What are the questions to be answered about the Ole Miss defense in August camp?

As good as the Ole Miss roster looks on paper, there are still some lingering questions left over from spring training about the Rebel offense and defense that will have to be answered in August camp.

We asked a couple of questions in the last two days about the Rebel offense – each unit has some things to answer in August. Today, we ask questions about the Rebel defense, part 1. First, the defensive line.

Defensive line coach Randall Joyner has a lot of talent to work with in 2024 and a lot was settled in spring with this unit.

Texas A&M transfer Walter Nolen established himself as a force to be reckoned with, gaining a lot of praise from his new teammates. Defensive tackle JJ Pegues is a known returning commodity who should have a big senior season partly because of the presence of Nolen, who should alleviate Pegues from double teams in most instances.

Junior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris knows the ropes and should make another step forward in ’24 along with being one of the best at blocking placekicks. Senior Jared Ivey showed his versatility last season by playing inside and out – look for him to be more of a defensive end this season. Senior Akelo Stone and redshirt freshman Jamarious Brown should both be solid rotational pieces.

So the main questions are about the defensive end slots. Besides Ivey, what has been established at those critical DL positions?

Florida transfer Princely Umanmielen underwent shoulder surgery and the word at times this summer is that his rehab is going slower than ideal. Will he be ready when the season rolls around? That is a big piece of the DE puzzle and a question Ole Miss needs answered affirmatively.

Sophomore Suntarine Perkins had a solid spring, but the question remains about his weight. Has he put on any after playing as a true freshman at 205 pounds? Some extra mass would certainly help his cause coming off the edge. He made plays last season without much knowledge of the position and on the smallish side, so size is not a huge concern, but it’s a concern nonetheless. One would have to believe he’s got more moves and tricks up his sleeve this season, plus he can use his speed to beat opposing blockers. Also, from people who have eyeballed the talented Perkins, they believe he has put on 10-15 pounds, but nothing official yet.

Will true freshman Kam Franklin be able to contribute early in his career? The 5-star from Lake Cormorant got a lot of reps in spring and will certainly get more in August, but the answer to his question will not be revealed until the season starts. Ole Miss certainly needs him to fill a void at DE.

Late transfer Chris Hardie from Jacksonville State will certainly be counted on due to his senior status and we’ve heard he has had a very good summer in anticipation of August. How much will he be able to absorb in August? Hopefully, a lot.

Redshirt freshmen Chamberlain Campbell and DeeJay Holmes, Jr. were noticeable in spring, but how much will they be counted during the season? It’s a wait-and-see deal.

True freshman Cam Clark was at spring practice mentally, but he was coming off surgery and was not able to practice. He looks the part at 6-3 235 pounds, but how far behind did his injury and rehab put him?

Tomorrow – questions about the linebackers.

Stay tuned. . .

The post What are the questions to be answered about the Ole Miss defense in August camp? appeared first on On3 .