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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 04.12
4/12/2010 | Football
Just three practices now remain for the Rebels, and head coach Houston Nutt has been pleased with his squad's progress, particularly since late last week.
"In the last three practices, there has been some good learning and improvement," said Nutt, who is wrapping up his third spring in Oxford. "I love how physical we can be at times. You see guys that keep getting better.
"I've been impressed with the linebackers all throughout the spring. Jonathan Cornell leading the way, Allen Walker coming back, and then D.T. Shackelford, Mike Marry, Joel Kight. They have a chance to be really good."
After a slow start to spring drills, the Rebel offense has come into form in the past week, led by sophomore quarterback Nathan Stanley. The Tahlequah, Okla., native saw action in five games last season, including the Cotton Bowl.
"I think if you ask Bradley Sowell and some of these guys about his presence in the huddle, he's been very uplifting and positive," Nutt said. "He understands the chains right now. He plays the game well. He needs to do that and take care of the ball. I don't want him thinking he needs to be superman. Let it come to you."
The offensive improvement has also been evident across the line, where the staff did some experimenting on Monday and tried some players in new situations. Nutt said he has seen promise from some of his young lineman.
"Emmanuel McCray, Evan Swindall and Josh Tatum, those three guys have taken some giant steps the last three days," said Nutt. "Emmanuel McCray is really the guy right now that has taken two steps forward, being physical. That's encouraging."
Running with the first unit at left guard throughout the spring has been Alex Washington. A junior from Monroe, La., Washington has played in 20 games over the last two seasons, and earned a start at left guard against Northern Arizona last year.
Nutt has acknowledged Washington's great potential on the field but desires better fitness from the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder.
"I want to make a pack with him to get his weight down," Nutt said. "That is the only think holding him back. If he loses 20-25 pounds, he'll be a different guy."
Defensively, Nutt continues to rave about redshirt freshman Charles Sawyer in the secondary.
"Charles Sawyer is one of the best young corners I've seen in a long time," Nutt said. "I'm really excited about him. He really took some big steps forward. He's physical, and he can cover."
The Rebels return to the practice field Thursday and Friday before concluding spring drills with the Cellular South Grove Bowl, Saturday at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Other events surrounding the weekend include the Chucky Mullins Courage Award Banquet Thursday at 7 p.m., and the Grove Stage program with Dexter McCluster the morning of the Grove Bowl at 11 a.m.
