Rebs Back in the Pads

I will not report much on Spring Training, but thought I would pass along to those that do not know that spring practice has begun. From all accounts practice ran very smooth today and very different from the O regime. This will probably be the only copied report until the Spring Game.

(UMAA)
OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss football team held its first practice of the Houston Nutt era Thursday, as the Rebels opened 2008 spring drills under sunny skies in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field. More than 300 fans were on hand for the practice.
Wearing helmets and shorts, the team worked out for two and a half hours, doing extensive skill position work.
“This was a fun day today. There is nothing like spring football," said Nutt. "They were good listeners. There’s a reason why the good Lord gave them two ears and one mouth, to listen twice as much as they talk. The guys listened. They hustled. They have a good attitude. We’ll see if we can come back tomorrow with a little soreness and have a very good second practice."
Nutt particularly praised the effort of the linemen on both sides of the ball.
“I was really proud of the defensive line. I thought they showed some quickness," he said. "I was proud of the offensive line, as much as we threw at them the first day with the run and pass mixture. Michael Oher, Reid Neely, Rishaw Johnson, Bradley Sowell and Maurice Miller are all doing well.

"Mike Wallace caught the ball well. Jason Cook is a great leader for us.”

The offense also had quarterback Jevan Snead under center, as he grasps the new playbook. Nutt said the sophomore signal-caller showed glimpses of greatness.

“I thought Jevan had some moments when he threw the ball very well," said Nutt. "Quarterbacks have the toughest job. We expect them to know what everybody else is doing. There was a stretch in practice where I thought he was very sharp. He got us in and out of the huddle and executed very well. We all have a long way to go. That’s what spring is for.”

Ole Miss continues spring drills Friday at 2:20 p.m. and will once again be in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Fans wishing to attend should enter through Gate 7 on the west side of the stadium.

The Rebels will work out Saturday at 8:30 a.m., when the team will be in full pads for the first time. Saturday's location will be determined at that time.