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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 04.08
4/9/2009 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. The Ole Miss football team returned outdoors Wednesday for a two-hour workout as spring drills continued.
With the football program holding its Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day, more than 200 professors and administrators were on hand for a reception and to see the Rebels train primarily in position groups and situational drills.
Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt was once again pleased with the effort and attitude of his squad after Saturday's disappointing scrimmage.
"We didn't like the intensity last weekend," he said. "We came back and they really gave it to us on Monday and then did it back-to-back. The receivers really came back. I've been really proud of them.
"Both lines have been getting better. They have the toughest job, because it's the trenches. It's physical. You can't fake it. You can't be soft. You can't be pretenders. You have to contend in there. These guys have really stepped up for us. I hope that we follow through now with a good weekend scrimmaging."
Linebacker was an area of concern last spring, but Nutt now sees the position as a strength, particularly with senior Patrick Trahan returning. The former JUCO All-American saw action in all 13 games last year and earned the start in the Cotton Bowl, where he posted five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a safety.
"Patrick Trahan is getting so physical," Nutt said. "I'm excited about him, Allen Walker and Jonathan Cornell. Those three, and Lamar Brumfield is right behind them. I haven't bragged on them enough. Really, I think they've stepped up. They know what to do. They understand what Tyrone (Nix) has given them. And the two young ones are coming, Lekenwic (Haynes) and Jason (Jones)."
After moving players around on the offensive line throughout the first two weeks of spring practice, Nutt said he plans to take a long look at the arrangement of Bradley Sowell at left tackle, Reid Neely at left guard, Daverin Geralds at center, John Jerry at right tackle and either Rishaw Johnson or Brandon Green right guard.
"We're going to try and stick with what we have right now for the next four practices and see what that does," said Nutt, who also noted the improving play of A.J. Hawkins.
"I'm glad we signed him," Nutt said. "He will play, and he's getting better. He's a physical guy. He's smart, and he's just learning the speed of the game."
After taking a day off, the Rebels resume spring drills with an adjusted schedule for "Good Friday," with early meetings followed by practice at 10:20 a.m. Ole Miss will scrimmage at the same time on Saturday with the full workout inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
It was announced Wednesday that the 2009 Chucky Mullins Courage Award Banquet is set for Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. CT at the Indoor Practice Facility. The Grove Bowl will be staged the Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
