Spring Practice Report 04.06

OXFORD, Miss. Ole Miss moved indoors as the team opened week three of spring football drills Monday in the Indoor Practice Facility.

The Rebel coaches made the most of the two-hour workout, as they looked to correct the mistakes from Saturday's first major spring scrimmage.

"It was very physical today," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "We were trying to send a message that we weren't physical enough (Saturday), not physical enough to play in this league."

Nutt said the receivers "bounced back" after an inconsistent scrimmage and stated that the team's overall energy level definitely took a step up from Saturday's outing.

"I thought our level of intensity was very good today," he said. "I didn't think it was very good when we went in the stadium, and that's not what we wanted Saturday. The level has to be high whenever you go in a game-like situation.

"There is only one way you can get better and that is doing it full speed. I just didn't think we did that last time out, but today was much better. Some guys stepped up and improved. We have a few guys banged up, but nothing too bad."

One of those Rebels ailing on Monday was defensive tackle Jerrell Powe, who suffered from a hyper-extended elbow and practiced without pads. However, Nutt noted that he expects him back very soon.

Offensively, the Rebel backfield contains a number of talented players vying for carries. Among those is rising sophomore Devin Thomas, who saw action in five games in 2008 and is enjoying a strong spring.

"If he keeps doing what he is doing, there is a place for Devin," Nutt said. "Devin has taken off on a couple of runs. All of (the running backs) have had their days, but we're looking for consistency."

The Rebels will next work out on Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT, and the public is welcomed to attend. Spring drills will conclude with the annual Grove Bowl, April 18 at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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