OXFORD — University of Mississippi football coach Hugh Freeze was pleased with his team’s progress Saturday in the second practice of 2012 spring drills.
In the final day before putting on pads, the Rebels trained for close to two and a half hours. Freeze noted the improved play of the wide receivers, particularly juniors Terrell Grant and Ja-Mes Logan.
“I went in the meetings with (receivers) coach (Grant) Heard last night and again this morning and challenged those players that we have to get things corrected from day one to day two,” Freeze said. “I really thought they improved. They had a little swagger to them today. We completed some long balls, which helps with that.”
The offensive line is battling to handle the multiple looks the defense is throwing at them.
“We’re swimming a little bit up front right now with all of the things that (defensive coordinator) Dave (Wommack) and his crew are showing us,” Freeze said. “It’s not the easiest thing for the offensive line to come out in a new system, hear what’s going on, snap it in a hurry, and handle all of that. Coach (Matt) Luke wants perfection, and he is the right guy to get that. But I understand that is probably going to be the last thing that comes.”
Aaron Morris, who started five games as a freshman at left guard in the fall, is one of the most experienced returning players. He has worked at tackle the first two days of spring.
“On last night’s film, I thought he showed some athleticism,” Freeze said. “It’s an uphill battle for these offensive linemen with no pads on, but I really thought that he, Pierce Burton and A.J. Hawkins showed a lot of athleticism yesterday. I’m pretty pleased with those three.”
Ole Miss will wear pads today in its third of 15 spring workouts. The practice is closed to the public.
Ole Miss’ spring drills will culminate with the annual BancorpSouth Grove Bowl at 1 p.m. April 21 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. CSS will televise the intra-squad scrimmage live.
Other events of Grove Bowl Week are the Rebels’ Choice Awards on April 16, the Chucky Mullins Award Banquet on April 19, a free concert in The Grove with Gavin DeGraw and special guest Craig Morgan on April 20, and a weekend baseball series against the University of Arkansas.
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