Defensive back Cody Prewitt tackles wide receiver Laqoun Treadwell during Saturday’s practice. Photo: Aditya Khare, The Daily Mississippian.
The 15th and final practice of the spring season for Ole Miss will be in the annual Regions Grove Bowl Saturday at noon in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
It remains to be seen what format will be used Saturday, but whether it’s a game or a situational scrimmage, there will be plenty of things for fans in attendance to keep an eye on.
Quarterback Race
One of the most intriguing story lines this spring has centered around the quarterback position. Senior Bo Wallace is in no competition to keep his starting job, but the Pulaski, Tenn., native has been limited this spring in order to not wear down his throwing shoulder, which still isn’t back to full strength since having surgery following the 2012 season.
However, Wallace should get a few series on Saturday, and fans will get to see a somewhat healthy Wallace for the first time in quite a while.
The biggest question mark is at the backup quarterback spot. It’s a two-man race between a couple of redshirt freshmen DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan. They each bring a different skill set to the table and have both made their share of mistakes this spring.
Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze has already said this race likely won’t be decided until the Rebels head into their first game week in the fall, but whoever has the better day this weekend could have the upper hand going into summer workouts.
Fans will also get a look at junior college transfer Jeremy Liggins and early enrollee freshman Kendrick Doss. Both have a chance to end up at other positions other than quarterback, but their ability to gain yardage in short-yardage situations could open up a spot for them in certain situations.
Offensive Line Depth
Freeze has stated over and over again that Ole Miss is still one recruiting class away from being where they need to be from a depth standpoint, and this spring, that point was easily proven along the offensive line.
The offensive line will be what makes or breaks the Rebel offense in the fall, and they already had a tough enough task in front of them, as they have to replace three starters. However, injuries have plagued the unit, so there’s certainly question marks going into the Grove Bowl.
Sophomores Laremy Tunsil and Austin Golson had surgery following last season, and they’ve both had a limited role this spring. Expect those two to play limited snaps Saturday.
Senior Aaron Morris is still out as he rehabs his ACL injury, and redshirt freshman Christian Morris is out with a torn achilles.
This spring has been beneficial for other guys looking to fill roles for Ole Miss. Sophomore Robert Conyers and junior Ben Still are in a battle for the starting center job, while redshirt freshman Daronte Bouldin looks to get in the mix at one of the guard spots.
Defensive Improvement
Heading into 2014, the Rebels’ defense is expected to be one of the better units in the Southeastern Conference. There’s plenty of talent returning and newcomers looking to make a big impact.
On the defensive line, senior defensive end C.J. Johnson is finally healthy, but the coaches have been extra careful with him this spring. Sophomore defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche has had a good spring and looks to be a dominant force inside.
At linebacker, Ole Miss has to replace Mike Marry. The two guys battling there are senior D.T. Shackelford and junior college transfer Christian Russell. Seniors Serderius Bryant and Keith Lewis continue to lead the way at stinger. Sophomore Temario Strong and Ray Ray Smith are also looking to get into the mix.
Sophomore Derrick Jones continues to adjust nicely to the move to boundary corner. The coaches continue to rave about his athletic ability, and Jones has one of the corner spots locked down. Senior Senquez Golson mans the field corner spot, but a nagging hamstring injury has slowed him down this spring.
In Golson’s absence, juniors Mike Hilton and Carlos Davis are filling in. Also, look for sophomore Kailo Moore at corner, as he made the transition to the defensive side of the ball this spring.
At huskie, sophomore Tony Conner continues to hold down the fort.
The safety position has filled up with the additions of sophomore Anthony Alford, who is now eligible after sitting out due to NCAA transfer rules, and freshman C.J. Hampton, who looks as though he will make an immediate impact next fall.
Those two players join an already solid group that includes senior All-American Cody Prewitt, junior Trae Elston and junior Chief Brown.
The coaches say Alford may be the most athletic guy on the team, and it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see him take over at strong safety.
For continuing coverage of Ole Miss football, follow @DavidLCollier and @thedm_sports on Twitter.
— David Collier
dlcollie@go.olemiss.edu
