FOOTBALL PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP: WEEK 2
Coach Hugh Freeze’s press conference Monday morning was somewhat defined by lingering uncertainty. The Rebels’ head coach declined yet again to name a starter at quarterback outright, and denies any knowledge of Laremy Tunsil’s status regarding the ongoing NCAA investigation.
“I know everybody’s surprised, but really, the way these things go for me, is I’m just not included in a lot of the behind-the-scenes things that are going on,” said Freeze. He reiterated that Tunsil’s availability is dictated by the university, and that the program is being “fully compliant” with the NCAA’s investigation of alleged violations.
In Tunsil’s absence, Freeze said that Rod Taylor could take snaps at LT this week. In addition to continued shakeups along the offensive line, Freeze said that he is still evaluating the kick returner position. Linebacker CJ Johnson will return to action from a one-game suspension this week.
When asked about the quarterback race, Freeze again said that he “like[s] all three right now,” but that Chad Kelly will draw the start in week two. He said that Kelly was “more comfortable than I anticipated him being,” last week, but that the staff will “get all three ready and see how the game goes.”
Coming off a throttling of UT-Martin on Saturday, the Rebs get another non-conference foe in Fresno State at home before the looming SEC opener at Alabama. Freeze noted that last week’s crowd was “phenomenal,” and that “the energy that was there for a morning game was better than probably any I’ve experienced here.”
OTHER NOTES:
Women’s Soccer coach Matthew Mott was on hand Monday morning to talk about his team’s 4-0-2 start. After freshman CeCe Kizer scored in overtime to lead the Rebels to a 1-0 victory over Little Rock this weekend, Mott had a chance to appraise his young star forward.
“I think she’s in the right place at the right time. IF you watch her movements, she [finds] herself away from defenders so she’s open, and then when she’s getting the chances, she’s putting them on frame. She’s been really clutch so far.”
The Rebels return to action this weekend, opening conference play at home against Kentucky before hosting Louisville.
Also in attendance was Women’s Volleyball coach Steven McRoberts, fresh off his team’s strong 3-0 showing at the Hilton Garden Inn Cary Classic in Raleigh, North Carolina. McRoberts said that his young team was able to “right the ship” somewhat in what has been a “roller coaster” of a season so far. Still, the team is 7-1.
“We’ve got just two seniors on the floor and three or four new players in the mix,” McRoberts explained. “a lot more depth this year.”
Ole Miss hosts the Rebel Classic Sept. 10-12, featuring matchups against Belmont, Buffalo, and a 7-0 Southern Miss team that McRoberts says “could loom big for us, as we are looking to get an NCAA tournament bid later on.” 
