The Ole Miss secondary remains a question mark, but names are beginning to emerge

Oct 26, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trey Amos (9) catches the ball as he steps out of bounds over Oklahoma Sooners running back Taylor Tatum (8) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trey Amos (9) catches the ball as he steps out of bounds over Oklahoma Sooners running back Taylor Tatum (8) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The 2024 Ole Miss Rebels had statistically the best defense in school history. A lot of attention has been paid to all the talent lost along the defensive line, and rightfully so. However, the Rebels also lost a significant amount of talent and a substantial percentage of their snap share in the secondary.

Most notably, the Rebels lost their elite corner in Trey Amos, who was taken in the second round by the Washington Commanders. They also lost their top two safeties in Trey Washington and John Saunders, who are both attempting to make an NFL roster. Oxford native, Brandon Turnage, exhausted his eligibility and has since joined the staff as a grad assistant. Three players, Jadon Canady, Louis Moore, and Key Lawrence, exited through the transfer portal.

The attention went to the transfer portal. The first haul included Jaylon Braxton, a corner from Arkansas who was on the all-freshman team in the SEC. He battled injury during his second season at Arkansas. They also added Antonio Kite, a freak athlete who was signed by Pete Golding at Alabama before transferring to Auburn. Golding also managed to land former 5-star Sage Ryan after his three seasons at LSU and Washington State safety, Kapena Gushiken.

The staff was still not satisfied with the room or the overall numbers after spring football and went back to the portal for the window, adding three more transfers to the secondary. They included Tavoy Feagin, a corner from Clemson, CB Ricky Fletcher from South Alabama, and safety Wydett Williams Jr. out of ULM.

All of these transfers are in a competition with returners TJ Banks, Chris Graves, and Nick Cull. Throw into the mix a really talented freshman glass in the defensive backend. The Rebels signed top 100 player, Maison Dunn, a corner out of Tupelo. Additionally, they added 4-star safety Ladarian Clardy and corner Dante Core, who have flashed in fall camp.

The cornerback position seems to be working itself out. The top two guys seem to be Antonio Kite and Ricky Fletcher. Kite was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school when he signed with Alabama. However, he has played sparingly early in his collegiate career. He is now at his third school, but it seems that the lights might have come on. He has been the undeniable number one corner during fall camp.

Fletcher was a spring add for the staff, and they loved his tape at South Alabama. He is coming along nicely in the system and has the measurables to be an elite boundary corner. He stands 6'3 and has a near 7-foot wingspan. The staff also really likes Chris Graves; he has been in the mix and will play considerable snaps. Freshman Dante Core might be the most college-ready recruit, and he looks like he is earning himself some playing time.

The Ole Miss defense frequently deploys three safeties. The top three guys appear to be newcomers Sage Ryan and Kapena Gushiken, along with now fourth-year rebel Nick Cull. The former five-star Ryan never fully clicked during his time at LSU, although he played considerably during his four years there. The staff is hoping they can fully tap into his raw talent and get the next level out of his game.

Gushiken, a Hawaii native, played a ton for Washington State and should be a serviceable safety. Cull was a big recruit for Kiffin early in his Ole Miss tenure; however, he has played sparingly during his first three years in Oxford. Cull has stayed the course and is now in line to see a significant increase in playing time this upcoming season.

Wydett Williams is a really high-floor player who put up significant numbers at ULM, totaling 100 tackles last season. It will be a big transition for him entering the SEC, but he will be a solid contributor. Redshirt freshman TJ Banks is a really talented player that Pete Golding loves. He was tracking for a significant role before being involved in the tragic shooting that claimed the life of freshman Corey Adams. He is working back from his injury and should still factor into the defense.

The wildcard is transfer Jaylon Braxton. He was fantastic as a true freshman in the SEC, but his sophomore season barely got underway due to a major injury. The injury held him out during spring at Ole Miss, and he is still ramping up to 100%. The staff is moving him between corners and safety and deploying him as a Swiss army knife in the defense. The talent level is there, and he will certainly find a significant role throughout the season.

The secondary has been a point of concern early in camp, but the group is developing versatility and depth very nicely. There seems to be plenty of options for Pete Golding and Co-DC Bryan Brown to deploy. I think it is a group that will really surprise people once the season begins.