Ole Miss senior Robert Lane was called by head coach Ed Orgeron after the
Rebels loss to Alabama about moving to the tight end position. He was told
by the coach that the staff wanted to find a way to get him on the field.
Obviously, it was not a conversation that he was comfortable having with
Orgeron.
“It was kinda tough, because I’ve played that position (quarterback) all of my life,” Lane said. “I played tight end a little bit last year, in the middle of the season, and I was able to work this spring on learning the techniques of the position,” Lane said. “I’m excited about the going into camp this fall and competing and not only holding my own, but playing well. I’m still learning techniques for my position because I played quarterback four years in high school and three years in college. I just love playing football. Offense, defense, special teams, as long as I’m on the field I’m happy.”
Orgeron repeatedly said that he expects offensive coordinator Dan Werner to significantly utilize the tight end in the Ole Miss offense. Werner and offensive line coach Art Kehoe had achieved success using the tight end at the University of Miami. Orgeron said to expect the rebels to employ a two tight end set through much of the season. That should come as no surprise as the Rebels will enter the season with a depleted wide receivers corps.
“We did not have the type of production that we need at the wide receiver position,” Orgeron stated. “Mike Wallace played sparingly for us last year and had a great off-season for us. He has gained twenty pounds and runs a sub 4.3 forty. We expect him to have a good season.”
“We’re going to have a young group at wide receiver,” he added. “One group you can get ready to lay fast is wide receiver. We expect them to have a decent year.”
Orgeron said that he believes Lane will flourish with the new changes in the Rebels offense. No kidding.
Starting quarterback Brent Schaeffer remains in California where he is trying to complete his coursework and report to the team on August 3rd.
Uh-oh.
Orgeron seemed a little uncomfortable and who could blame him. His starter is half a country away from the Oxford campus. This puts the Rebels ability to improve play at the wide receiver situation in serious jeopardy. Schaeffer was unable to participate in spring drills, as well as, absent when throwing in the summer to new teammates carries tremendous weight.
Better get those tight ends ready. Those high percentage short passes are seemingly the Rebs best bet.