Ole Miss Football: Looking At The 2019 Grove Bowl

On The Defense

Regardless of what happens offensively in the Grove Bowl there will be major focus from Rebels fans on the new Mike Mac 3-4 defense. In the new 3-4 LBs are very important and Rebels fans will be watching that position group the most. Most will be watching the ILBs which include the 2018 team leading tackler junior Mohamed Sanogo and senior Willie Hibbler. However the outside of the new 3-4 may be what we should be watching with players making position changes from DE to OLB.

The OLB position is key in the success of the 3-4 defense and any success we see in the new defensive scheme will rely heavily on them. Rebels fans have a lot to be excited about with JUCO transfer Sam Williams who has had an outstanding spring. There is also Kevontae’ Ruggs who should be exciting on the outside as well as senior Qaadir Sheppard and junior Charles Wiley who made the switch from DE to OLB.

Also in the 3-4 we are seeing Mike Mac is trying to find the best combination across the front three. OHT is watching seniors Benito Jones and Josiah Coatney at the NT position. Of course we cant rule out the impact junior Hal Northern and red-shirt freshman KD Hill may have in the 2019 Grove Bowl and the new 3-4 defense going forward into the fall. Be sure to be watching the DE position and be looking for juniors Ryder Anderson and Tariqious Tisdale and senior Austrian Robinson who will be huge.

So we are left with the secondary and the spring has been incredibly tough on some of the more experienced Rebels DBs. However, we know coach Charles Clark’s position groups are loaded with talent and of course we are watching the younger players in the defensive backfield. With a very depleted spring lineup Rebels fans will be watching the secondary and looking at senior Myles Hartsfield as well as junior CJ Miller. Be sure to keep eyes on red-shirt freshman Keidron Smith and senior Vernon Dasher.

Next Saturday on April 6th we will see what the future holds for Ole Miss football as the Rebels complete spring practice in the annual Grove Bowl. Over the next week OHT will have more coming about the upcoming event and will be talking about the huge weekend in Oxford. Please be sure to check back here and visit and like the OHT Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for the latest Ole Miss Rebels news and updates. Hotty Toddy!