OXFORD — Ole Miss All-American defensive end Greg Hardy underwent successful surgery on his right foot Wednesday and will miss the Rebels’ spring drills.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Bob Anderson, an NFL consultant, in Charlotte, N.C. Rehab will begin immediately, and Hardy is expected to return to the practice field when the team reports in August for 2009 preseason workouts.

“The doctors did an excellent job of identifying the best way to get Greg’s foot back to full strength, and we’re encouraged with the outcome of the surgery,” said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. “I know it’s been frustrating to Greg, but he handled it well. It’s now time to get back in school, do his rehab and then get ready for his senior season.”

A two-time All-America honoree, Hardy has ranked among the SEC leaders in sacks each of the last two seasons, notching 10 in 2007 and 8 1/2 this fall, despite playing in only nine of the 13 contests. The Millington, Tenn., native enters his senior season with 32 1/2 career tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles.