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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Spring Practice Report 04.08
4/9/2010 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss Rebel football team held its ninth practice of the spring on Thursday under sunny, but breezy skies on the practice fields adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Junior college transfer Damien Jackson made several impressive plays on the day and Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt praised the safety's physical play and mental preparation so far this spring.
"He was the MVP today," Nutt said. "He really came in there striking with picture-perfect fundamental tackles. You don't know how somebody will come in and pick up the playbook, but it seems like he is already in the playbook."
Sophomore Nathan Stanley distanced himself slightly in the Rebels' quarterback competition, taking most of the first team snaps on Thursday.
"Nathan has really distinguished himself with his decision making and his reads," Nutt said.
With the departure of seniors Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss is looking for playmakers at wide receiver. Nutt highlighted several players that are standing out among the Rebel wide outs.
"Markeith Summers had his biggest day as a Rebel today. Melvin Harris made a couple of catches, but he has to get more consistent. Jared Mitchell has really helped us. He has played every play and is working really hard."
The Rebels will return to the practice fields Friday at 2:30 p.m. 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.
