Ole Miss Football: A Look At The 2018 Rebels Defensive Line
Ole Miss football is just a few short months away and OHT is breaking down each position group and handing out preseason grades based on depth.
So far we’ve looked at Ole Miss football by offensive position groups and graded each one based on depth and experience. Now it’s time for the defensive positions and we’ll see how solid the Rebels are on that side of the ball.
Last season we watched the defense get progressively better as the Rebels got deeper in the season. One of the strong points for that success was on the defensive line. Behind the aggressive play of Breeland Speaks and Marquis Haynes we saw the defense improve towards the end of 2017.
However, in 2018 there will be no Speaks and Haynes so where will the defensive line find their replacements? The defensive line is a deep group loaded with talent and potential. With coach Freddie Roach leading the troops we should see even more aggressive line play in 2018 and it will be key for the Rebels success on defense.
Looking At The Roster
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Now there are 19 players listed at defensive end and defensive tackle on the roster for the Rebels. That is a lot of talent and experience and the depth on the defensive line is very good. Add to that the fact there are 6 defensive linemen added in the 2018 Ole Miss football recruiting class, it’s hard to not be excited.
Of the 2018 class there was one early enrollee who was present for spring practice. JUCO signee Hal Northern (6’3, 293 lbs) is expected to play immediately and is an impact player at DT. Joining Northern in the interior of the line are some familiar faces. Of course, Benito Jones (6’2, 315 lbs) stands to be a very dominant SEC DT this season and will see a lot of action.
Of course, also coming from the defensive tackle position are other dominant DTs. Josiah Coatney (6’4, 302 lbs) and Austrian Robinson (6’4, 280 lbs) should both be very good at the tackle position in 2018.
Defensive Ends
Losing a All-SEC defensive end in Marquis Haynes leaves a significant gap to be filled. However, the Ole Miss defensive end position is solid. Coach Freddie Roach has a group of very talented and experienced DEs to select from. Of course, in the grind of SEC play we have to have depth at defensive end to keep the pressure. This is a very solid group of nine defensive ends.
Of course, there is a ton of experience returning to Oxford in 2018 on the 2018 Ole Miss football defensive line. At DE there are returning seniors Markel Winters and Victor Evans. They are joined by juniors Brenden Williams, Shawn Curtis and Qaadir Sheppard and sophomores Ryder Anderson, Ty Reyes and Charles Wiley.
Defensive Line Grade: A
This is a solid position group which will have a great season. How well will they do? Will this group bring the Landshark D back to the forefront of the SEC? Do we even have a defense? Sure, there are questions. However, there will be answers this season. The season for DC Wesley McGriff and defensive line coach Freddie Roach begins September 1st and this position group will be one of the best. Hotty Toddy!