.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Preseason Report 08.09: Varsity Reports
8/9/2009 | Football
"Everybody is checking in as we speak and it looks like everyone is going to be here that we were counting on," Nutt said. "We are looking forward to getting started and are very excited about camp. I like the way the schedule is laid out. This is going to be a good time. Just eat, sleep and football.
"We had one of our better summers. Kendrick Lewis, John Jerry, Marshay Green, Shay Hodge and Gerald Harris were some seniors that really stood out. Jevan (Snead), Justin Smith and some guys like that came back very, very strong. Overall, we had a really good summer."
The Rebels' second-year head coach said he was excited for his second fall camp at Ole Miss and believes everyone will be the same page.
"We feel so much better this year compared to last year," he said. "We know more about our guys and they know what to expect. Things should be much smoother in terms of huddle calls, knowing signals and knowing the adjustments. I think we will be at a faster tempo."
Ole Miss enters the 2009 season with high expectations and was recently ranked 10th in the nation in the preseason USA Today/Coaches' poll. Nutt said that he plans to address the raised expectations with the team.
"In the first meeting tonight, we'll hit on that," he said. "This time last year no one was saying very much about us, and this year people are saying some nicer things, but what does that mean? It doesn't mean anything. It's what you do out on that field. It's about what you do in practice. How do you get better? It's your work ethic and your attitude. Those are the things we are concerned with. It's not an attitude of just getting by."
One position battle Nutt will watch during fall camp is the replacement of speedy wideout Mike Wallace, who was drafted in the third round of the NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He believes several players have the ability to take over Wallace's role as a vertical threat.
"Shay Hodge has really improved his speed," Nutt said. "I'm excited about him. Markeith Summers is another guy who has explosive power and is fast. And we always have Dexter McCluster. Then you have some young guys like Patrick Patterson and Koric Neat. Can those guys step up? We'll have to see."
Nutt said that injuries are not a concern for the Rebels entering camp, noting that E.J. Epperson, Greg Hardy and Melvin Harris were "all ready to go."
The Rebels will begin practice on Monday at 5:45 p.m. The first week will be open to the public, beginning Monday, Aug. 10, through Saturday, Aug. 15. The one practice each weekday will begin at 5:45 p.m., while the time of Saturday's training session will be announced at a later date on OleMissSports.com.
Use of cellular phones and cameras are prohibited for fans at practice, and fans must remain in the designated area. When the team practices outdoors, fans are not allowed between the practice fields.
