2016 Ole Miss Football Preview: Linebackers
By Randy Morgan
![Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (31) attempts to tackle LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (31) attempts to tackle LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-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/7acd65a8785fd669fe92ba3b261076e493af9b45f478cf877dd6f26a1c84a547.jpg)
The linebacker position has been one of need for the Ole Miss football team in recent seasons, and this season is no different.
The Ole Miss football team has struggled to find solid linebacker play in the past seasons. While they have had some good players come out of the position, such as CJ Johnson and Denzel Nkemdiche, the position group as a whole has struggled.
This season, the Rebels will continue to run a 2 linebacker set to go along with the 4-2-5 defense that Freeze runs.
For the Rebels to be successful this season, they will have to stop the rushing attack of Cook, Fournette, and Chubb. For this to happen, the Rebels will need strong linebacker play.
Next: Rommel Mageo // RS Senior