Head coach Hugh Freeze watches on during a practice Friday. (DM Photo/Thomas Graning)
With the 2014 football season just days away, the practices are getting hotter and hotter as the Rebels begin to prepare for the season opener against Boise State in Atlanta.
Wednesday was an eventful practice for the Rebels as many topics were discussed that affect the depth and lineups for the opener.
One of the question marks for the Rebels includes a young offensive line and a hole at the center position. That question was put to bed, as head coach Hugh Freeze named sophomore Ben Still the starter. Sophomore Robert Conyers was also battling to win the center job.
“Ben Still will start at center, but Robert Conyers is very valuable to us and will play three positions,” Freeze said. “He may be one of the most valuable pieces of us offensively because he can grasp all three positions and can function and do those well.”
The three positions Conyers will play will be center, left and right tackle.
The depth at the wide receiver is another question mark surrounding the Rebels for the opener. Sophomore Laquon Treadwell, senior Vince Sanders, sophomore Quincy Adeboyejo, and junior Cody Core will be the names atop the depth chart. Behind them is where the questions arise.
Freeze mentioned after practice that he’s noticed inconsistencies at the wide receiver position and wants other guys to step up and make plays for this team.
One of the wide receivers battling for the fifth spot on the depth chart is freshman Sammie Epps, who recently was arrested for driving without a license and possession of marijuana inside his car.
“Sammie and I have had a long talk for the last two days. He has to understand that it is a privilege to be apart of this team, and decide what kind of brand he wants to be known for,” Freeze said.
Epps will miss at least the opener against Boise State as a result of his arrest Freeze added.
Friday marked the end of fall camp with the last practice before game week.
Freeze mentioned that Thursday night was the last “mock game” before the opener against Boise State and the team went through every scripted situation against the looks Boise State will throw against them. Freeze was pleased with his defense and their looks that they will use in the opener and was pleased with offense and the execution of the quarterbacks.
Freeze mentioned that the spot for field goal kicking is still up in the air and senior Andrew Fletcher will be kicking inside 40 yards as of now.
Freeze mentioned after Friday’s practice that he was pleased some of the wide receivers, including freshman Markell Pack.
“He’s had two good days in a row and had a real good one this morning,” Freeze said. “I’m pleased with him. He’ll be getting quite a few good reps between now and Thursday to make sure that if he should be called upon he would be prepared.”
Freeze would go on to talk about the running back position and the depth the Rebels have there, but the majority of the carries will go to juniors Jaylen Walton and I’Tavius Mathers.
Preparing for Boise State has been an ongoing process for the Rebels, as the Broncos enter the season with a new head coach and coaching staff. The broncos have been one of the best programs in the country recently and look to begin a new era with the new coaching staff, but hopefully the same success.
Hugh Freeze has plenty of respect for the program and looks forward to the challenge.
“As far as Boise, it’s very difficult for me to say except to say that they understand winning. The program over the last 10 years is ranked No. 2 nationally in winning percentage so they get that,” Freeze said. “We’re studying quite a bit of film because it’s hard to just put your finger and say that this is their identity. There will be an adjustment period, but they have some good players returning. They understand winning and enjoy the task of playing in this environment against an SEC team. It will be a good test.”
-Dylan Rubino
