Ole Miss fans are desperate for a winner, a reason to cheer following an 0-8 record in SEC play last year. Meet Jevan Snead. Their savior speaks with a Texas drawl, and after almost two years of waiting, he’ll start at quarterback for Ole Miss after transferring from Texas. Following practice Tuesday evening, Snead discussed his high school matchup with Matthew Stafford and the wild fib Florida’s coaches told him during recruiting.

Q. So what’s it like to be the savior of Ole Miss football?

A. (Laughs) “It just feels good to actually be playing again. But, yeah, I do feel like everybody in this town is giving us a lot of support. But I don’t get recognized too much. Every now and then, maybe.”

Q. What was it like to practice all week with the team last year, then watch loss after loss?

A. “It was tough. I had to sit in the stands. I would just be the scout-team quarterback and try to do that role. It was hard sitting up in the stands and not being able to get down there and help. There was a little bit of frustration. That’s why I’m so excited now.”

Q. Is the talent level there? Are a lot of us underestimating you guys?

A. “I think we have great talent, great potential. Right now, we’re working on playing together as a team and getting everybody to work hard. I think we have the talent.”

Q. A lot of us think Houston Nutt talks like a preacher. What’s he like?

A. “Great guy. Great coach. I’m so fortunate, so lucky to play for him. He is a positive guy. He’s not one to come out here and cuss us. He’s very positive. He always trusts us.”

Q. You played in a classic state semifinal game in Texas against Matthew Stafford as a senior. What do you remember about that?

A. “We lost (chuckles). It was a tough game (his school, Stephenville, lost 41-38). They really had a great team. I don’t talk to Matthew on the phone or anything, but I do see him every now and then. We hung out at the Manning Passing Academy.”

Q. Another guy at that academy, Kentucky receiver Dicky Lyons, was an absolute nut at media days. What did you think?

A. “He’s a really funny guy. There were so many characters there, but, yeah, he was hilarious.”

Q. After you committed to Florida, Tim Tebow also gave his verbal commitment. Did anyone tell you he was recruited to play linebacker?

A. “Actually, yes. They actually said they were planning on putting him on defense. I didn’t believe that at all.”

Q. Who told you that?

A. “A couple of their coaches said that. I didn’t fall for it.”

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