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Ole Miss Football: More Defensive Help Is On The Way

By K. L. Williams

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Benito Jones (95) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Benito Jones (95) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) avoids a tackle by Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) avoids a tackle by Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the fourth quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

A key area of concern during the recruiting season was the linebacker position. It was obvious by anyone who watched the Rebels play that the LB position was the one in desperate need of improvement. Therefore, it became an area of focus by the coaching staff.

So they went out and signed a few guys that can come in and contribute immediately. Two great recruits came in early and saw playing time during the Grove Bowl. Highly recruited Breon Dixon and JUCO player Brenden Williams have been here since January. There are more linebackers on the way.

Mohamed Sanogo

The State of Texas has been good to Ole Miss on the recruiting trail. They are hoping that they hit another goldmine when they were able to land Plano, TX native Mohamed Sanogo. This 6’1″ 235 lbs. linebacker is a welcomed addition to the defense.

https://twitter.com/_momosanogo/status/836032035655397376

Sanogo is a tackling machine. He plays with a fire and motor that will be great to see on the Rebels defensive side of the ball. Sanogo has to the ability to come in and find a home. He hits hard and can bring back that landshark attitude that made the Rebel’s defense a force to be reckoned with.

Ole Miss Rebels Football
Ole Miss Rebels Football /

Ole Miss Rebels Football

Josh Clarke

This young man quickly became a Rebel fan favorite and he has yet to set his feet on campus. Clarke committed to the Rebels early last year. However, unlike other early committed linebackers, he remained faithful during the entire process. Ole Miss fans are glad he did.

Clarke will be a monster at Ole Miss before his tenure is over. Check out his numbers during the final two years of his high school career. He had 267 tackles, 24 sacks, nine forced fumbles and seven interception. He understands how to be productive in every aspect of the defense. Clarke could be just what the doctor ordered for the defense.

What About the D-line?

The defensive line was not in need of as much help as the other two position groups. The Rebels did sign a couple of linemen who will most likely red-shirt. Players such as Markel Winters and Ryder Anderson will gain experience for the future. However, while we are looking toward the summer, we might as well look at a few players on offense.

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