A day after the Rebel newcomers arrived in Oxford, the Ole Miss returnees reported to campus on Sunday as the team prepares to begin fall training camp with the first practice slated for Monday.

“Everyone is here and ready to go,” said head coach Houston Nutt. “We’re trying to get everyone situated with the physicals, compliance and all the paperwork. We’ll have our first meal together (Sunday night), and then we’ll have our first team meeting.”


Nutt emphasized his club’s productive offseason and the players’ outstanding effort in academics, conditioning and overall preparation for the upcoming season.


“I really feel like we won the summer, if you look at their attitude, how much they’ve given and how much they’ve encouraged one another,” he said. “They’ve shown up for voluntary workouts and looked forward to coming to work each day.”


The first-year Rebel coach spent his summer speaking to local clubs throughout the Southeast, and said that the fans’ support has provided some additional energy for the team.


“If you look at the last few quarterback club meetings we’ve attended, the fans can’t wait for football,” Nutt said. “That gives us a little bit more motivation, and we’re very appreciative of that.”


Nutt also announced that senior defensive end Antonio Turner has returned to the team roster, while receiver Michael Hicks and defensive back Colby Arceneaux have transfered. In addition, linebacker Brandon Thomas has completed his undergraduate degree and will forgo his final year of eligibility.


On Monday, the team will meet following breakfast and then hold their first walk-through. The first full-scale practice will take place at 5:30 p.m. All evening practices during the first week of preseason will be open to the public, concluding with Saturday’s workout.


Check OleMissSports.com for daily practice reports and a schedule of practice times and locations.