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Hugh Freeze praises team’s energy and attitude after final spring practice
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Ole Miss’ spring concluded with a scrimmage Saturday and coach Hugh Freeze told reporters his thoughts on the day as well as the practice period as a whole.
“A lot of work got done that was good this spring,” Freeze said to the media. “I loved our energy and our attitude and our teaching session on uncommon men. We all have to make that a priority that that’s what we want to be in life, whether it’s sports or not.”
In Saturday’s scrimmage, the defense controlled most of the game, but showed some issues on third down.
“There were some good things obviously,” Freeze said. “I thought our defense stopped the run very well. They gave up too many explosive plays, particularly on third down. Offensively, we didn’t win first down and never got into tempo really, but had some really good explosive plays.”
The injury bug hit the Rebels hard during spring practice.
“We missed some kids. I wished we would have had Issac Gross, Tony Conner, Fadol Brown, Robert Conyers, Rod Taylor, Chad Kelly and some of those others to get the reps, but we didn’t,” Freeze said. “The ones we had out there I know got better.”
With Kelly sidelined due to a sports hernia, it meant more action for freshman QB Shea Patterson.
“I really thought Shea, from week two to the end, really started picking things up,” Freeze said. “He has a really good football IQ and understanding of what we’re trying to do.”
The Rebels will obviously need a receiver to step up following Laquon Treadwell’s departure, and redshirt freshman Van Jefferson could be a name to watch. Jefferson received the team’s Eli Manning Award for most improved offensive player.
“I thought he just had a really solid spring,” Freeze said. “Van is wired a little differently. He really understands what to do with the time he has and work. He really stood out.”
Ole Miss did not host its traditional Grove Bowl game due to stadium renovations.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
