by Brendan Paschal

Ole Miss will not go undefeated this year. They will not win their division. And they certainly won’t win the SEC. Although their offense is lightning in a bottle, their defense is once again a concern. After one of the poorest performances in the SEC last season, the defense has a lot to improve upon if Ole Miss is to make any noise. That said, Ole Miss has a shot at winning every single game they play…including against Bama. 

Offense

Overview 

Hotty Toddy gosh almighty this could be the most exciting offense in the entire nation. Sure, they lost their most dynamic wideout to the NFL draft. But Lane Kiffin has an abundance of receivers who can step up and make plays; a dark horse Heisman candidate at QB; a running back room full of returning starters; and one of the best returning offensive lines in the SEC. Believe it or not, this offense could be even better than last year.

Departed Starters

Elijah Moore – WR – Draft 

Kenny Yeboah – TE – Draft 

Royce Newman – OT – Graduation/Draft 

Quarterback

Ole Miss delivered one of the greatest turnarounds from2019 to 2020 in terms of offensive production. Matt Corral (6-1, 205) had a lot to do with that. When Kiffin installed his no-huddle, pass-heavy offense, it allowed Corral to showcase his talent and lead the SEC in total yards per game (384.9). With a full year of experience running Kiffin’s offense, Corral could put up Heisman numbers. 

Our friend Harris Oates with DraftID writes, “Corral could sneakily be one of the top NFL prospects coming out of the SEC. He doesn’t wow you on tape, but was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation last year when he completed over 70% of his passes. This will be a huge year for Corral as we see how he manages without top receiver Elijah Moore.”

Behind Corral is one of the better athletes on the roster. Although John Rhys Plumlee lost the starting QB job to Corral during the head coach transition, Kiffin still incorporated him into the offense at times. Kiffin wants to get the ball into his hands even more this year and has created several packages with the sole purpose of getting Plumlee on the field. That said, if a game turns into a blowout or Corral gets sidelined, Plumlee should be the next man up at QB.

Running Back

This running back room is stacked with talent and experience. Jerrion Ealy (5-8, 190) will once again lead this committee, accompanied by fellow junior Snoop Conner (5-10, 215) and sophomore Henry Parrish (5-10, 190). While Conner is more of the 3rd down bruiser and Parrish is often used as a change-of-pace back, Ealy is a do-it-all kind of  back. This doesn’t mean Conner and Parrish aren’t versatile. All three can punish defenders in the hole, bounce a run outside, and catch passes out of the backfield. They will keep defenses honest, which will allow a lot of opportunities in the passing game.

Wide Receiver/Tight-End 

The Rebels lose their top two receiving weapons, WR Elijah Moore and TE Kenny Yeboah, to the NFL Draft. The pair combined for over half the team’s receptions and yards in 2020. But there is plenty of talent to share the burden. A lot of experts are circling redshirt senior Braylon Sanders to become “the man.” Sanders (6-0, 190) has big-play ability but needs to stay healthy. Another issue that could arise – Sanders will now be the focus of opposing defenses. Whereas Elijah Moore made plays even when defenses keyed on him, Sanders was often left in one-on-one coverage, which he can handle. We’ll see if he can stay healthy, step up when defenses are deployed specifically to stop him, and end his college career with a strong performance. 

Beyond Sanders in the slot, look for senior Dontario Drummond (6-0, 215) and junior Jonathan Mingo (6-2, 215) to line up on the outside. Both look to build off their productive careers thus far. Oates writes about Drummond, “[the] transfer from Last Chance U’s East Mississippi CC, may be the bigger draw [than Sanders.] Both are late bloomers, but could have a chance to shine and rise up boards into a draftable position.”

There are two freshmen who could make an immediate impact. Wideout J.J. Henry (5-11, 165) is small for the SEC but has elite speed. If he can prove his durability in the slot position, Henry could torch defenses. The other true freshman is tight-end Hudson Wolfe (6-6, 235). The Tennessee native has tremendous hands and fits the new era tight-end position well. He’s lighter than his senior counterpart Chase Rogers, (6-2, 250), who has proven himself in the run game, and should be a nice target for Corral.     

Offensive Line

This is one of the most experienced starting fives in the SEC.  Gone is RT Royce Newman, but everyone else returns. Surprisingly, one of the newest faces in the offensive line room is their coach. A few days after their spring game, Kiffin announced he had parted ways with offensive line coach and run coordinator Randy Clements. Jake Thornton was hired after a short stint as Gardner Webb’s offensive line coach, and he couldn’t ask for a better scenario to walk into. Nick Broeker, Caleb Warren, Ben Brown, and Jeremy James are back from 2020. 

The most interesting offseason news was a late-summer transfer announcement from former All Pac-12 center Orlando Umana. After going down early in 2020 with an injury, Umana decided to transfer to Ole Miss instead of fighting to regain his starting position at Utah. Umana’s transfer is huge for this program. It gives Ole Miss talent, size, and experience. Last season, Ben Brown moved from right guard to center. Kiffin wanted to find a way to move Brown back to guard, where he dominated in 2018 and 2019. The only concern for Umana is whether he can learn the offense quickly enough to make an immediate impact. If he can, this offensive line could be in contention for the Joe Moore Award.Here’s what the line should look like.     

LT – Nick Broeker – Junior, 6-4, 305 lbs

LG – Caleb Warren – Sophomore, 6-4, 305 lbs

C – Orlando Umana – Transfer/Senior, 6-4, 311 lbs

RG – Ben Brown – Senior, 6-5, 315 lbs 

RT – Jeremy James – Sophomore, 6-5, 330 lbs

Redshirt freshman Cedric Melton (6-5, 310) is a dynamic lineman who can plug-and-play at guard or tackle. Another lineman who could increase his playing time is Jalen Cunningham (6-4, 340).   

Defense

Overview

The days of Landshark Defense seem like a distant memory. Last year, the Rebs couldn’t seem to stop a nosebleed. After switching to a 3-4 scheme with zero spring practices, Ole Miss finished the 2020 season dead last in several defensive categories, which included points allowed per game (38.3) and yards allowed per game (over 535.7). It appeared Ole Miss lived by the mantra of “the best defense is a good offense.”

But there’s hope for this defense yet! This season returns at least nine players with significant playing time from last year, a secondary with 26 players on the roster, and big-name transfers who can make an immediate impact. The biggest question for most positions isn’t if the talent is there, but who will step into starting roles.    

Departed Starters 

Ryder Anderson – DE – Transfer

Jacquez Jones – LB – Transfer

Defensive Line  

A 3-4 defense is bold in the SEC, where offensive linemen average over 300 pounds and can climb to the second level with deceptive speed. All three linemen must be tremendous athletes with the strength to fill gaps in the run game, while being elusive enough to reach the quarterback. Ole Miss didn’t have much of either last season. They look to change the narrative in 2021. 

KD Hill (6-1, 320) should be the anchor of this defense at nose-tackle. He struggled to find his groove last year, but a year in the system should help boost his confidence in his game. True freshman and consensus 4-star tackle Tywone Malone (6-4, 315) has the speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact but will need to prove he can grasp the defense before earning significant playing time. 

Signing two of the top JUCO tackles, Jamond Gordon (6-4, 270) and Isaiah Iton (6-4, 295), should also help tremendously. Whereas Iton is more of a traditional interior player, Gordon has the opportunity to line up on the inside and outside much like senior Tariqious Tisdale (6-5, 295). 

Sam Williams Jr. (6-4, 265) moved from a traditional buck/outside-linebacker position to defensive end this year. The senior looks to lead the Rebels in sacks for the third year in a row. Williams was the most consistent off the edge last year, and now that he is permanently putting his hand in the dirt, he should help bolster this line. 

Hal Northern (6-2, 305), Sincere David (6-2, 320), and Quentin Bivens (6-2, 300) will also look to expand on their playing time after seeing snaps in 2020. 

Linebacker

The linebacker corps lost some experience. Brandon Mack is out for the season after undergoing foot surgery, Williams moved to the d-line, and Jacquez Jones transferred to Kentucky with two years of eligibility left. Jones gave Ole Miss fans one constant on the brand-new defense in 2020, having played in 33 games total and starting in 19 of them. He also led the team in tackles, so his decision to transfer stings. Why he chose to leave is not one hundred percent clear, but it could have something to do with the additional talent coming in. 

Maryland senior transfer Chance Campbell (6-3, 235) has big-play potential and loves to drop back into coverage. He has the size to hang tough inside and the speed to play on the outside. Co-defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin was the one who initially convinced Campbell to become a Terp, but didn’t have a chance to coach the young man when he was fired mid-season in 2018. It’s possible Jones saw the writing on the wall that his snap counts would diminish and chose to finish his college career with more guaranteed playing time.  

Returning for Ole Miss is inside linebacker Lakia Henry (5-11, 235). The former JUCO prospect loves to punish running backs and to attack the line of scrimmage. What Henry lacks in size, he makes up for his play recognition, open field tackles, and aggressive instincts. One thing Henry struggled with in 2020 was shedding blocks, but it was hard at times when opposing linemen reached the second level at-will. If this d-line can eat up blockers and allow Henry to roam free, he can wreak havoc on the run game. Although last year he played on the outside out of necessity, he fits the role of a traditional middle linebacker who loves to meet running backs in the hole and to make receivers regret coming across the middle. With Campbell adding the flexibility to play inside in a traditional 3-4 package and outside in a nickel or dime package, Henry has the opportunity to thrive on the inside. 

Momo Sanogo (6-1, 240) is the one player who benefits the most from Jones’ departure. After a phenomenal season in 2018, his sophomore year ended with a lower leg injury. Last season he saw significant playing time coming off the bench, but Sanogo now has the opportunity to step back into a starting role. Much like Campbell, he can play in any linebacker spot but should solidify his spot at the weak-side position. Sanogo is also one of the best pass rushers off the edge. His skill set compliments Campbell in coverage and Williams on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.

Secondary

If we were to compare the 2020 secondary to a cheese, it would be a toss up between Swiss and blue cheese. Too many holes in coverage and frankly, they stunk. Kiffin responded by hitting the recruiting trail and transfer portal hard. As a result, Ole Miss enters the 2021 season with 26 defensive backs on the roster. The depth is much needed if the Rebs are to run the defensive schemes Kiffin wants to. 2020 felt as though Ole Miss was using packages to cater to the limited number of players on the roster. Now, with some depth and experience, Ole Miss can start to run the nickel and dime packages they want. 

Miles Battle (6-3, 205) looks to start in his first full season at cornerback. After moving out of necessity to cornerback halfway through last season, we saw a glimpse of his potential, but the former wideout hadn’t played defense in over three years. Despite three veterans returning this year, however, Battle managed to work his way into first team reps in the spring. Look for him to continue his success leading into the fall.

The three veterans mentioned above are Keidron Smith (6-2, 195), Deane Leonard (6-2, 195), and Jaylon Jones (5-11, 195). All three return for their senior years. Smith has played in every game possible during his tenure at Ole Miss. He might be the best run stopper at the cornerback position, and he loves to attack at the line of scrimmage. 

Leonard’s journey to Oxford is an interesting one. After playing his first three years at the University of Calgary, COVID-19 shut down football in Canada. Leonard decided to transfer to Ole Miss to continue his collegiate career. Even though his initial adjustment to the SEC wasn’t easy, Leonard found his stride as the season progressed. He chose to return for his last year of eligibility, which should provide depth at this position. 

Finally, Jones is one of the best corners on this roster but has suffered two season-ending injuries during his career in red and blue. In fact, part of the reason Battle made the transition mid-season was because the Rebels lost Jones, their most reliable corner last year, after four games. Jones returns as a man on a mission. Being one of the two player representatives during SEC Media Days, he has proven to be a leader on and off the field. Jones is the total package and can increase his draft stock tremendously if he stays healthy all season. 

One wild card at the cornerback position is Deantre Prince (6-1, 170). The junior started his collegiate career at Ole Miss, transferred to North Mississippi Community College, then after one season in junior college returned to Oxford. Prince is a ball hawk, and if he can scratch his way into the lineup, he has big-play potential. The only hesitation I have on Prince is his size. 17o pounds has a recipe for getting bodied in the SEC, but his instincts for the football alone could get him into the rotation. 

At safety, Jake Springer (6-0, 205) is finally eligible. The Navy transfer was sidelined in 2020 due to NCAA transfer rules, but he now has the opportunity to shine. He is another versatile player who can play in a traditional safety position and move around in a nickel package. Joining Springer is AJ Finley (6-2, 200), who has seen significant playing time in his tenure at Ole Miss. The junior likes to play at free safety and can fly around the field.

After transferring from Georgia last season, Otis Reese (6-2, 215) made an easy transition to his new team in the West. He found his home in nickel and dime packages as the fifth defensive back, or star position. As a safety/linebacker hybrid, Reese has the opportunity to punish receivers all over the field. 2021 is the year this transfer can make a name for himself. One true freshman who can make some noise is Tysheem Johnson (5-10, 195) who, according to Kiffin, has acclimated well to college. 

Special Teams

Mac Brown (6-3, 205) returns for one more season at punter and is one of the best in the nation, with the leg power and pinpoint accuracy to pin any offense deep in its own territory. True freshman Caden Costa (6-2, 200) could be called on for kicking duties. Coming out of high school, Costa landed in the Top 10 kickers in his recruiting class. If for some reason Kiffin’s electric offense can’t score, Costa has the leg power to deliver 50+ yard field goals. Jerrion Ealy and Conner Snoop both could reprise their role as kick returners, whereas Dontario Drummond should also continue his role as punt returner. 

Impact Players

1. Matt Corral – QB – Much of the success of this team depends on this young man. Even though he produced last season, Corral needs to limit his mistakes in 2021, which is asking a lot of a quarterback who may be asked to throw the ball more than 40 times a game. 

2. Jerrion Ealy – RB – As the head of the running back committee, Ealy looks to build on a tremendous 2020 campaign. He is the total package, and with more games in 2021, I personally see his draft stock rising as the year progresses. 

3. Jaylon Jones – CB – There is zero doubt about this young man’s play-making ability and leadership. Only one thing stands between him and a standout year – staying healthy. 

4. Sam Williams – Edge – If he can make it to the quarterback several times a game, this defense will already be in better shape than last year. 

5. Ben Brown – Guard – Moving back to a position he thrived in during the 2018 and 2019 seasons allows Brown to solidify his legacy as an all-time great on the offensive line.

Schedule

Sept. 6 — vs. Louisville (Atlanta)

Sept. 11 — vs. Austin Peay

Sept. 18 — vs. Tulane

Sept. 25 — BYE 

Oct. 2 — at Alabama

Oct. 9 — vs. Arkansas

Oct. 16 — at Tennessee

Oct. 23 — vs. LSU

Oct. 30 — at Auburn

Nov. 6 — vs. Liberty

Nov. 13 — Texas A&M

Nov. 20 — vs. Vanderbilt

Nov. 25 — at Mississippi State

Conclusion 

Every Saturday, Ole Miss will have the opportunity to win its game. They will not go undefeated, but they will compete at a high level against even their toughest opponents like Alabama and Texas A&M. This defense will be improved but will struggle to stop disciplined offenses with solid running attacks. They have playmakers who can create turnovers, so if they get a couple in against big-time teams, they can pull off some stunners. Either way, this is going to be a fun team to watch. 

Prediction 8-4