Ole Miss Fall Camp Practice Report: Monday, August 11

OXFORD, Miss. — After a scrimmage this past Saturday inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the Ole Miss football team has begun its third week of fall camp. The Rebs were in shoulder pads and helmets today, and it’s feeling more and more like game intensity.

The pieces to the various position puzzles are also starting to be a little more obvious for each position within the team.

Wearing the black, no-contact jerseys today on offense were wide receivers Cayden Lee, Izaiah Hartrup, and Traylon Ray. Hartrup appeared limited while Lee seemed to be a full go. Defensively, Cedrick Beavers and Da’Shawn Womack were in the black jerseys; although, they did go through some of the drills.

Offensive lineman Patrick Kutas appeared to participate fully while we were there watching.

The quarterbacks earned their stripes today, working on pre-snap plays, and red zone actions. The shift of gameplan was on full notice today.

Throughout the first two weeks, the media viewing portions have only allowed for us to witness full head-to-head play when the team transitions to the outside fields, as the offense goes against the defense on one drive starting around the 50 yard line. Today, multiple reps between both squads were played, creating the opportunity for guys on both sides of the ball to show out.

Offensively, we saw one group with Austin Simmons at QB, tight ends Dae’Quan Wright and Trace Bruckler, O-linemen Diego Pounds, PJ Wilkins, Brycen Sanders, Patrick Kutas, and Delano Townsend. During the portion of practice we were able to view, we did not see right tackle Jayden Williams. Kewan Lacy and Logan Diggs were at running back, while the wide receivers were Deuce Alexander and De’Zhaun Stribling.

Another group we saw consisted of Trinidad Chambliss at QB, along with wide receivers Winston Watkins and Deuce Alexander. Trace Bruckler worked with the group as well, along with running back Damien Taylor. The offensive linemen in this group included Connor Howes, John Wayne Oliver, Ethan Fields, Devin Harper and Terez Davis.

Again, this was early in practice today, and it’s worth noting we are limited in the amount of periods we are able to observe. So it’s highly likely the above groups changed any number of times.

We saw Austin Simmons connect with Harrison Wallace III today for a touchdown pass, as Wallace separated himself from two defenders to haul in the pass.

Tight end Trace Buckler also saw many opportunities today, hauling in a touchdown pass, and showing no mercy when put on the line of scrimmage as a pass blocker.

Throughout a course of roll-out plays, Trinidad Chambliss really shined. His versatility as a mobile quarterback was put on display. He also produced some great red zone throws during a few of the teams head on scrimmages.

The running backs went through pass blocking drills, along with lateral footwork drills.

Defensively, the front seven embraced every opportunity during the scrimmages, getting downhill with a purpose. The unit attacked every run and played with a purpose. Seemingly every snap, they were in the backfield to control the run game, receiving great praise from  defensive line coach Randall Joyner, as he hyped up his players every chance he got.

Defensive lineman Kamron Beavers was among the guys that stood out to me today among the front seven, showcasing great agility and hand speed that creates problems for the opposition. The freshman from Bay Springs, Mississippi was a four star product according to 247Sports, receiving offers from schools such as Alabama, Auburn, and Colorado. Defensive lineman Zxavian Harris continues to impress as well, and so does Antonio Kite in the secondary. Suntarine Perkins looks strong, as does TJ Dottery at linebacker.

News and notes

Ole Miss is ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll released Monday. The Rebels are scheduled to face five ranked opponents this season (Home #9 LSU, Away #5 Georgia, Away #18 Oklahoma, Home #13 South Carolina, and Home #15 Florida).

The next viewing practice is scheduled for Thursday, with interviews from the coordinators after practice.