Ole Miss football transfer Princely Umanmielen updates injury recovery ahead of debut

OXFORD — Key Ole Miss football transfer Princely Umanmielen has been unable to partake in any drills relating to "physical contact," he said Monday, looking toward a wrapped shoulder as he spoke to the media.

Umanmielen has spent the Rebels' first three preseason practices as a limited participant, wearing a black no-contact jersey. Among the other notable Ole Miss players wearing non-contact jerseys Monday were defensive lineman Walter Nolen, defensive lineman JJ Pegues, linebacker Pooh Paul, receiver Jordan Watkins and cornerback Trey Amos.

"I'm taking it day by day," Umanmielen said. "I'm feeling really good, it's just I can't do any physical contact."

The Florida transfer said he doesn't feel his injury is going to prevent him from playing in any games. Ole Miss opens the season on Aug. 31 at home against FCS Furman.

"No timetable," Umanmielen said. "... It's a day-by-day thing."

Listed at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Umanmielen said his role with the Rebels will imitate what he did at Florida last season. As an outside linebacker, Umanmielen is a versatile pass-rushing force who can also drop into coverage when required.

His production exploded during the 2023 season, his fourth with Florida. He racked up 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks on his way to collecting second-team All-SEC honors.

"It is a really, really big year for me," Umanmielen said, adding he's trying not to think about the implications this season could have on his NFL future. "Just try to be consistent and try to be a pro every single day, make sure that I'm not taking any of these days for granted."

RANKINGS: Ole Miss football, Lane Kiffin ranked No. 6 in preseason coaches poll

David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football transfer Princely Umanmielen updates injury recovery ahead of debut