Greenwood's Jonathan Nichols has been named the starting place-kicker at Ole Miss, according to head coach David Cutcliffe.
Nichols, a redshirt freshman out of Pillow Academy, will handle PATs and field goals, while sophomore Lee Rogers has been pegged as the kickoff man.
Asked what separated Nichols from the competition, Cutcliffe said: "He's been consistent over the last few weeks with his time. He's been getting the ball off on time and getting great height on his kicks. Lee Rogers and Shae Orrell were not necessarily doing a bad job. Jonathan was a little better. That is why we are going into this game with him. We will see what happens."
DSU: Versatile wide receiver Brandon Butler has transferred from Mississippi State to Delta State.
Butler, a junior, was converted to receiver last season and was the Bulldogs' third-string quarterback. He didn't throw a pass, though he did catch five for 53 yards in 2000.
He was among six receivers vying for playing time at Mississippi State.
"I've been thinking about this since the first day of two-a-days. It all comes down to playing time, and I felt like I needed to make a move," he said. "Delta State is a place where we have a chance to win, and I can play a part in that."
The Kenner, La., native redshirted his freshman year in 1998 and played just one game in 1999. He was 2-for-5 passing for 19 yards and an interception.
By transferring from a Division I-A school to a Division II, Butler will be able to play immediately for the Statesmen.
Delta State coach Steve Campbell said Butler will move right into the starting lineup at receiver.
Delta State defensive coordinator Gwaine Mathews was Butler's coach at De La Salle High School in New Orleans
"This is like where I was supposed to be all along," said the 6-foot, 195-pound Butler.
Delta State plays its first game Sept. 8 at home against Mississippi Valley State.
