Freeze, Rebels Host Children of Plane Crash Victims at Practice Today

Coach Freeze made sure the children had fun at the practice today.

Today at Ole Miss Rebels’ football practice, head coach Hugh Freeze and his Rebels hosted children of the plane crash victims: Drs. Jason and Lea Farese, Dr. Michael and Kim Perry and Dr. Austin and Angie Poole.

Freeze said, “The hurt that I feel for those families. I went home and spent some time with my kids. I just can’t imagine. You search for answers and you’re just at a total loss for words. I know the Oxford community because I’ve lived here for five years and three before, and I know that they will rally. I know that we’re going to do our part in helping these young kids have a future that is secure, and I know their families will too. We’re here to help. We’ve got all those kids here today from those families. It hit home for sure. One of the young girls is one of my daughter’s good friends. I told our team you’re not promised another day. What we can do is rise up today and be the best man that we can be, whether that’s a football player or just using the platform that God’s given us to make an impact or a difference.”

At today’s practice, Freeze noted the offense controlled the scrimmages during Monday’s practices which he felt was odd at this time in fall camp. He was pleased nonetheless. Freeze said that the offense’s ability to protect the football hasn’t been a deficiency during camp and that the offense has not fumbled much.

Freeze added that the defense has a lot to clean up and improve upon, but he said the special teams were solid.

As for injuries, C.J. Moore recently had surgery for a torn pec muscle and is currently waiting to see how long rehabilitation will take. Freshman Greg Eisworth isn’t released to go yet with a hamstring issue. Markell Pack will have a pin to be installed in his hand tomorrow, but Freeze said he was told that Pack would be ready for the opening game against Florida State Seminoles. Freeze added that “everything looks good” with Jeremy Liggins, and that Fadol Brown is moving around better and will be expected to go into some one-on-ones today.

Rebels are steadily improving during practice. Freeze said that D’Vaughan Pennamon keeps showing up at running back position and that D.K. Metcalf shows up consistently in one-on-one situations. He noted that Deontay Anderson only had a few interceptions in the RedZone during scrimmages. Although Jarion Street has not been in Oxford this summer and is behind on practice, Freeze sees that he will soon catch up.

As for the quarterback situation, Freeze said Shea Patterson and Jason Pellerin both looked great behind Chad Kelly during fall camp.

Collin Brister is a staff writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at collin.brister@hottytoddy.com.