Hugh Kellenberger

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD -- Ole Miss got some good news Friday when the NCAA approved a transfer eligibility waiver for offensive tackle Christian Morris.

Now the No. 14 Rebels have to get Morris, a former top-10 tackle prospect, ready to play -- perhaps as soon as Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette.

"He's not ready today but the pedal will be pressed all the way to the floorboard to get him ready," coach Hugh Freeze said. "To back up both left and right tackle."

Morris did not travel with the team to the Vanderbilt game, a 41-3 win, and has been with the scout team since Ole Miss began preparing for games. But the Rebels are not deep on the offensive line, particularly at tackle, and right tackle Fahn Cooper has struggled (committing three penalties, one negating a touchdown, against Vanderbilt).

"He's a young guy as well and there are things we all need to work on, but the No. 1 thing I saw when I first saw him was his punch and his long arms," right guard Justin Bell said. "He can get separation from a defender."

Freeze said that another freshman, guard Rod Taylor, graded out well and did enough to earn further playing time.

"Rod Taylor played physical and fast," Freeze said. "Didn't always know exactly what to do, but no question he's an athletic kid."

Expect more from Cajuns

Louisiana-Lafayette's Saturday was an absolute disaster. The preseason Sun Belt Conference favorites lost 48-20 to instate rival Louisiana Tech (which went 4-8 in 2013 and lost by 32 to Oklahoma in week 1).

But Freeze said the Rebels have to be prepared to get the Ragin' Cajun's best on Saturday in Ole Miss' home opener.

"There's no question in my mind that there will be a bulls-eye on our chest," Freeze said.

Freeze spent two years in the Sun Belt with Arkansas State and said that experience made him understand the emotional high that level of program gets to when it goes to a SEC stadium.

Quick hits

Backup tight end Matt Brown is out six weeks after breaking his leg. ... The plan right now is to redshirt freshman wide receiver Sammie Epps. He was suspended for the opener but this decision is related to the depth chart, not an ongoing punishment. ... Freeze praised the job the scout team defense (largely freshmen like Breeland Speaks, Garrald McDowell and D.K. Buford) have done preparing the offense.