Ole Miss Football Practice Report | Thursday, August 15 Notes from the Field
OXFORD, Miss. – Thursday morning, the Ole Miss Rebels football team hit the gridiron once again for a sunny fall camp practice as the days leading up to week one inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium continue to tick down.
Offense
In the few weeks of fall camp we have watched thus far, the offensive line room has shown its depth with players fitting into spots we have not seen them at in the past. With starting center Caleb Warren taking things lightly so far, Southern Miss transfer Gerquan Scott has stepped into that role as he continues to take a majority of his snaps with Jaxson Dart.
Also, sophomore Preston Cushman has been seen repping some at right tackle, with 2023 starter Micah Pettus continuing to work towards being a full-go since his injury late last year. Of note, today, Pettus was back in his regular spot on the end of the line as he looks to be at full speed already.
Still, with no clear lineup set, a surplus of Rebel playmakers continue to impress during camp as position battles roll on. Sophomore wide receiver Ayden Williams seems to be building even more chemistry with Dart, getting many targets in the short team periods we have seen. The former top Mississippi prospect looks to make a much larger impact in year two under Lane Kiffin.
Yes, he caught that 👀@aydenwilliams74 | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/6euz3EyXYf
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 3, 2024
Another target Dart continues to find is senior tight end Caden Prieskorn. Making a name for himself with his elite run-blocking in 2023, it was not until the Egg Bowl that the former Memphis transfer exploded onto the scene as a pass catcher. So far, the Rebel tight end has been the go-to safety valve for Dart in camp when the pressure comes quickly.
The catch by Caden Prieskorn 😤 https://t.co/PO3DuKv3lA pic.twitter.com/zGdkalXBKs
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 9, 2024
Defense
On the opposite side of the line, I noticed redshirt freshman Jamarious Brown repping inside at defensive tackle. Seniors Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues will likely lock into those spots; however, underclassmen such as Brown continue to show just how bright the future of the Landshark defense is.
Right behind those guys, I noticed TJ Dottery completing the front seven at the middle linebacker spot. Joining the official roster in the latter part of the 2023 season, Dottery first appeared as an edge rusher for the Rebels. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding seems to like the ‘freak athlete’ in the middle of the defense, though, perhaps even being the player linked to the new helmet communication technology.
In the back half of the Golding defense, the secondary is likely the deepest room on the team as we have seen many different faces in various positions in fall camp so far. Today, South Alabama transfer Yam Banks was seen in that slot corner role (nickel) during the team period. With a bigger safety build than most, Banks could be one of the biggest steals in the 2024 portal class.
Alongside Banks, sophomore defensive back Nick Cull still has my attention as the Peach State product continues to find his way on the field next to many experienced upperclassmen.
Up Next
Fall camp will continue Friday morning as another preseason week in Oxford comes to an end. This all leads up to a week one matchup against the Furman Paladins on August 31st inside the Vaught. Stay tuned at The Rebel Walk for more coverage of the Ole Miss Rebels football team.
(Feature image credit: Karis Chambliss, The Rebel Walk)
Kameron Wicker
Kam is a senior at Ole Miss, currently pursuing a degree in Journalism. Even though he's from Delhi, Louisiana, that didn't stop Kam from growing up a diehard Ole Miss fan. He's a sports guru who watches and follows all sports at all times. He lettered four years in football and baseball in high school and is an avid Saints, Pelicans, and Astros fan. In his free time, you can find him watching sports or at the rec participating in them.
