Freeze Discusses Quarterback, Offensive Line at Media Day

Photo courtesy Joshua McCoy/ Ole Miss Athletics

Media Day was a success as Coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media at the Manning Center on the campus of the University of Mississippi.

Coach Freeze spoke nothing but positives about the Rebels this season. With fall practice beginning today, this was a much anticipated press conference because of topics such as the vacancy of a quarterback and the highly touted defense returning seven of its starters.

Coach Freeze said that the most important thing in becoming a winning football team is chemistry. Last season, Freeze thought that the struggle through the final stretch of the season was not because of chemistry, but because of injuries that haunted the Rebels.

He said that you have to have players that can step up in these kind of situations. Freeze made a confident statement regarding the possibility of three Rebels in the top 10 of the 2016 NFL Draft, and went on to say, “Our brand has changed nationally. We are a factor. We aren’t going away.” Freeze said that his goal going into fall camp was to find a quarterback and establish a running game.

When questioned about the quarterbacks heading into fall practice, he commented that Ryan Buchanan will take the first snaps on day one. He went on to say that everyone will get reps and they will be doing everything from evaluating film to watching scrimmage play.

He noted that he was very pleased with Chad Kelly since he has been here. He mentioned Kelly’s 4.0 GPA during the summer and said he is first in every drill. Coach Freeze has run the offense with two quarterbacks and reminded the media that he is not afraid to do it again. Whoever it is taking that first snap, Freeze would like to be more comfortable running offense extremely fast. He did not like the situation last year where the offense had to go from fast to slow repetitively.

Reflecting on the 2014 season, the biggest issue for the Rebels came from the running back department which is dependent on the offensive line. Freeze made it clear that the offensive line has to step up and that will be connected to running back efficiency.

Aaron Morris is a question mark for this season because of his two knee surgeries. Going into fall practice he has said that Morris is listed as day-to-day.

Laremy Tunsil is another offensive lineman who is coming off of injury, but Freeze said that he is healthy and is ready to go in day one of fall practice.

Freeze commented on Freshman offensive lineman Javon Patterson, saying that he believes in him strongly. The running game will no doubt help the offensive play calling, as Freeze believes that we were fairly predictable in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against TCU.

Coach Freeze believes that there are seven Top 25 teams in the SEC West. The issues surrounding the defensive side of the ball seem to be the least of the worries going by the questions between the media and Coach Freeze. Throughout fall camp, Coach Freeze and his staff will attempt to establish a fast-paced offensive attack.

Grant Daniels, a student at Oxford High School, is sports correspondent for HottyToddy.com. Email him at grantalford9@gmail.com.