Another Freshman Joins the List

The first time I have heard anything about Rishaw was tonight. I belive this is the first time it has been mentioned Rishaw could have some problems since fall camp has started. This was reported on the Clarion Ledger earlier tonight.


OXFORD — Freshman offensive linemen Rishaw Johnson has joined fellow Ole Miss signee Ted Laurent on the sidelines because of unresolved academic issues.

Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron said tonight that the Rebels have pulled Johnson off the field because the NCAA has questions about his coursework. Johnson, who did not scrimmage last Saturday, had reported with the newcomers earlier this month and had practiced throughout the first two weeks of the preseason.

"He handed in all the paperwork," Orgeron said. "They just wanted to look at something."

Orgeron did not specify what the NCAA was reviewing.

But Johnson now joins three other Rebels - Laurent, defensive tackle Jerrell Powe and linebacker Chris Strong - waiting to be ruled academically eligible before they can play in the season opener at Memphis on Sept. 1.

Laurent, Strong and Powe were all provisionally admitted to the university and permitted to practice for as many as 14 days while waiting for the NCAA to rule on their academic eligiblity.

Laurent's 14-day window ran out last week. Orgeron said Wednesday will be the final day Strong and Powe can practice without NCAA certification.