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Ole Miss Football Holds First Spring Practice Of 2013
OXFORD, Miss. – Just
minutes after the Ole Miss hoops team wrapped up the SEC Championship
in Nashville, the Rebel football squad held its first spring practice
in preparation for the 2013 season on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in
Oxford.
The Rebels practiced in helmets and shorts
for about an hour and a half before walking over from the practice
fields to Tad Smith Coliseum to celebrate with the basketball team and
fans as they watched the NCAA Selection Show on the jumbotron.
Head
coach Hugh Freeze made the decision for his team to support the hoops
team soon after the Rebels beat Florida in Nashville, at which Freeze
was in attendance.
Co-offensive coordinator and
offensive line coach Matt Luke talked to reporters about the advantage
of being in year two under the current coaching staff versus the first
spring practice of last year.
“I believe just
being able to build,” Luke said. “You don’t have to start back over.
There is some retention. And you can maybe put a little more in and go
at a faster pace, especially with some older guys coming back.”
The
Rebels return four of five starters and 11 total lettermen on the
offensive line this year. Luke noted that the experience pays dividends
at this time of year.
“I’m fortunate that I’ve got
four seniors up there,” Luke said. “It wasn’t all perfect coming off
spring break. We just talked about controlling our attitude and our
effort. I thought for the most part that it was good. They moved around
pretty good and hustled from drill to drill – doing the little things
that we want them to do.”
Sophomore guard Aaron
Morris is among the Rebels limited this spring, giving other players an
opportunity to see the field more. Luke said Jared Duke and Justin Bell
saw time with the first string line in Morris’ absence. Newcomer Austin
Douglas also stood out at center with the second string.
“Reps are key with anybody,” Luke said. “The more they can be in there, the better they’re going to be.”
The Rebels will go through their second practice of the spring on Monday at 8 a.m.
All
spring practices are open to the public. Use of cell phones and cameras
are prohibited for fans at practice, and fans must remain in the
designated area. Fans are not allowed between the practice fields.
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