way after a hard fourth quarter workout. But boy, they've stepped up the last two, and we've been really physical. We've been throwing some licks out there, and that's good."
The Rebels have two more practices this week before taking part in the annual Grove Bowl Saturday at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
"(Wednesday) will be our last day of physical practice," Nutt said. "Friday will be more of a rehearsal in shorts, go over some last minute kicking game stuff, and Saturday will be our scrimmage."
Prior to the Grove Bowl, Ole Miss will honor Michael Oher, Peria Jerry and a trio of former Rebels at "Path to the Draft: Ole Miss to the NFL" at 11 a.m. on The Grove Stage. FOX News anchor Shepard Smith will emcee the panel discussion.
On Thursday, Ole Miss will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award with the annual awards banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the IPF. The three finalists are Marshay Green, Kendrick Lewis and Marcus Tillman.
