Ole Miss had a spirited practice under warm, sunny skies on Thursday and began to focus in on next Saturday's season opener against Jacksonville State.
"Boy, we had a good practice today," head coach Houston Nutt said. "We had a lot of enthusiasm. I thought our guys bounced around for the most part. We ended with a two-minute drill. The offense did much better today than yesterday, and I was proud of that. We really started zeroing in on Jacksonville State today. We went separate scout teams for part of the practice."
With former Clemson and Memphis head coach Tommy West visiting the practice fields adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the special teams took center stage.
Nutt talked about the vital role of the kickoff and punt units to the team's success.
"Once we get everything situated, we don't mind putting some starters on the kickoff team," he said. "There will be some good starting tacklers on there. You can't use them all, but a second-team linebacker ought to be a starter on the kickoff team and a second-team corner. You're looking for speed. The way our guy is kicking with the hangtime he gives us, we ought to be able to cover that kick."
Sophomore punter Tyler Campbell and the entire punting unit drew praise from Nutt. Campbell figures to be one of the top punters in the SEC again this year.
"He's awesome. Changes your season. A guy that can flip the field consistently and make them go the long distance with our defense gives you a chance in every game. I've been proud of the brand new deep snappers, too, and now Wesley Phillips is back. He's snapping good, and Will Denny's done an excellent job."
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