It's almost as if Houston Nutt is starting from scratch as he prepares for his fourth season as the Ole Miss football coach.

Sure, he's got some returning talent like running back Brandon Bolden and defensive end Kentrell Lockett, should the NCAA approve his medical hardship waiver. But uncertainty at quarterback and a heralded signing class will complicate things as Nutt looks to rebound from a four-win season with the Rebels.

It should make spring practice a fun thing to watch.

The biggest battle will take place at quarterback. Nutt will have a chance to choose between four, with two each with the pedigree of running different styles. Junior Nathan Stanley and junior college transfer Zack Stoudt both appear to be legit pro-style quarterbacks; junior Randall Mackey and West Virginia transfer Barry Brunetti have the dual-style history.

Throw in a new offensive coordinator, David Lee, and passing game coordinator, Gunter Brewer. Finding a rhythm on offense with the post-Jeremiah Masoli Rebels should be a matter of great importance this spring.

Weird thing is, the Rebels' biggest struggles in 2010 were on defense. Coordinator Tyrone Nix is under fire and now has a relatively new group of players with which to work. The signing class focused on junior college talent and defensive backs, but also added the top prep player in the state in LB C.J. Johnson.

TOP OF THE CLASS

LB C.J. Johnson (Philadelphia High, Philadelphia, Miss.) -- He was the consensus top recruit out of Mississippi and signed with Ole Miss after a long commitment to rival Mississippi State. Johnson was impressive in U.S. Army All-American practices and has a chance, given the graduation of two starting linebackers, to play immediately.

WR/DB Nick Brassell (South Panola, Batesville, Miss.) -- The pipeline from the national power South Panola just 25 miles down Highway 6 to Ole Miss continued with Brassell. Coach Houston Nutt thinks he has the talent to play both ways if he can master the schemes.

WR Tobias Singleton (Madison Central, Madison, Miss.) -- Another top-instate player that excelled as a tall high school wide receiver. He's one of many WRs that make this class heavy on speed, but Singleton might possess the best skills as a kick or punt returner.

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