Kiffin loses ‘Number Five’ but Has Five Guys In Line

Robert Nkemdiche‘s status as a potential first round draft pick has become cloudy but his defection from the Ole Miss football program is still heavily felt. While his talent

versus trouble and the pros and cons can be debated, his versatility on the field cannot be. Even beyond the loss of the former number one recruit. the Chris Kiffin‘s unit will be void of two senior leaders who’s presence was certainly felt in recent years.

Woodrow Hamilton was a stalwart on the defensive live, playing in 47 games over the course of his career. Meanwhile, Channing Ward contributed early and often on special teams during his time in Oxford. Ward finished the 2015 season with 35 tackles, six and half tackles for loss and three sacks.

Really, the retooling of the Reb defensive line began after the Sugar Bowl, as Nkemdiche missed the game, but this Spring is the first glimpse of just where the unit is at.

At first glance, there are five key names on list of defensive lineman that you should probably be familiar with:

Fadol Brown’s presence has yet to be felt statistically, but he has played an important role and battled injuries the last two seasons. At 6-4, 280 pounds, Brown could be leaned on to replace some of Nkemdiche’s versatility. While anchoring down as an end that is dominant in the running game, Brown could conceivably move inside on passing downs, making the Rebel “rush men” even more dangerous to opposing quarterbacks.

There has been some buzz that Brown is an intriguing NFL prospect that could see significant interest in the 2017 NFL Draft following his senior season in Oxford.

In two seasons, Marquis Haynes has accomplished a good bit under the tutelage of Kiffin. On numerous occasions, he has won the SEC Freshman of the Week and SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

He has tallied 17.5 sacks, including 10 last season, and 25.5 tackles for loss. At times, the talented edge rusher has shown the ability to dominate a game. He could develop into an even more impressive all-around defensive end as a junior and that could bode well for the Landshark defense.

Now in his second year in the program and with a vast amount of opportunity in front of him, you should expect a lot of DJ Jones. The senior defensive tackle should blossom in to a bonafide NFL prospect and should show the ability that made him one of the most coveted recruits in the junior college ranks in 2015. There will be talent around Jones that should take some of the pressure and focus off him, but he could be the leader of the bunch.

The impact of losing Issac Gross last season was big for the Rebel defensive line, especially when Nkemdiche went down against Memphis. It’s easy to see that adding Gross back to the fold this fall will provide a definite shot in the arm. Having started regularly in his career, the veteran may find himself as the third guy among the defensive tackles in 2016. Therefore, the South Panola product could provide impressive depth as he is a known play maker in the middle and has proven that in SEC battles in recent years.

Lastly, familiarize yourself with Breeland Speaks, who appears to be heir apparent to the talent void left behind from Nkemdiche. If not, he at least fits the bill as “new sheriff in town,” as it pertains to the most visually-daunting physical specimen on the team.

In the times Nkemdiche was absent last fall, Speaks stepped and showed flashes of what he can be. Sure, Hugh Freeze and company are expecting the sophomore to show he can do it for a full season next year, but he’s proven he has the talent.

Outside of Brown and Haynes on the edges, the Rebels should be talented and well-rounded. John Youngblood has been prevalent face in the defensive line meeting room for a long time now. The veteran should hold down the strong side and be strong against the rush and he has always shown a relentless motor.

Behind the fifth-year senior, there will be red shirt sophomore Victor Evans and incoming freshman Charles Wiley. Evans took some snaps at linebacker last season, so his athleticism is evident. The question is can he show the quickness and strength on the edge to make an impact this fall is what is yet to be seen. Wiley has been touted by Freeze already and possess freakish athletic ability. He is explosive and could replace similar production left behind by CJ Johnson, in time.

Behind the Jones, Gross and Speaks, the interior group of defensive linemen are young and inexperienced. While Herbert Moore is a rising redshirt junior and has been in the system for going on four seasons now, he has yet to show what kind of player he can be on the field. With increased reps and restored health he could provide a spark.

Yes, rising sophomore Ross Donelly played in seven games last season, but his potential is still yet to be realized, though he has the look of being a good player.

Then there’s 247Sports.com composite five-star prospect Benito Jones, who’s potential is already being raved about. Most expect his impact to be felt sooner rather than later, as he is already showing flashes this spring and certainly he already holds the size. Also, since he enrolled early and only slightly less-experienced in game action than those in front of him, there is opportunity there.

Redshirt sophomore Garrald McDowell and redshirt freshman Austrian Robinson must also be highlighted as we round out the previewing of the position. These guys are swing players who could be see time at tackle or end.

While McDowell could be more comfortable on the edge and Robinson seems to have better size-potential on the interior, each of those guys could help the defensive unit at either spot. Both should also be a lending hand in the depth this Fall and it would not be a surprise if either emerged as a solid contributor.

Even as the Rebels say goodbye to a potential first round draft pic and two fifth-year seniors on the defensive line, the excitement and expectation for the group is not going away. In fact, the potential is there for the group to make an even greater impact in 2016 than it did in 2015.