Gwinnett players looking to contribute for the Rebels, plus Ole Miss Outlook

Four former Gwinnett high school standouts are hoping to contribute on the field for the Ole Miss Rebels as they try to win their first SEC title since, well, who knows when. I think it was back when John Vaught was coaching. I believe that would be back during the 1950s.

Melvin Harris is a Redshirt Freshman from Buford. The wide receiver led Buford High school to a 15-0 record and a Georgia 2A State Title his Senior year. He saw no game action last year for Ole Miss being that he was redshirted. For the Buford Wolves, Harris caught 30 passes for 660 yards and 8 touchdowns during his Senior season. Harris has the talent to contribute for the Rebels on the field. Let's hope he gets his chance this year.

DB Brandon Sanders is another Redshirt Freshman and had a stellar career at Peachtree Ridge High School. Sanders was the No. 57 player in Georgia and the No. 102 CB in the nation by Scout.com. Sanders finished his Senior season with 25 tackles and one interception, and was ranked No. 71 among cornerbacks by ESPN.com. Sanders was also named First Tean All-Region. He hopes to translate all of that success on to the college scene. With physical maturation during the redshirt year, Sanders will hopefully gain game experience this Fall and help the Rebels on the field.

Julian Whitehead is yet another Redshirt Freshman from Lilburn, GA. He spent his last prep year at Hargrave Military Academy, where he was rated the No. 33 prep school player in the nation by Rivals.com. Whitehead completed 25 tackles and made four interceptions. Before Hargrave, Whitehead played at Parkview High School for Head Coach Cecil Flowe. While playing for the Panthers, Whitehead made 38 tackles and had two INT's as a Junior. For his efforts, he was named to the All-County Team. Unfortunately for Whitehead, he missed his Senior season due to injury. During the Grove Bowl (The Ole Miss Spring Game) in 2008, Whitehead had one pass break up. With a year to recover and another to get stronger, Whitehead might have a chance to contribute for the Rebels this Fall.

The final member of the Gwinnett group of Rebels is Soph. LB Trey Tripp. Tripp is from Buford, GA and played at Peachtree Ridge High School along with Brandon Sanders. Tripp was a walk-on who was redshirted his Freshman year in 2007. He didn't see any action in 2008, but in the Spring of 2008, Tripp assisted on two tackles during the Rebels' Red-Blue Game. This past Spring, Tripp made two tackles in the Grove Bowl. Though these statistics during scrimmage games may seem insignificant, Tripp's success during these scrimmages can only help his confidence. He is currently listed on the Rebel Scout Team, but will hopefully see some action this Fall.

As for the prospectus of the Ole Miss Rebels in 2009, they actually have an excellent chance to win the SEC Western Division. Starting QB Jevan Snead had a terrific season last year, so much so that Steve Spurrier (or his Director of Operations, take your pick) put Snead ahead of Tim Tebo on the Pre-Season All-SEC Team. Snead had a 145.5 rating in pass efficiency. He was second in the SEC in touchdown passes with 26 and set a school single season record in yards per completion (15.0). Snead was also third in the SEC in passing average (212.5 ypg).

The schedule is favorable for the Rebels with SEC home games against Alabama, Arkansas, LSU and Tennessee. South Carolina and Vandy, though they're road games, I believe will be wins. Arkansas is still rebuilding as is Tennessee. The games against the Tide and LSU will be difficult, but the Rebels are capable of winning those games. They don't play Florida or Georgia this year. Their toughest SEC road game will be against Auburn, but I think Ole Miss will pull that game out. As far as non-conference games, UAB is competitive but Mississippi will win on Homecoming Day. The Labor Day opener in Memphis against the Memphis Tigers will be a win, as will be home games against SE LA and N. Arizona. And of course, las but not least, the Egg Bowl. It's in Starkville this year, but Ole Miss by then will have the SEC West Title on the line and they will beat their hated in-state rivals Miss. St.

I believe that Ole Miss will finish 11-1 this year with their only loss coming against Alabama. However, the Tide will end up with two loses and Ole Miss will win the watered down SEC West. Information in this blog was obtained from www.olemisssports.com.