Nutt/Snead Media Day Press Conference

As part of Rebel Football Media Day festivities, Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt and quarterback Jevan Snead participated in a press conference Tuesday, and the transcript follows.

HOUSTON NUTT

Opening Statement…

"It was good to be back on the field yesterday. It was very exciting to have everybody back and to be able to see our freshmen. I'm just really proud of that recruiting class. There were some really good plays made yesterday. You look at a guy like Patrick Patterson who is so big and strong. He made two or three great catches yesterday. Ja-Mes Logan, Terrell Grant and the receivers really did an outstanding job the first day. On the flip side of that, you look at Joel Kight intercepting a ball yesterday and running it in for a touchdown. Tim Simon, Rodney Scott - those guys looked really good and are very athletic. It's just exciting to watch all these guys for the first time live. Corey Gaines, Alex Williams, Bobby Massie and Emmanuel McCray - I'm just excited about the entire group and if we can just put together another class like that back-to-back, we can have something special in a few years. Are they ready to play SEC ball? Probably not. Not today. It's sure good to see them, the way they run around with passion energy and a willingness to learn. I'm really excited about that. Of course, I love the way our varsity sets the tempo in practice. They were really fast, especially the first eight or nine periods. It got a little hot, but they were moving very, very fast early. Now we have to come back today and do it much better. Compared to this time last year, the thing you felt so good about was the terminology and the communication. This year, they feel a little bit more comfortable with what they are doing and they know what to do. We want to play fast and play at a very high level, and we're excited about hitting that field again today."

What kinds of contributions can Pat Patterson make this season?

"It's very early, but I know yesterday he made a one-handed catch on a ball that was thrown behind him. In each part of the day you saw him make a play and that is a great sign. It's still early, but with a body like that he may just be able to contribute and get in that rotation. With four and five wides and the different formations, he may be able to fit in there. I'm excited to see how far he can go these next couple of weeks."

What are some of the position battles you are looking at real close?

"Let's start with the linebacker spot. I think with Joel Kight and D.T. Shackelford - you look at those young guys and see where they could contribute. You have three really good ones with some experience, so you just don't ever know about injury. That's the dreaded word we all want to stay away from. That's where you look real hard to see if these guys can contribute on special teams. Can they play a role for us and how quickly can they understand what we are trying to do? Cornerback is another position we are tying to develop. We feel good about Marshay Green, Cassius Vaughn, Marcus Temple and Jeremy McGee. Now you want to take Charles Sawyer and Ryan Campbell and put them in the fire a little bit and see how they respond. Same thing with our receivers - you're trying to make sure that if somebody were to go down, who would be that next guy. We have a good core group of receivers, but who is that next guy that could come in and handle it in front of 60,000 people. In each position we are going to take a very hard look at some of these young people to see what they can handle."

Do you feel like the players have put last year behind them and are ready to try and do it all over again?

"I do. The reason I think I can say that is because of Coach Decker and our summer workouts. Those workouts are without coaches. They set up their own pass skills, the one-on-ones, the throwing and the defending. You can only judge their work ethic. That is where our antennas have been up, really since the spring. Everybody wants to talk about the Cotton Bowl and last year, but that's last year. I can only go by their attitude and work ethic all summer, and it's been very, very good. We're looking for the same thing now as we go into two-a-days. We want to have an excellent camp, not to just get by or make it through, but we're talking about having a passion and a purpose to get better. That's what we had yesterday, and we want to continue to build on that."

How is Greg Hardy progressing and would you consider sitting him for the first game considering the early bye week would give him extra time to rest?

"No. We want to get him ready to go for the first game. We are going to watch to make sure, with the help of Tim Mullins and his staff, that we are doing everything we are supposed to do not to rush him. We want to get him ready by the first game. I think it's very important. The doctors have cleared him and we feel really good about that. He can't go through an entire practice right now with the intensity that we are asking for, but you never have to worry about his effort when he is on the field. If anything, we have to slow him down a little bit. Our goal is to get him ready to go for Memphis."

What does Tim Simon have to do to become a running back instead of a linebacker?

"He is a running back. I know that after watching this guy for one day. I hate to tell Tyrone (Nix) the news today, but he looked very, very good yesterday. Now this is in shorts and helmets and it's very early, but we recruited him as a tailback and he looked very good yesterday. He ran with his eyes and ran with his power. I was really excited about Tim."

Where do you see Tig Barksdale playing now that he has been cleared?

"He is here, and he is going through physicals and paperwork to get caught up. Hopefully he will be on the field this afternoon. We can't wait to get him some good structure and some good time. I'm excited about dealing with his life. Right now we are going to let him work with kick returns and punt returns and safety. We really need those numbers in the secondary. Our two worrisome positions, because of depth only, are offensive line and secondary. We really need that type of athlete back there, and I am excited to get him going. I know Coach (Kim) Dameron is excited, and we're going to give him a lot of attention in the next few hours."

Are there any redshirts from last year that have caught your eye this year?

"Jason Jones looked very good and had an outstanding offseason. He came in here 223 pounds and is now 239 or 240 pounds and just looks great. He is so intense when you look at his face. He understands what we are doing, and I don't think Tyrone is going to be afraid to put him in the ballgame. I'm excited about him. A guy like A.J. Hawkins is going to have to get ready to play. He was a grayshirt last year, but I'm really excited about his development. Ferbia Allen and E.J. Epperson are both two good bodies that have developed and gotten better. Ferbia is definitely in that rotation with Gerald Harris."

What kind of progress has Devin Thomas made?

"Devin had an outstanding spring and was our most improved player. He took off right where he left off this summer. He's always been an outstanding young man with a 4.0 in the classroom. A yes sir, no sir attention to detail type of guy. I'm excited about having a good stable line of running backs. We want to keep them healthy and keep them out there because it's going to raise everybody's level. I saw Enrique Davis really step up, and he probably had his best summer. I think one of the reasons why is because Brandon Bolden, Thomas and Cordera Eason are all raising their levels. That's what competition does, and that's what you love about recruiting. When you recruit athletes, the ones that have been Friday night heroes, they realize very quickly that they can't just show up when the lights come on. They realize they have to go to work and they have to go to work to improve each day in practice. That's what Davis and Thomas have learned, so we have some good, good competition going there. You can't wait until the pads come on to see who separates."

How is Jevan (Snead) handling all the preseason accolades and how important is Shay Hodge now that Mike Wallace is gone?

"Shay is so important. Mike was a true difference maker. Two or three times a quarter we wanted to make sure the defense was going to backup and Mike Wallace gave us that threat. Shay Hodge is very, very fast and is our most improved in terms of speed. He has always had good and strong hands, but now we feel like he can be that threat and be that guy for us. I'm excited about him because it has also raised the level of Markeith Summers and Lionel Breaux. Dexter McCluster is Dexter McCluster. That's a good solid group, but Shay Hodge is a big, physical guy that has improved his speed and that excites me the most. The one think about Mike Wallace you could always count on was when we ran a post or a go, we wanted number two to go run it. Our question all spring was who can be that guy. This summer is where Shay went to another level, and we're counting on him. It will also be interesting to see how these three freshmen receivers can hang onto and soak up different routes and terminology against a very fast defense. Jevan has done a good job handling things. I love his nature and the fact that he is very cool. He is not the type of guy that wants to be in front of the camera. He doesn't like a lot of the attention. I go by work ethic. I remember last year he took the receivers and really worked hard, and he did the same this summer. That's what you go by - you go by his attitude and work ethic and I think you see that when you talk to him. He is a very humble guy. He will be the first to give credit to the offensive line that protected him, the receivers and the good running backs. I've been really happy about Jevan. We took him to Birmingham for SEC Media Days and there were a lot of cameras in his face, and he did an outstanding job with the media representing and being an ambassador for Ole Miss."

How much more comfortable are you in year two at Ole Miss?

"I feel good and very comfortable. This is the type of year where you get antsy and you just put on your work hat and you can't wait to get back on the field each day to see improvement. This is what it's about. We've got the classes out of the way and right now it's eat and sleep football for two weeks. It's an exciting time and it's just a great feeling. Pete Boone has done an outstanding job of letting us use quarterback club money and other different funds to really spruce up the walls of the IPF. I really encourage you all to look down our hallways and see how much of a different place it is from last year. It's just going to help recruiting. Recruiting hasn't stopped since signing day. Somebody has brought their son in here since signing day on an average of at least one mom, dad and son per week. If you look at our place, it's just a beautiful, beautiful campus, but our facilities are what an 18-year-old looks at. Where is he going to dress? Where is he going to eat? Where is he going to sleep? Our freshman have just gone into brand new dorms and I'm just really excited about where we are going."

How can Jevan go to another level this year?

"If you look at the last five weeks of the season last year compared to the first five weeks, you could see the game slowed down for him. He understood the disguising of secondaries in our conference and they couldn't blitz him, and he wasn't a surprised young quarterback anymore. We want him to take that next step, and I think last year he figured out you don't have to be Superman on every play. All quarterbacks who have a strong arm think they can throw it to anybody at anytime anywhere on the field, and that's what gets you in trouble in this league. He took care of the ball for us. When he does that we have a real chance."

Have you heard any comments from other coaches in other leagues about the SEC's television contract?

"I've heard the positive in our league because I've basically just talked to the coaches in our league. It's just outstanding to be able to showcase our league and to be able to be on television and have that exposure. It's what makes our conference great - our stadiums are full, tailgating is full, and it's just an awesome atmosphere for football."

Do you have to try and keep the attention of the running backs when Dexter is in the game?

"No. They are all hungry, and they all want the ball. That's the competition and hunger you want. They know this - the one that's hot and taking care of it and making things happen is going to continue to play. That's where it's proof on the field. It's an attitude of taking care of responsibilities when you get the ball and doing something with it and having the chance to get the ball again. You want to give it to the guys that are hot, and that's just good competition. They know how good Dexter is and have a great respect for that senior. His teammates also know that Dexter is a guy that can't carry the ball 25-30 times either because he has too many other positions he has to take care of. He is an exciting player and a difference-maker."

Is there a temptation or danger in having too many athletes at the skill positions?

"You want to have good rhythm and you want to stay on the field. The thing you don't want is too many three-and-outs. I think right now it's a good situation, but as we get closer to the game we will get zeroed in on who our guys are and who is going to handle the clock. When we get 10 days out until kickoff, we will really start to zero in on our rotation."

What did last year's season do for the program long term?

"We got off on the right foot. When you go to a bowl game and you hadn't had a winning season in three or fours years and you didn't win a conference game the previous year, you want to get off on the right foot. That allowed us to recruit the way we recruited, and that's why when you go out here this afternoon and see these guys running around it's exciting. Recruiting is the key and your lifeline in any program. Now what's important is that you come back and don't have that rollercoaster that you're talking about. Come back with back-to-back bowl games and get back to competing for a championship. I just think its important to win and build, and if you have another class like we did this year it can be special."

How important was the Florida win in getting your message across?

"Florida gave us confidence, but then we couldn't handle the victory at Florida for a week. They went to class the next week and were unfamiliar with how to handle winning because it had been over 700 days since they had won a conference game. I took that next week to go on on the road to Fayetteville, Ark., and win on the road - that's when we really took off. That's when we started believing, and when you start believing at every position you start believing. That's what happened for us. Special teams came together and our defense was playing a very high level. We were taking care of the ball offensively, and we really built our season on that."

What is your relationship like with Tyrone (Nix) considering you two are so different?

"I love Tyrone. We all have to be ourselves. I didn't go out looking for a specific personality. I go by results. I knew that he had energy. I knew that he had passion. Playing against him on the opposite sideline, I knew that he held his players accountable. I knew what kind of father figure he would be. I've studied and watched him for a long time, and I even tried to hire him early on in 2002. I knew his energy, passion and commitment to the game. I go by the person and the results and what he demands from his players. I love his energy, passion and intensity. When you look at Tyrone, you see a linebacker and you a see a guy that can go make a play. I'd give him one series in the SEC to go make a play right now. Not more than that, but I would give him one series. He is really good and very thorough and he keeps his parts in line, and I think that's important. It's not always me, me, me and I'm the boss. He doesn't have to say that, and those are the guys I like - the guys that are very secure and want input. He wants Kim Dameron's input, he wants Terry Price's input and he wants Chris Vaughn's input. He's not afraid to ask for it, but he'll make a final call. He's not afraid to flinch and, to me, that's what it's all about."

Are you surprised at how fast you got Ole Miss to this level?

"I am. I am. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I told you that all you guys would be here today asking me about a top-10 ranking and asking me about how far we've come after beating a Texas Tech team in the Cotton Bowl. Our goal last year was to get to a bowl. What's important is that our players understand that you can't live in the past. Please realize how long it took Michael Oher, Peria Jerry, Jamarca Sanford, Mike Wallace and Jason Cook to get to one bowl game. It is hard in this conference and very difficult. It's a tough journey and a rocky road trying to get to Atlanta. The coaches are hoping for a lot of things, and one is you hope to have luck with injuries. What we have to handle is a mindset of thinking just because we beat them last year we can beat them again this year. You can't do that. That's why we put a lot of emphasis at practice on not getting by. I know it's hot and very muggy, but we are going to give you enough water. Go really, really hard at a very high level to get better. You either get better or you get worse. So we are trying to push that on them."

How tough is it being ranked 10th and having two teams in your own division ranked above you?

"It's so difficult and so hard, but that's why this is the best conference in America. I think some people picked us fourth, but all that means nothing. It's so hard and so difficult and you have to go to work. We have 22 seniors and an experienced quarterback, and I'm excited about that. That gives you a chance, just a chance though. You still have to go take care of the ball, you have to block, you have to tackle and you have to play great special teams."

How is the offensive line shaking up?

"You don't really know how much you miss Michael Oher until you go through those films this summer and watch him protect Jevan. We are very proud of Bradley Sowell though. He has really trained hard and gotten stronger. He is very athletic, but he hasn't seen what is getting ready to come after him. Bobby Massie is right there with him, and I'm glad he is eligible and here with us. That's the spot you worry about because of experience."

How do you try and get the offensive line ready for SEC game speed?

"We let them go against our defense. We let them go against Greg Hardy, Marcus Tillman and Kentrell Lockett. They have the best format to get ready and to accelerate their learning curve. We will put them in situations that are much more difficult than it is in the game."

How do you top last year, and have you set a goal for this year?

"In our very first meetings we sit down and go through a power point presentation, and we go over everything. We do set goals and we have some very high goals, but after that we talk about Memphis. All we have been talking about is Memphis. Memphis is very athletic and I understand they have some transfers, and they really finished strong last year. Our No. 1 goal is we want to beat Memphis, and to do that you have to have an outstanding camp."

Have you talked to any former players from decades ago about the resurgence of the program?

"I went to the M-Club Weekend a few days ago, and it was just awesome to hear the former players. I talked to (Bill) Flowers and other different guys around, and to hear them talk about the pride they have for their school is just awesome. It's a great feeling. They are really excited about it, and they told me they had some of the same feelings back in the day that they have now. They have renewed enthusiasm, and they are excited about the upcoming season. Last year everyone was excited about the season, but this year everyone can't wait for the season. That's kind of been the attitude, but it was awesome to hear from some guys that won and a lot and went to the Sugar Bowl. To hear their stories was just great."

How important is the Memphis game in terms of the rivalry and the recruiting?

"I love this game, and I love playing Memphis. I know that we are going to have a lot of fans there. It's always a very good atmosphere and it's always a very important game."

What was last year like for Kent Austin?

"It was a special year for Kent first of all because he played here. To be able to come back and move his family from Canada made him very happy. Kent is a very smart coach and understands the passing game and really took Jevan to another level. What was really good was having guys that have been with me for awhile who all have a good understanding of what we wanted to do in the run game. It really meshed well. It was a good fit. He had an outstanding year. Kent isn't shy to offer an opinion when we put together a game plan. He is somebody that has been there and understands what it's like to get your hands underneath the center and know its third-and-eight and we need to get nine. He had an excellent year and he is excited about being here."

Could any of the tight ends be in line for a position change if Z. Mason develops quickly?

"It's a possibility. I would like to come back to that question in about two weeks. I love the way those bodies look. There is a chance that maybe one could move, but right now we are telling them all to come get on the bus and come contribute at the position that you are in right now and we will see what happens."

JEVAN SNEAD

How does it feel to be considered as one of the top quarterbacks in the country?

"It's a great feeling. To be considered a great quarterback is what I've worked for my whole life. On the other hand, I'm not trying to put much focus on it. It doesn't matter how much hype I get. I'm just worried about winning games and doing the best I can for my team."

How much of a difference is there this year from last year?

"I think there is a huge difference. Not just for me, but the whole team. Looking at last year's first practice and this year's first practice yesterday, I think we've made huge steps as a team. Personally, I feel like I've made some big steps. As a team, we've grown together and had time to really mesh throughout the season last year. I think it has continued throughout the spring, and so far I feel like last year was a great year, and we are ready for another one."

What steps have you made to get better and what do you do to improve this year?

"I feel like I have improved on some of my decision-making and just some of my fundamentals as well. Last year at the beginning of summer I was locking my left knee, which caused my ball to sail. I also lost some of my accuracy and that's one thing that I worked on. There is always room for improvement, but I still feel like I can improve on my decision-making and my fundamentals, especially trying to get the ball out of my hand quicker. Those are some of the things I have improved on."

What is it like to know you are one of the best teams and you can't sneak up on anybody?

"That's what we've worked for, and that's what we played for last year was to get recognized so we're not nervous at all about this year. We're going to keep doing the same thing we did last year and keep working hard and not let it bother us. A bunch of people have asked us if it will be a distraction, and I don't believe it will be. We have a great team and a great work ethic and we're going to keep doing the same thing we've been doing."

What is the South Carolina game going to be like since Spurrier changed his vote from you to Tim Tebow?

"I'm not the kind of guy to do anything like that. I think it has all gotten blown out of proportion. It's not that big a deal, at least not to me anyway. I'm going to go into it like any other game and play the best that I can and do everything I can to help my team win."

What was it like seeing media trying to figure out who didn't vote for Tebow?

"It was kind of amusing, but like I said, I don't understand what the big deal was. Tim is a great quarterback, and he deserved that vote. It was kind of funny to watch and see everybody scramble."

How much confidence do you have in Bradley Sowell?

"I have a lot of confidence in him. That was one of the questions going into the spring was how Bradley would step up and how he would do. I think he did an excellent job and really improved himself throughout the spring. Just working out with him during the summer and seeing him get better, stronger and more athletic is just great for us. I have all the confidence in the world in him and also the rest of the line. We have a great cast and are just ready to practice and get better."

How are the new wide receivers coming along?

"Those young guys have really stepped up. There were a few of them that were here during the summer and they've really grown up during the summer. Yesterday I didn't get to throw to a whole lot of them, but the ones I did see made some great catches. We had some one-handed catches, and it's just really exciting to see young players stepping up and doing well."

Were you concerned about the offensive line and Bradley Sowell going into the spring?

"I knew that he would be alright. It's kind of like when you first get that role you can be a little nervous because that is how I felt when I first started off last year. You can only get better with experience. It was one of the questions going into the spring, but it isn't that big of a question anymore. I am extremely confident in him."

How has your relationship with Coach Austin evolved?

"I just know now that whatever Coach Austin says is what I need to do. He knows so much about football and has been around the game for so long. He's been in my shoes, he's played the game, he's coached and he's done everything and had tremendous success. I just know that if there are any questions I have, he'll be able to answer them. I do everything I can to pick his brain and learn everything I possibly can from him."

How is your confidence going into the huddle this year?

"I knew that we had meshed and as soon as I stepped into that huddle. Everybody was just anxious and ready to play and get going. Whenever I called a play no one questioned the play and no one thinks the play will not succeed. Everybody is extremely excidet to break the huddle and go out there and have a great play. As far as that goes, everyone has great confidence in our huddle. We are out there with intentions to gain yards every time or try to score every time. As far as deserving the ranking that we got, that is neither here nor there. We are going to do everything we can to win games, and that is all that it's about. The people that think that we don't deserve it are entitled to their opinion, but we're not going to let it affect us."

How long do you think it will take for the offense to get in rhythm this year?

"It took us a little while to get going last year. This year I feel like it's a different story. We've had a year in the system, and we've had a great spring and a great summer as well. The guys that have stepped in and filled those spots have been here and they've had some experience now, and I really don't think that it will take us that long to get on a roll. Coach has done a great job getting us ready and preparing us, and I feel like we are ready to go."

What is the difference in being the hunted instead of the hunter?

"There definitely is a high level of intensity you have to have, but just playing in the SEC you know you have to have a high level of intensity. Every week you know you are going against someone who has a great team, and we know that we can't let our guard down or slack on any games because we are playing against such great opponents. As far as the way we work, I feel like we worked as hard as we possibly could last year, and I don't think it will change any this year."

What has this group of coaches done for you?

"I cant say enough about Coach Nutt, Coach Austin and the rest of the staff. I feel like they not only helped me grow as a player, but also as a person. I know that if I have any problems I can go to them. Coach Austin pointed out some things that hadn't been pointed out too much to me before in my fundamentals - like locking my left knee. He showed me that if I just tweak a few things here or there, it can really help me and improve my accuracy. I feel like they have really helped out with my decision making as well. Like ya'll saw, I struggled a little bit early on in the season last year and that is one thing that I've been working on."

What finally made the light come on and help everything make sense?

"I don't know, I think it was all kind of gradual. With each game that I played I felt like I improved, and that's how it should be. There is always room for improvement. I feel like as you go along and play, you should get better and not worse. That's what I hope we'll do as a team this year."

What was the difference in the last two summers with the atmosphere in Oxford?

"It was a huge difference. Just the excitement and the support we have from the college and the community is just tremendous. I can't say enough about our fans. I think we have the best fans in college football, and I'm proud to be a part of the program. Fans like that make me proud to be a part of this program."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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