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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Preseason Report 08.25: Defense Shines In Cooler Weather
8/25/2010 | Football
Aug. 25, 2010
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss football team held a spirited practice on Wednesday, taking advantage of cooler weather as the temperature dipped into the lower 80s outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Under the watchful eyes of the Rebel coaching staff, it was the defense that made the most of the cooler weather. Also taking in the afternoon practice were Athletics Director Pete Boone and head basketball coach Andy Kennedy.
"The defense got after us today," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "We couldn't make a first down. They were moving and fast. I hope it's that the defense was that good, but we'll get in there and watch tape. We've got to do better, though."
And while the defense shone, the battle at center continued between A.J. Hawkins and Evan Swindall.
"Evan is probably a little better snapping, but A.J. knows a little bit more. They'll probably go back and forth for a few days. A.J. is pretty strong and knows who to block - he's been here longer. Evan is still learning on the run, especially going against those guys he goes against every day. But, he's gotten so much better since the spring."
Another offensive position that saw players continue to progress was the receiving corps, where Terrell Grant (WR) and Alex Williams (TE) are making the transition from the defensive side.
"Terrell has good speed and Alex has excellent hands," Nutt said. "They're both big guys and we like what we see out of both of those guys."
In only a short time on the field, Tony Grimes also caught the eye of the Rebel head coach as someone who could contribute on the defensive side of the ball.
"(Tony) has been impressive with only two days of work," Nutt said. "He isn't afraid of anything. He's very aggressive to the ball and I love that. We're going to keep working him."
The kicking game also got a nod of approval from Nutt on Wednesday.
Tyler Campbell, Bryson Rose and Andrew Ritter have been outstanding all camp with what they're doing," Nutt said. "Now we've got to get it over to game week."
The Rebels will continue to work in preparation for the season opener against Jacksonville State on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
