March 17, 2013

2013 Spring Practice Schedule

OXFORD, Miss. – Just minutes after the Ole Miss hoops team wrapped up the SEC Championship in Nashville, the Rebel football squad held its first spring practice in preparation for the 2013 season on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in Oxford.

The Rebels practiced in helmets and shorts for about an hour and a half before walking over from the practice fields to Tad Smith Coliseum to celebrate with the basketball team and fans as they watched the NCAA Selection Show on the jumbotron.

Head coach Hugh Freeze made the decision for his team to support the hoops team soon after the Rebels beat Florida in Nashville, at which Freeze was in attendance.

Co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Matt Luke talked to reporters about the advantage of being in year two under the current coaching staff versus the first spring practice of last year.

“I believe just being able to build,” Luke said. “You don’t have to start back over. There is some retention. And you can maybe put a little more in and go at a faster pace, especially with some older guys coming back.”

The Rebels return four of five starters and 11 total lettermen on the offensive line this year. Luke noted that the experience pays dividends at this time of year.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve got four seniors up there,” Luke said. “It wasn’t all perfect coming off spring break. We just talked about controlling our attitude and our effort. I thought for the most part that it was good. They moved around pretty good and hustled from drill to drill – doing the little things that we want them to do.”

Sophomore guard Aaron Morris is among the Rebels limited this spring, giving other players an opportunity to see the field more. Luke said Jared Duke and Justin Bell saw time with the first string line in Morris’ absence. Newcomer Austin Douglas also stood out at center with the second string.

“Reps are key with anybody,” Luke said. “The more they can be in there, the better they’re going to be.”

The Rebels will go through their second practice of the spring on Monday at 8 a.m.

All spring practices are open to the public. Use of cell phones and cameras are prohibited for fans at practice, and fans must remain in the designated area. Fans are not allowed between the practice fields.

For an updated schedule of practice times and locations, please refer to the 2013 Spring Practice Schedule button located on the left side of the OleMissSports.com football home page. All information is tentative and subject to change.