re: FPRC's 2014 Ole Miss Rebels Football Preview

2014 Defense Preview


Depth Chart
*Returning Starter 

SDE - (1) 90. Fadol Brown | (2) 54. Carlos Thompson 
DT - (1) 5. Robert Nkemdiche* | (2) 95. Bryon Bennett 
NT - (1) 94. Issac Gross* | (2) 56. Woodrow Hamilton | (3) 45. Lavon Hooks 
WDE - (1) 10. CJ Johnson* | (2) 27. Marquis Haynes

OLB - (1) 14. Serderius Bryant* | (2) 4. Denzel Nkemdiche | (3) 24. Keith Lewis 
MLB - (1) 38. Deterrian Shackelford | (2) 20. Christian Russell | (3) 32. Temario Strong 

HUSKY - (1) 12. Tony Connor* | (2) 28. Mike Hilton | (3) 6. Cliff Coleman 
FCB - (1) 21. Senquez Golson* | (2) 6. Cliff Coleman | (3) 4. Kailo Moore 
SS - (1) 7. Trae Elston* | (2) 13. Anthony Alford
FS - (1) 25. Cody Prewitt* | (2) 3. CJ Hampton
BCB - (1) 19. Derrick Jones* | (2) 28. Mike Hilton | (3) 20. Carlos Davis 

Players To Watch 

Robert Nkemdiche - DT 

Robert is a player that will be watched whether you want to or not. His size and speed make him an interior OL nightmare. When he steps on the field he demands the double team, isolating the rest of the Defensive Line. He made the move from DE to DT this past season and he has settled in quite nicely.

Cody Prewitt - SS 

Number 25 is the Co-Leader in the Landshark Defense. Already set to the Thorpe Watch list, he is our team's returning All-American. He has a unique skill set with superb ball hawking while being able to rush downhill and lay the wood.

Detarrian Shackelford - MLB

Shackelford is a player that fans love to love. He started his career at Ole Miss 5 years ago. After having two ACL surgeries, sitting out two seasons and returning in 2013, he showed the Rebel faithful that he would continue to be a player that will not be ignored. He isn't the most talented on the field, but his very presence rallies players and fans around him. This sole aspect of raw, driving leadership is what has awarded him the Chucky Mullins award and Co-Leader of the Landshark Defense. 

New Guys Expected To Make An Impact 

CJ Hampton - FS - Freshman - Highly touted Safety who is already physically ready for college play. He will play a lot. 

Christian Russell - MLB - JUCO - MLB with respectable speed and goes downhill with bad intentions 

Marquis Haynes - WDE - Freshman - Can play either OLB or DE, but will play DE for us. Kid has elite level speed and is a future Sack machine 

Breeland Speaks - DT - Freshman - Big kid that has a very high motor. He was highly sought after in the SEC and especially by LSU. He will see some play time and may be a key contributor 

Tee Shepard - FCB - JUCO - This guy is a former 5 star out of California. He is expected to come in and battle for a starting position. Either way, he will see the field a lot. Fun Fact: He is deaf. 

Overall 

The Landshark Defense is one of speed rather than size. To complement this, our base defense is the 4-2-5. This brand of defense does well through the open field but does us no favors when entering the redzone. Regardless of that, our defense is going to be the highlight of our team this season. With our 2 deep roster being SEC Caliber players, we have a lot of confidence with this unit. We have quick, violent Defensive linemen who will abuse slower OL. Our LB's are the weakest section in our Defense, that being said, they are still very good. We have 2 OLB that fit their roles perfectly while our undersized MLB make up with sideline to sideline speed. Finally, Our secondary is the deepest, most talented secondary Ole Miss has had in a long time. We returned almost everyone from last year including our All-American Safety while adding some key units that will contribute early and often. This Defense will be something exciting to watch

2014 Special Teams Preview
 

P - Will Gleeson - Aussie that came from same academy as Brad Wing (LSU) 
PK - Andy Pappanostos - This position is still up for grabs though. Don't be surprised if the name Gary Wunderlich doesn't retake this spot 
KOS - Nathan Noble - Again, same as above. Wunderlich has a freaking boot 

KR - Jaylen Walton / Anthony Alford / Kailo Moore 
PR - Carlos Davis / Anthony Alford / Quincy Adeboyjo 

Keys to Success 

Our season basically hinges off of two very key components, Offensive Line and Quarterback. 

We are painfully thin at Offensive Line. If one of those starting 5 go down, especially someone like Tunsil, our season could be over. If not, those starting 5 with a few in the second rotation are extremely talented guys 

Key - DO NOT GET INJURED
Our Quarterback position is Bo Wallace's to lose. He has proved time and time again that he is the guy we want leading our team into battle every Saturday. Him going down isn't exactly a killer but throws a huge wrench into the pile. Our second string guys haven't seen a second of gametime and that could play to their disadvantage. The problem isn't Bo getting hurt, it's limiting Bo's Turnovers. 

The Wrap-Up

There are two possible scenarios that will play out this season for the Ole Miss Rebels. 

The WAOM 

Offensive line depth is shallower than an Alabama gene pool. Any injury to the line will be devastating. More devastating than Bert at Golden Corral. If Laremy Tunsil goes down, the offense will be stifled as we experienced in last season’s CLANGgG TsUN BAreZ is ChEtin gRiNdIN4H15MAN Bowl (also known as the Egg Bowl). In summary O-line hurt=season over. 


OR

The WAMFOM

If, by some Auburn-esque miracle, we manage to go injury free this season much like we did under Freeze’s first year this could be a season Ole Miss fans will be talking about for a long time. With many other West teams breaking in new QB’s and replacing other major impact players, Ole Miss finds itself in an odd position with the lone veteran QB in the division in Bo Wallace. He’s finally recovered from his surgery and from all reports seems to be at full strength. With Treadwell on the outside this year and Bo’s arm back to 100% the long ball will be in play this year. Bo’s backups will be more than adequate for spelling him or changing the pace up. We actually have the goal line back we need for short yardage and could even use Big Lig in a pinch. So, no more 4th and 1 from the shotgun.

Our defense will be scary good. Landshark D circa 2008 good. In case you don’t understand the reference, go ask Tebow, Harrell, or all the Mississippi State quarterbacks under Croom about them. Our D-line will be as good as anyone else in the nation. Our LB’s will be solid. Our secondary is going to, for the first time in a while, have a legitimate shutdown corner in Tee Shepard and Cody Prewitt might have more INTs this year since he’s been working on his hands during the offseason.


Before all of you go getting whipped up into an angry mob because you think I’m about to say Ole Miss has a shot at winning the West, just know, I’m saying Ole Miss has more than just a shot to win the West. Freeze is already way ahead of schedule and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. This is his most complete team to date and Korvic Neat is gone. Yes, LSU, the only reason you don’t have a losing record to Hugh Freeze is gone. He took Nutt’s 2-10 players to a bowl his first year. He took a few of his recruits and Nutt’s 2-10 players to a better bowl last season. He’s going to take a lot of his recruits and few of Nutt’s to the SEC Championship game this year.

We Are MFing Ole Miss.