Ole Miss Rebels Spring Report

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Everyone that is an Ole Miss fan has probably heard of Melvin Harris, a 6'7 220lb. receiver who redshirted last fall.  The red zone threat is sidelined for the spring with a foot injury but looks to get some quality minutes in the fall. 

Incoming freshman Terrell Grant, Ja-mes Logan, and Montez Phillips may not be on campus yet, but if all qualify, they will definitely be the future of the program in the receiver department.

The coaching staff has also explained that incoming freshman Pat Patterson will be thrown into the rotation immediately and should receive plenty of playing time this fall. 

Pat Patterson could ultimately be a factor in the SEC, such as Juilio Jones was for Alabama as a freshman wide receiver.

Offensive Line

After losing possibly the best offensive tackle in college football in Michael Oher, the offensive line is showing a bit of concern during the spring. Rishaw Johnson should get some strong looks at guard, considering his size, potential, and abilities. 

As the spring rolls on, many Ole Miss fans linger to see the day Bobbie Massie makes it to the Ole Miss campus. The mammoth 6'8 335lb. prep school offensive lineman chose Ole Miss over Alabama on signing day, and should be a force at offensive tackle from day one.  Can he start from day one? 

It probably depends on the development of Bradley Sowell.  At times, sources say Sowell can make strides, but he definitely shows some inconsistency that should not happen.  Either way, Massie needs to get to Oxford quick in the summer and compete right away.

At least Ole Miss gets one Jerry back.  John Jerry, the brother of departing Peria, returns to the offensive line as, more than likely, a first-team All-SEC pick and a possible All-American.  Jerry really needs to anchor the offensive line and show some leadership, as staff has commented he has done throughout the spring.

Defensive Line

The defensive line comes in as a definite strength.  Losing Peria Jerry hurt, hurt a lot, but there is so much depth here.  Kentrell Lockett, Greg Hardy, Ted Laurent, Jerrell Powe, Marcus Tillman, Lawon Scott, Emmanuel Stephens, Craig Drummond, the list goes on and on.  Greg Hardy has missed spring practice, but trainers say he should be 100 percent by fall practice.  

Incoming freshman Craig Drummond, an Army All-American, is enrolled on campus and participating in spring drills.  The possibility of quality playing time as a freshman is slim, but Drummond can add some depth to quite possibly one of the best defensive lines in the NCAA.

As for their performance this spring, the 'Landsharks' have put continuous pressure on Snead, Stanley, and Tapp.  For Ole Miss to make a run in 2009, the defensive line has to be dominant.

Linebackers

The linebackers, from the coaching staff’s eyes, may have improved from last season, even though losing future pros Ashlee Palmer and Tony Fein.  Patrick Trahan has evolved into the clear best LB of the group. 

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