If it's true that defense wins championships, then Ole Miss may have won one today. I just don't have a name for it.
The defense dominated the Rebels' only open practice of August. A small crowd of football-starved Rebels fans scattered about the east stands of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and watched as a defensive tackle with 80-pound thighs of iron named Robert Nkemdiche could not be stopped - or contained. He gobbled passes and chased quarterbacks. He wrecked whatever offensive lineman was in his path, and generally looked like he might live up to his billing as 2013's No. 1 recruit in the country.
The defense dominated the Rebels' only open practice of August. A small crowd of football-starved Rebels fans scattered about the east stands of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and watched as a defensive tackle with 80-pound thighs of iron named Robert Nkemdiche could not be stopped - or contained. He gobbled passes and chased quarterbacks. He wrecked whatever offensive lineman was in his path, and generally looked like he might live up to his billing as 2013's No. 1 recruit in the country.
At his flanks were swift up-field pass rushers named C.J. Johnson and Marquis Haynes.
Let's just say Bo Wallace was thankful for his green jersey.
But let's not get carried away here. It's the 8th day of practice (players reported August 1st). The defense is usually ahead of the offense this early in camp. This is far from the well-oiled machine you might see during the season. Tempo is an after-thought at this point. Freeze is just trying to install plays and teach terminology. There was no hurry-up. No audibles. Just man vs man, and on this early August day Dave Wommack's navy-clad unit pinned its ears back and whipped the red-jerseyed offense.
That's not to say there weren't a few bright spots on the offensive side. Evan Engram reached up through solid coverage for a terrific catch in the end zone. It looks like the sophomore will pick up where he left off as an All-SEC freshman, and that could mean spectacular things for this offense.
Backup quarterback DeVante Kincade ran around the left side and loped down the sideline like a gazelle for 20 yards, laughing as he finally went out of bounds. On that particular run Kincade looked plenty capable to serve as this season's Barry Brunetti.
Running back Jordan Wilkins broke one.
Vince Sanders looks healthy and ready to go at receiver. Let's hope he stays that way. A healthy Sanders will be a major contributor.
The offensive line, well, it's got work to do. But that was expected. There's still 18 days to go until Boise State. Matt Luke can have them ready by then, right?
Because it was just practice Freeze wasn't using counteractive measures on that magnificent defensive line. Also, this defensive line may really be that good. They certainly look the part. I stood 5 yards away from them in drills. These are some significant looking men. Tall. Lean. Muscular. This isn't your grandfather's defensive line. And then there's Nkemdiche, who is other-worldly with his giant oil barrel thighs and chiseled torso. I don't know what the giant muscle squats, but I'm guessing it's the same weight as a Japanese automobile. Seriously, if Nkemdiche isn't making Jadeveon Clowney type waves a few games into this season I will be surprised.
Freeze may have to make him sit on the sideline during a few practices just to give his offense a chance to run a play right.
“When you’re installing you want to be able to just run your stuff and teach it," Freeze said, but thanks to Nkemdiche..... "it looks so bad you get frustrated. He’s a handful.”
I think it is fair to say that Nkemdiche is "all in".
Shepard Hurt: Freeze told reporters after practice that Tee Shepard was getting an MRI today. While I haven't heard a confirmed report of a serious injury the word I have heard is not good. I'll wait for the official announcement, but Freeze sounded positively sick at even the thought of losing the nation's top JUCO corner, saying Shepard has been fantastic this week. If Shepard is lost for the season, and I don't know that for certain, it would be a huge blow, but not insurmountable. The Rebels have depth at the position, but if Shepard's talent is as reputed, he will be missed.
On a Lighter Note: Cody Prewitt is huge. I don't really know what else there is to say about that, but he looks like a beast and the senior confidence he shows make him look even bigger. Heaven help the receiver who challenges him across the middle this season. Their only hope is the protection provided by zebras and their yellow flags.
VISIT THE MESSAGE BOARD AND TALK ABOUT NKEMDICHE'S THIGHS
BUY THIS DECAL AND SUPPORT MY WRITING HABIT
Freeze may have to make him sit on the sideline during a few practices just to give his offense a chance to run a play right.
“When you’re installing you want to be able to just run your stuff and teach it," Freeze said, but thanks to Nkemdiche..... "it looks so bad you get frustrated. He’s a handful.”
I think it is fair to say that Nkemdiche is "all in".
Shepard Hurt: Freeze told reporters after practice that Tee Shepard was getting an MRI today. While I haven't heard a confirmed report of a serious injury the word I have heard is not good. I'll wait for the official announcement, but Freeze sounded positively sick at even the thought of losing the nation's top JUCO corner, saying Shepard has been fantastic this week. If Shepard is lost for the season, and I don't know that for certain, it would be a huge blow, but not insurmountable. The Rebels have depth at the position, but if Shepard's talent is as reputed, he will be missed.
On a Lighter Note: Cody Prewitt is huge. I don't really know what else there is to say about that, but he looks like a beast and the senior confidence he shows make him look even bigger. Heaven help the receiver who challenges him across the middle this season. Their only hope is the protection provided by zebras and their yellow flags.
VISIT THE MESSAGE BOARD AND TALK ABOUT NKEMDICHE'S THIGHS
BUY THIS DECAL AND SUPPORT MY WRITING HABIT