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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Football Practice Report: Putting it Together
8/20/2024 | Football
Presented by Oxford Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
OXFORD, Miss. – Believe it or not, next week is the first game week of 2024 for Ole Miss football. The Rebels wrap up fall camp this week and have already begin game prep for August 31’s season-opener against Furman.
As Ole Miss puts everything together over this final week of camp, running back Rashad Amos, defensive lineman Akelo Stone and receiver Micah Davis met with the media Tuesday to provide the latest updates from inside the Manning Center.
FAMOUS AMOS
When opportunities didn’t come his way at South Carolina, Rashad Amos had to break out the Southeastern Conference for his big break, but now he’s back and ready fill a key role in the Rebel running back room.
“I had a long portal process, but Coach Smith reached out to me. He has a great history with running backs and what he had done in the past as a player. So that’s what drew me here,” Amos said. “Also being at this type of university and having a chance to win a national championship. I definitely want to be a part of that.”
Amos played in 13 games across three seasons to start his career with the Gamecocks, totaling 106 yards on 20 carries. He then transferred to Miami (OH), where he became the featured back, amassing 1,075 yards and 13 touchdowns on 210 carries and earning Third-Team All-MAC honors. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Amos packs the biggest punch in the room in Oxford, but he’s confident he can be more than just a short-yardage back for the Rebels.
“A lot of people would see me as a power back, getting the first down. I believe I can do everything,” Amos said. “Of course, I’m going to buy into my role and do whatever I can and be a physical back because I am one of the bigger backs in the room. But I definitely think I am an every-down back for sure.”
STONE IN THE WALL
The Ole Miss defensive tackle room has some of the biggest names and the biggest bodies on the roster with figures like Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues leading the way. Akelo Stone is one of the key returners in the group, and he’s been thrilled with the way the room looks in 2024.
“We’ve improved in all aspects of the game,” Stone said. “We’re a faster, more physical and violent group, smarter. Just putting all the pieces together, working hard and becoming family on the D-line.”
Amid those big names and big bodies, Stone has flown under the radar a bit. At 6-foot-2 and just 285 pounds (compared to Pegues at 325), Stone knows he has to play a different game to be a game-changer, and he’s excited for the opportunity to do so this season.
“I wanted to improve how violent I was—be more heavy-handed. I already lack size, so I had to make up for it on the physicality side because I’m smaller,” Stone said. “This year I’m putting more emphasis on setting the line of scrimmage. You’re going to see how violent I am this year from last year.”
RETURN TO THE SOUTH
A whirlwind has brought Micah Davis’ career full circle back around to the South. The Kennesaw, Georgia, native started his career at Air Force before a stop at Iowa Western Community College, before heading back to the Mountain West Conference to Utah State. After Utah State parted ways with head coach Blake Anderson in July, Davis was looking for a new home.
“I’m actually really close with Coach Anderson, so when he got released and let go, it definitely hurt. Ultimately, I felt like it was best for me to step away from that program and look to play somewhere else,” Davis said. “It’s been a whirlwind in the past two to three weeks. Once I got here, I was ready to get to work. I’m a Rebel now, so I’m happy to be here.”
Davis joins one of college football’s most talented wide receiver rooms on the heels of earning Honorable Mention All-Mountain West honors last year as both a receiver and punt returner while amassing 961 all-purpose yards for the Aggies. He could be a critical piece for the Rebels in the return game, but he’s ready to contribute in any way he can.
“I feel like my skillset is very versatile. I could be used in the passing game and running game,” Davis said. “Ultimately, a big pivotal part of my playmaking skillset is the return game, so I’m really looking forward to doing it.”
STAY CONNECTED
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