Local Sports

Freeze says Mississippi freshmen will contribute

Mississippi’s celebrated freshman class won’t be standing on the sidelines for long.

Second-year coach Hugh Freeze said the team’s most highly rated recruits – like defensive end Robert Nkemdiche, receiver Laquon Treadwell and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil – have played well during the first two weeks of preseason camp and will contribute immediately when the Rebels open the season against Vanderbilt on Aug. 29.

The trio of five-star prospects will be surrounded by other young faces. Freeze expects around 10 freshmen to make their debut against the Commodores.

Freeze said it’s “certainly a challenge” to make sure all the freshmen are ready to contribute. He said the coaching staff is trying to make sure it doesn’t ask the young players to do too much. […]