Ole Miss Football: A Few Surprises in the Rebel Post-Spring Depth Chart

The schedule doesn't do Hugh Freeze any favors in his first season as Ole Miss head coach. If the Rebels don't beat Vanderbilt in early November, it's a real possibility that they won't win a game in the final two months of the season.

What's the reason? Depth, of course.

Ole Miss released its 2012 post-spring depth chart on Wednesday afternoon, and there were a few surprises.

Quarterback

Returning starter Randall Mackey was moved to wide receiver this spring, which left the quarterback battle to junior Barry Brunetti and sophomore Bo Wallace.

Brunetti opened the 2011 season as the starting quarterback, but was supplanted shortly after the season started by Zack Stoudt and eventually Mackey. He completed 19-of-35 passes in 2011 with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions in limited action.

Wallace redshirted at Arkansas State when Freeze was its offensive coordinator in the 2010 season, but transferred to junior college for the 2011 season. He threw for 4,604 yards and 53 touchdowns at East Mississippi Community College last season, and is ready-made to step in and operate Freeze's offense.

Consider Wallace the front-runner. He completed 16-of-26 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the 2012 Grove Bowl. Freeze may not want to admit it yet, but it's Wallace's job to lose.

Brassell Makes an Appearance

Wide receiver/defensive back Nickolas Brassell sat out most of spring practice getting his academics worked out, but he is listed on the spring depth chart as Ole Miss' third-team field cornerback.

That's at least a small indication that Freeze expects Brassell to suit up in 2012, and that there's a chance that his academic issues won't cause him to be ineligible.

One thing is certain—Freeze needs him. He has the athleticism to be a difference-maker in the defensive backfield and has proven to be a playmaker at wide receiver.

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