Ole Miss football fans were ready for a change on defense after last season. We had a few pretty big staff changes which included the return of Crimedawg coach Wesley McGriff.
The 2016 Ole Miss football season was a rough one defensively. We watched huge leads whittled away early in the season and then the wheels came off. By the end of the season we were badly decimated by injuries and lack of depth and it was apparent in a final record of 5-7.
By the end of the season there were already rumblings from fans about staff changes and there was. When the dust settled and the new staff had been hired, enter coach Wesley ‘Crimedawg‘ McGriff. Of course, many Ole Miss football fans recognized the name of McGriff since he was previously on staff at Ole Miss.
Many of us were very excited to see him back on staff and delighted he was hired as the new defensive coordinator. Those of us close to the program had seen the decline of the Landshark D over the past couple of seasons and knew Crimedawg could right the ship. So lets’ look at what coach McGriff brings to Oxford as the new DC.
What Crimedawg Brings
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Besides already having been on staff at Oxford at one time, coach Wesley McGriff also brings something which lacked in the past few years. He brings excitement and passion for his players and the game.
Of course, coach McGriff also brings a plethora of knowledge to the defensive coordinators position. Although this is his first gig as a DC, McGriff has certainly made a name for himself in the ranks.
McGriff was part of the 2012 Ole Miss staff where he was Co-DC and corner-backs coach. According to OleMissSports.com, that season the Ole Miss defense finished 2nd in the conference and in the top-15 in the nation in tackles for loss (7.7) and sacks (2.8) per game.
Of course, coach McGriff was responsible in part for the success seen by Issac Gross, Denzel Nkemdiche and Trae Elston during their freshman seasons. All three made various All-Freshman teams.
According to OleMissSports.com,
"Linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche was named to the FWAA All-America and SEC All-Freshman teams, defensive tackle Issac Gross earned conference all-freshman honors and was named to the CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-America team, and safety Trae Elston was named to the ESPN SEC All-Freshman team. ~OleMissSports.com"
More Than Just A Coach
He is widely respected for his knowledge and his experience he’s gained throughout his career. However, his greatest asset is his ability as a recruiter. He has an eye for great talent and young men will want to play for him and succeed.
During this recruiting season, even with Ole Miss facing NCAA sanctions, he has worked the recruiting trail hard. Of course, focus has been squarely on rebuilding the Landsharks to their former glory. What he brings to Ole Miss football recruiting will help get us back in the national discussion on the defensive side of the ball.
Of course, coach Wesley McGriff brings a lot to Oxford and he wants to see his defense get back to the glory days which we’ve missed. However he is driven to make this Ole Miss defense not just better but great. Although we’ve missed the days of the ‘shutdown’ Landsharks. Coach Wesley McGriff is dedicated to bringing them back. Thanks Crimedawg and good luck this season. Hotty Toddy!