Has Coach Nutt even decided...
With spring semester coming to an end, the Ole Miss Rebels are in need of naming a starting quarterback. At the beginning of the 2011 spring semseter, the Rebels had four prospects in the running for the starting quarterback position-- Senior Nathan Stanley, junior Randall Mackey, junior college transfer Zach Stoudt, and sophomore transfer Barry Brunetti. After the last week of spring practice, senior Nathan Stanley decided it was his time to go, leaving Ole Miss with just three scholarship quarterbacks.
Realistically, the real competition lies between Brunetti and Mackey. Brunetti and Mackey are both valuable players;The problem that comes into play is their age and ability when it comes to making certain decisions on the field. They are both very young players and need time to mature and become familiar with fielding decisions.
Brunetti has great speed to his passes but shows little consistency. Mackey on the other hand has great contact with the ball and patience during plays, but struggles with communication in the huddle. Although, Coach Nutt has made it clear that Mackey is overcoming his communication problems; Nutt said, "I've been proud of him for a couple of reasons, No. 1, first and foremost, huddle etiquette, as we all know, that was an issue. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue. So I’m excited about that.”
After only 13 spring practices, it is difficult for Coach Nutt to predict the starting quarterback; However, Nutt said that Mackey was in the lead for the quarterback position leaving spring training and that he was very pleased with his progress. Heading into the annual Grove Bowl game, Randall Mackey and Barry Brunetti both served as the appointed quarterback leader of the red and blue teams. Unfortunately, the spring game ended in a tie, leaving us with even more anticipation of our future quarterback.
What these young men do from here on out until fall practice will be the true test. These boys have all summer to practice and improve their skills for preseason camp at the beginning of August. Everything they do must be on their own, without the coaches help. This is the last chance to prove themselves and fight for their starting spot on the field. Coach Nutt has made it clear that he intends on naming his starting quarterback at the start of preseason camp. Let the competition begin boys...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diNHyQqpdS4
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