2016 Ole Miss football preview: Defensive Line
By Randy Morgan
![Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/659c9fbe776dcf9b52326b3a7aaeaef70dd707d1de06dd20244e5f0aa646a9c5.jpg)
John Youngblood – Senior
John Youngblood will be one of the keys to success for Ole Miss this season. Youngblood was awarded the Chucky Mullins Courage award this season and will be wearing #38 for the Rebels.
John Youngblood is angry. He gets to scream at FSU in 47 days.@OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/ZQrj3B8WzM
— OleMissPix (@OleMissPix) July 20, 2016
John has been a Rebel since the beginning of Hugh Freeze’s tenure. He was redshirted for the 2012 season and made his debut in 2013, playing in 12 games.
Youngblood is one of the most underrated Rebels in recent memory. With Youngblood on the defensive line, teams such as FSU will struggle to run his way.
He is a fast and aggressive lineman who plugs the outside of the line and will be the anchor to the Ole Miss defense this year. Youngblood will be vital in filling the role of Fadol Brown early, who is having some trouble recovering from an injury.
Next: Defensive Tackle