.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 04.09
4/9/2010 | Football
However, head coach Houston Nutt emphasized that these non-contact practices are no less significant than the hard-hitting workouts.
"Today was one of the most important days of the spring, because we're putting them in situations and seeing who is going to react," he said. "We worked on the two-minute drill. After a very physical scrimmage yesterday, we wanted to get their muscles back a little bit before we hit again tomorrow."
The Rebels will hold a scrimmage of at least 100 plays Saturday, as they pull within one week of the annual Grove Bowl. The team will begin on the practice fields at 10 a.m. before eventually moving inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, where fans are instructed to enter and sit on the west side.
Nutt said the scrimmage should provide a good opportunity to find out which players can respond under tough circumstances.
"We're still looking for who is going to be the guys we can count on when it's second-and-eight, who is going to execute and make plays," he said. "You're looking at every area. Our (offensive) line is very young, so we're trying to get that situation right. It takes work."
The Rebels boast a corps of talented running backs, including Brandon Bolden, Rodney Scott and Enrique Davis. Joining that group this spring has been junior Derrick Herman, who moved over to offense after playing safety his first two seasons.
"He shows some glimpses of quickness," Nutt said. "I'm anxious to see him tomorrow. We'll probably get him the ball a little bit more and see how far he's come. He's learning on the run, but he's had a few good plays. He's doing a good job."
Spring practices are open to the public, and times and locations will be updated daily on OleMissSports.com and twitter.com/OleMissNow.
Spring drills will conclude with the annual Grove Bowl, April 17 at 1 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Other events surrounding the weekend include the Chucky Mullins Courage Award Banquet April 15 at 7 p.m., and the Grove Stage program with Dexter McCluster the morning of the Grove Bowl at 11 a.m.
