Team Updates 2015

[eSJay]

Esjay, what is the deal with Duke Williams? Heard that he has left the team, but that is not confirmed.

I was told "he got to fighting" with Trayvon Reed (the 7' basketball thug) a couple of week ago. He has been given a list of things he has to do before he returns (per CGM).
I haven't heard anything about suspension or leaving the team. Not saying it isn't true, I just haven't heard that.

Duke is the man ON the field, but off the field leaves much to be desired. This is not his first time breaking team rules! Some kids never learn....even if it costs them millions!

[sab316]

I think from a personal standpoint that Ole Miss has the best D-Line in the country, and has the best WR group in the country. I think the defense will be better overall compared to last year. Our corners are better than last year, and thats with losing an All-American corner in Golson. DB's are deep enough to move Mike Hilton, a really good corner into the safety position. D-line is deep enough to move your best pass rushing DE back into the MLB position.

I think O-line of course will be where we get hurt. Our RB's are bigger and established, Walton the obvious starter, with Wilkins and Judd being the big backs. We lost Mathers and Dodson and have no immediate fall off. Our Freshman RB was pushing for playing time, but is out with a season ending stress fracture. With a WR group like Treadwell, Stringfellow, Engram, Adda-boy-Joe, Pack, Core, and incoming freshmen Van Jefferson and DeMarcus Lodge could even see playing time. That is an insanely stacked WR group.

I think Machine Gun Swaggy C will win the QB job, mostly because of his down field throws with decent mobility.

Only injury I know of from spring practice is the first day Herbert Moore our DT tore his ACL.

[Deltamud77]

I think from a personal standpoint that Ole Miss has the best D-Line in the country, and has the best WR group in the country. I think the defense will be better overall compared to last year. Our corners are better than last year, and thats with losing an All-American corner in Golson. DB's are deep enough to move Mike Hilton, a really good corner into the safety position. D-line is deep enough to move your best pass rushing DE back into the MLB position.

I think O-line of course will be where we get hurt. Our RB's are bigger and established, Walton the obvious starter, with Wilkins and Judd being the big backs. We lost Mathers and Dodson and have no immediate fall off. Our Freshman RB was pushing for playing time, but is out with a season ending stress fracture. With a WR group like Treadwell, Stringfellow, Engram, Adda-boy-Joe, Pack, Core, and incoming freshmen Van Jefferson and DeMarcus Lodge could even see playing time. That is an insanely stacked WR group.

I think Machine Gun Swaggy C will win the QB job, mostly because of his down field throws with decent mobility.

Only injury I know of from spring practice is the first day Herbert Moore our DT tore his ACL.

I think Bama has a pretty strong argument for the best defensive line in the country. Moreover, TCUs defensive line looked much better than the OM line in Atlanta last year. That said, there is no doubt that OM has a stud defensive line.

I think you are likely right relative to OM having the best WR corp on paper. They have studs up and down the roster.

I am interested to see what adjustments Hugh Freeze has made to his offense since last year. I feel like opposing defensive coordinators figured him out last year at times. The culmination of figuring him out came against TCU. Patterson and his players said they knew exactly what OM was about to run before the snap on virtually every play because of alignments and other cues.

I feel certain Freeze and staff have changed things, but I am interested to see how they have changed and what adjustments folks like Muschamp, Chavis, Smart, etc. make relative to those changes.

As stated though, I think OM competes for the West all season and may win it with a little luck.

[camlock]

I think from a personal standpoint that Ole Miss has the best D-Line in the country, and has the best WR group in the country. I think the defense will be better overall compared to last year. Our corners are better than last year, and thats with losing an All-American corner in Golson. DB's are deep enough to move Mike Hilton, a really good corner into the safety position. D-line is deep enough to move your best pass rushing DE back into the MLB position.

I think O-line of course will be where we get hurt. Our RB's are bigger and established, Walton the obvious starter, with Wilkins and Judd being the big backs. We lost Mathers and Dodson and have no immediate fall off. Our Freshman RB was pushing for playing time, but is out with a season ending stress fracture. With a WR group like Treadwell, Stringfellow, Engram, Adda-boy-Joe, Pack, Core, and incoming freshmen Van Jefferson and DeMarcus Lodge could even see playing time. That is an insanely stacked WR group.

I think Machine Gun Swaggy C will win the QB job, mostly because of his down field throws with decent mobility.

Only injury I know of from spring practice is the first day Herbert Moore our DT tore his ACL.

I think Bama has a pretty strong argument for the best defensive line in the country. Moreover, TCUs defensive line looked much better than the OM line in Atlanta last year. That said, there is no doubt that OM has a stud defensive line.

I think you are likely right relative to OM having the best WR corp on paper. They have studs up and down the roster.

I am interested to see what adjustments Hugh Freeze has made to his offense since last year. I feel like opposing defensive coordinators figured him out last year at times. The culmination of figuring him out came against TCU. Patterson and his players said they knew exactly what OM was about to run before the snap on virtually every play because of alignments and other cues.

I feel certain Freeze and staff have changed things, but I am interested to see how they have changed and what adjustments folks like Muschamp, Chavis, Smart, etc. make relative to those changes.

As stated though, I think OM competes for the West all season and may win it with a little luck.

I think, and I know from what's been said to an extent, that some of Ole Miss offensive woes last year were A) they went slower than designed to do so b/c the defense was so good B) Bo Wallace arm strength hurt them. I think Hugh Freeze could have stayed ahead of the curve in a situation he could really run his offense. He chose to play slow to help the stronger part of the team, which worked cause the defense hardly allowed a TD until Auburn game. Then Bo Wallace couldn't make all the throws he wanted...then by the bowl game his top 2 WR and 2 of his top 5 OL and the best OL on team were out and his QB with a less than strong arm had a sprained ankle...it made TCU job so much easier, but nobody talks about that part.

[Deltamud77]

I think, and I know from what's been said to an extent, that some of Ole Miss offensive woes last year were A) they went slower than designed to do so b/c the defense was so good B) Bo Wallace arm strength hurt them. I think Hugh Freeze could have stayed ahead of the curve in a situation he could really run his offense. He chose to play slow to help the stronger part of the team, which worked cause the defense hardly allowed a TD until Auburn game. Then Bo Wallace couldn't make all the throws he wanted...then by the bowl game his top 2 WR and 2 of his top 5 OL and the best OL on team were out and his QB with a less than strong arm had a sprained ankle...it made TCU job so much easier, but nobody talks about that part.

Very valid points. Matt Luke mentioned that on Sports Talk a week or two ago. Said that they had to slow it down to suit both the offensive personnel...and in view of the greatness of the defense.

Do you guys think you will miss Cody Prewitt a lot this year? I never hear him mentioned and he seemed like the best player on the field many times.

[camlock]

I think, and I know from what's been said to an extent, that some of Ole Miss offensive woes last year were A) they went slower than designed to do so b/c the defense was so good B) Bo Wallace arm strength hurt them. I think Hugh Freeze could have stayed ahead of the curve in a situation he could really run his offense. He chose to play slow to help the stronger part of the team, which worked cause the defense hardly allowed a TD until Auburn game. Then Bo Wallace couldn't make all the throws he wanted...then by the bowl game his top 2 WR and 2 of his top 5 OL and the best OL on team were out and his QB with a less than strong arm had a sprained ankle...it made TCU job so much easier, but nobody talks about that part.

Very valid points. Matt Luke mentioned that on Sports Talk a week or two ago. Said that they had to slow it down to suit both the offensive personnel...and in view of the greatness of the defense.

Do you guys think you will miss Cody Prewitt a lot this year? I never hear him mentioned and he seemed like the best player on the field many times.

Cody Prewitt was a great player...his value was more about experience/leadership than anything. Technically, he was average in coverage and slow by SEC standards. He was a headhunter and he hit really hard, he was +++ in run support. The players in line to take his snaps are as good or better in terms of talent. If I had to lose a skill set, it's be run support not coverage in the backfield.

[mshunter77]

Update on Bama QB situation. Coker is showing he has all the physical talent to be one of the better QBs in the country and even an NFL caliber arm but is just not clicking mentally. Still seems hesitant and gun shy, not making quick reads and decisions. That does not translate well for success when he will be facing some nasty DLs in the SEC.

You live in MS and you went to school in Starkville...stop reporting on Alabama football!

But I work in Alabama.

[sab316]

Like was said we'll definitely miss Cody Prewitt. He seemed like one of those guys that ALWAYS made a timely interception, or a big hit. His run support from a safety position was more than we could have ever asked for. But his coverage skills were pretty ehhhh. Just like the Golson INT to seal the win against Alabama. Prewitt had the deep zone, and got smoked on it by the TE. Mike Hilton was called the best player on the entire defense by DC Wommack. He's extremely versatile and knows ever position. He's played CB, husky (hybrid LB / S), both safety positions. I feel completely confident with moving him to FS. Also 3 year starter Trae Elston on the other side with CJ Hampton a promising Sophomore that played good snaps last year and showed alot of promise. While losing a leader like Prewitt isn't ideal, there is more talented people to step into his shoes IMO.

Our OL HAS absolutely HAS to stay healthy. I imagine Javon Patterson a 5* incoming guard will play significant snaps, but we return the most starts from a OL in the SEC. We're just so shallow. We have zero depth, and that could be a very serious issue.

TCU game we got flat out $#!+ stomped. I'll be the first to admit it, TCU is a REALLY REALLY REALLY good team. I think they would have $#!+ stomped anyone that day, Ohio State, Alabama, anyone. They were playing lights out. Having a bum QB, a bum OL, then losing arguably the best LT in football, and missing your top 2 WR's to go along with no running game just spelled disaster for us.

[mshunter77]

No doubt the starters on DL are as good as any in the country but not sure they can go as deep as Bama. Treadwell and Engram are a dangerous duo but there are several loaded receiving groups across the country. To say they are the best in country is a bit of a stretch, but probably best/most experienced in SEC. Bama and A&M have a ton of talent here just not experienced we will have to see if it translates. I think Kelly could be a game changer. As others have said the question is the OL and power running game. This is definelty the year that freeze should be able to prove he is the offensive genius we have heard him claimed to be. If Kelly can not turn the ball over they should be able to open up the deep passing game which in turn will help open the run.

[Deltamud77]

It is interesting to me that once again, State is laying in the weeds, getting no chatter and little respect. While they lost starters, they still have a ton of experience coming back. Moreover, they probably have the best QB in the conference. They may have the best receiver in the conference in Wilson. They may have the best defensive lineman in the conference in Chris Jones. They will be formidable in my opinion and will beat some teams that people expect to beat them.

Side topic, in Mississippi and elsewhere, Treadwell and Nkimdiche are thought to be better players and prospects than either Wilson or Jones from State. However, having watched all four play extensively, I think there is a very strong argument that both State players are better football players than either of the Ole Miss players. Moreover, when you strictly look at the numbers, I think one can argue that Treadwell and Nkimdiche have actually under performed relative to their recruiting rankings. Tell me why I am wrong in thinking that.

[sab316]

It is interesting to me that once again, State is laying in the weeds, getting no chatter and little respect. While they lost starters, they still have a ton of experience coming back. Moreover, they probably have the best QB in the conference. They may have the best receiver in the conference in Wilson. They may have the best defensive lineman in the conference in Chris Jones. They will be formidable in my opinion and will beat some teams that people expect to beat them.

Side topic, in Mississippi and elsewhere, Treadwell and Nkimdiche are thought to be better players and prospects than either Wilson or Jones from State. However, having watched all four play extensively, I think there is a very strong argument that both State players are better football players than either of the Ole Miss players. Moreover, when you strictly look at the numbers, I think one can argue that Treadwell and Nkimdiche have actually under performed relative to their recruiting rankings. Tell me why I am wrong in thinking that.

Nkemdiche maybe hasn't had the flashiest of numbers:

13 games - Solo Tackles: 11 - Assisted: 24 - TFL: 4.0 - Sacks: 2.0 - Passes Broken Up: 1. They have 0 QB hurries which is false. Specific one I remember is a QB hurry on A&M, that lead their QB to not set his feet and threw a pick 6 to Cody Prewitt.

Nkemdiche commands atleast a double team EVERY play. He's getting chipped, cut, double and triple teamed every play. He's a 6'3" 300 lb bull. But this is the direct result of those triple teams,





Chris Jones 2014 Stats look similiar

13 Games - Solo Tackles: 9 - Assisted: 17 - TFL: 3.5 - Sacks: 3.0 - Passes Broken Up: 2.0

Both of these guys demand double teams, which in turn means their stats aren't flashy at all. They indirectly benefit their teams.

Treadwell is better than Wilson. Wilson may be the faster, slightly bigger receiver but Treadwell bring SUPERB run blocking to the table. He is so physically strong that he just man handles corners. I haven't seen that much from Wilson. Treadwell's strength is a direct result to why he was injured. He's so physically strong, most other people would have gone down way before bring pulled down from behind.

Stats are similar between the two as well, BUT remember Treadwell didn't play in the last FOUR games.

Treadwell - 48 receptions - 632 yrds - 13.2 avg - 5 TD's

Wilson - 47 receptions - 680 yrds - 14.5 avg - 9 TD's

While Wilson and Jones are very good players, and would be welcome on any team in the country. The hype for Treadwell and Nkemdiche is deserved.

Treadwell and Engram are a dangerous duo but there are several loaded receiving groups across the country. To say they are the best in country is a bit of a stretch, but probably best/most experienced in SEC. Bama and A&M have a ton of talent here just not experienced we will have to see if it translates. I think Kelly could be a game changer. As others have said the question is the OL and power running game. This is definelty the year that freeze should be able to prove he is the offensive genius we have heard him claimed to be. If Kelly can not turn the ball over they should be able to open up the deep passing game which in turn will help open the run.

If Kelly is just above average and doesn't pull 2013 like Bo turnovers we'll be a hard team to beat with our defense. Now, I would like you to find a deeper receiving core than ours. It's loaded with talent top to bottom. If you ran a 5 wide set, it would consist of Treadwell, Stringfellow, Adeboyejo, Engram, Core/Pack/Jefferson/Lodge. Any of those would be starting on another team. Jefferson and Lodge are freshmen that would be starting on most teams in the country, and will be pushing for playing time even with this group infront of them.

Next year is only stacking more elite WR talent into this roster as well.

[mfalkner]

It is interesting to me that once again, State is laying in the weeds, getting no chatter and little respect. While they lost starters, they still have a ton of experience coming back. Moreover, they probably have the best QB in the conference. They may have the best receiver in the conference in Wilson. They may have the best defensive lineman in the conference in Chris Jones. They will be formidable in my opinion and will beat some teams that people expect to beat them.

Side topic, in Mississippi and elsewhere, Treadwell and Nkimdiche are thought to be better players and prospects than either Wilson or Jones from State. However, having watched all four play extensively, I think there is a very strong argument that both State players are better football players than either of the Ole Miss players. Moreover, when you strictly look at the numbers, I think one can argue that Treadwell and Nkimdiche have actually under performed relative to their recruiting rankings. Tell me why I am wrong in thinking that.

I'd much rather be where State is now, laying low and having everything to gain. As a Reb fan, I have to agree that pound for pound Wilson and Jones are at least as good as Treadwell and Nkimdiche; I'm not convinced either of them got utilized to their best potential last year. But the same can be said for Treadwell and Nkimdiche - more than one time Treadwell was open and Bo couldn't/didn't get him the ball; also Robert ended up using his physicality to stuff the line more than eat up the backfield.

It's a good time to be a foosball fan in Mississippi.....

[camlock]

It is interesting to me that once again, State is laying in the weeds, getting no chatter and little respect. While they lost starters, they still have a ton of experience coming back. Moreover, they probably have the best QB in the conference. They may have the best receiver in the conference in Wilson. They may have the best defensive lineman in the conference in Chris Jones. They will be formidable in my opinion and will beat some teams that people expect to beat them.

Side topic, in Mississippi and elsewhere, Treadwell and Nkimdiche are thought to be better players and prospects than either Wilson or Jones from State. However, having watched all four play extensively, I think there is a very strong argument that both State players are better football players than either of the Ole Miss players. Moreover, when you strictly look at the numbers, I think one can argue that Treadwell and Nkimdiche have actually under performed relative to their recruiting rankings. Tell me why I am wrong in thinking that.

You can make your argument against Nkimdiche on numbers alone, my rebuttal would be the way they use him doesn't parlay into number but it makes defense better and takes a special player to do what he does in that scheme. Not saying makes him better than anybody else but saying I feel your comparison is nor fair to Nkimdiche as they aren't really play same position given the schemes.

Wilson is great receiver, take whichever guy you like and you got a great #1 guy, to say Treadwell has underperformed I don't even know how to respond. I don't get it....Treadwell was and hopefully still is and absolute prototype and rarely made mistakes. He made play after play, he dominated and was likely the best blocking WR in the country last year. I don't see what you are seeing there, or how...

[Deltamud77]

It is interesting to me that once again, State is laying in the weeds, getting no chatter and little respect. While they lost starters, they still have a ton of experience coming back. Moreover, they probably have the best QB in the conference. They may have the best receiver in the conference in Wilson. They may have the best defensive lineman in the conference in Chris Jones. They will be formidable in my opinion and will beat some teams that people expect to beat them.

Side topic, in Mississippi and elsewhere, Treadwell and Nkimdiche are thought to be better players and prospects than either Wilson or Jones from State. However, having watched all four play extensively, I think there is a very strong argument that both State players are better football players than either of the Ole Miss players. Moreover, when you strictly look at the numbers, I think one can argue that Treadwell and Nkimdiche have actually under performed relative to their recruiting rankings. Tell me why I am wrong in thinking that.

You can make your argument against Nkimdiche on numbers alone, my rebuttal would be the way they use him doesn't parlay into number but it makes defense better and takes a special player to do what he does in that scheme. Not saying makes him better than anybody else but saying I feel your comparison is nor fair to Nkimdiche as they aren't really play same position given the schemes.

Wilson is great receiver, take whichever guy you like and you got a great #1 guy, to say Treadwell has underperformed I don't even know how to respond. I don't get it....Treadwell was and hopefully still is and absolute prototype and rarely made mistakes. He made play after play, he dominated and was likely the best blocking WR in the country last year. I don't see what you are seeing there, or how...

I just don't think he has put the numbers up that would be expected for a player that is so hyped. Is he good? Yes. Is the best receiver in the league? Probably not. Heck, Travin Dural led LSU in receptions (37, at over 20 ypc), receiving yards (758) and receiving touchdowns (7) last year with freaking Anthony Jennings throwing to him. Blocking is great...but WRs are their to change the dynamic with receptions and touchdowns. Jennings was statistically the second worst QB in the entire NCAA last year. Dural blocks too.

I just don't think Treadwell is as good as he is billed. It is my opinion - I may be wrong. I think the same about Nkimdiche. He is really good and is going to be really rich one day. Does he compare equally to recent "great" SEC defensive lineman like Nick Fairly? I don't personally think so. Again, maybe I am wrong.

[Greenhead22]

I won't say that State's WR corp is the best in the league, but I'll put them up against anyone else in the conference. Their two deep chart is STOUT. Jefferson and Jones will hold their own on the DL. The other two will have to step up. The linebackers will be the staple of the defense. The DBs will just have to hold their own and not give up big plays. Everyone thinks that last year's run was a fluke and State will go back to being State. I made this statement last year and got laughed at. "If State runs through LSU, A&M and Auburn, get ready because it's on!" We went into Bama flat and the rest was history. If State steamrolls LSU in week 2 ........ get ready !