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Inside Ole Miss Sports



Reason No. 25: Wide Receivers
by parrishalford
 Inside Ole Miss Sports
Aug 26, 2011 | 734 views | 3 3 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

This is a random order. Here's Reason No. 25 that Ole Miss will be improved in 2011.

What a difference a signing class makes. The Rebels added six players to a thin position with five freshmen and junior college transfer Philander Moore, who arrived in time to go through spring drills.

There are numerous high profile high school recruits in the class. It's disappointing there have already been rumblings of discontent over role and playing time, but that appears to have smoothed over.

There is speed and talent in the group, and freshmen are going to play big roles. At least one, Donte Moncrief, has a better than average chance to start, especially with the health of 6-foot-6 junior Melvin Harris becoming a bit more of a concern each day. If Harris is out, Moncrief will stat. If Harris is in, Moncrief might start anyway.

Clearly the coaches like what they see in Moncrief. He had a 53-yard touchdown catch and a 35-yard touchdown run in last Saturday's scrimmage.

That's another thing. Look for these receivers to be involved in the run game. Grant also scored on the ground in the scrimmage, running in from 24 yards out.

These receivers, though, were not signed to run the football.

Nick Brassell can stretch the field and catch in traffic. Tobias Singleton is getting in shape.

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt has had good things to say about Collins Moore, but ultimately there aren't enough balls to go around. Someone will likely redshirt.

Harris and sophomore Ja-Mes Logan will play, and so will redshirt freshman Vincent Sanders.

It will be interesting to see where upperclassmen like Terrell Grant and Derrick Herman fit in. Herman has been running at first team at slot receiver. Grant had a big spring and showed he can be a physical receiver.

Harris and Logan combined for 59 catches and five touchdowns last year. While the buzz has been about the new guys, experience is important, especially when there's inexperience at so many positions.

Experience hasn't been enough to allow the veterans to coast through camp, Logan said. They've been pushed to keep their spots.

All in all I think it's going to be a strong group, and the Rebels need receivers to make great catches – not just the easy ones – while inexperienced quarterbacks find their way.

Comments
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Churn
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August 27, 2011
Thanks PA for the outstandin work that you are doin for Rebel fans.Please excuse my typing and errors. I sufferred a Stroke two (2) weeks back and have not totally recovered as yet. Gettin better with the LORDS watchin over me and help from my wife. She is an ole Mississippi country gal who knows how to treat sick ANIMALS.

Just watched a HS football game between S. Panola and Hoover Al. Panola have several good player committed to Ole Miss. Connor, Gross a few names that I remember. Wishin you and family a great week-end. GODS BLESSING. Jimmy B.
parrishalford
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August 27, 2011
JB, I am bringing out these reasons as possible ways the Rebels can show improvement from 2010. Every one of them could happen, but usually the ball doesn't bounce a team's way such that everything it needs to go right does in fact go right.

The Cliff Notes version of 2011 is that Ole Miss begins the season as a team with more speed and athleticism than it had in 2010. That works for the Rebels. Inexperience and a difficult schedule are the biggest obstacles to improvement in wins and losses.
Churn
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August 27, 2011
PA my man, with all the hard work that you have put in for Rebel fan this season - THANK YOU - but I am still doubter as if they will improve much over last season's performance. The hang ups are at QB and DF, Maybe I have missed somethine here, if so, please throw it at me. GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY.

JB