Ole Miss began its spring practice on March 2. The Rebels look to continue their climb up the conference standings after finishing second in the SEC West and providing eventual national champion Alabama with its only loss in Week 3.
But losses to Florida and Memphis midway through the season spoiled Ole Miss’ chances at contending for a national championship. The Rebels have several areas to address before making their case to challenge for an SEC Championship in 2016. Here’s a look at what to watch for in Ole Miss’ spring practice.
Departing stars
Ole Miss’ 2013 recruiting class laid the foundation for its recent success. However, its brightest stars will need to be replaced this offseason. Robert Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell and Laremy Tunsil all declared for the 2016 NFL Draft and former senior standouts Fahn Cooper, Cody Cor, C.J. Johnson, Denzel Nkemdiche and Christian Russell were lost to graduation.
As you’ll notice, many of Ole Miss’ other biggest storylines will deal with position battles created by the departing stars — but that’s just proof of why successful programs are built on the recruiting trail.
Lack of depth at linebacker
(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire)
One of the Rebels’ biggest concerns is depth at the linebacker position. DeMarquis Gates, who led Ole Miss in tackles at outside linebacker, was expected to switch to inside, but the team lacked experience otherwise.
However, former Oregon State linebacker Rommel Mageo announced his decision to transfer to Ole Miss on Tuesday and he will be able to play immediately. Mageo led the Beavers with 87 tackles, including two sacks.
Mageo should make a successful transition at Ole Miss and be a starter in Week 1. However, there isn’t much depth otherwise behind him and Gates entering spring practice.
Filling the void at offensive tackle
Tunsil is projected to be one of the top picks in the NFL Draft. Cooper was the 2015 Kent Hull Trophy winner for the top college football lineman in Mississippi. That’s what Ole Miss needs to replace this offseason.
Head coach Hugh Freeze may be forced to play incoming freshmen Greg Little and Bryce Mathews at both tackle positions. Little is a 5-star who is expected to replace Tunsil on the left side while Mathews is a 4-star who will likely be placed at right tackle. Guard Rod Taylor is also expected to see reps at left tackle, but will miss spring practice while recovering from a shoulder injury.
Will Chad Kelly duplicate successful debut in Year Two?
Kelly made an outstanding debut for Ole Miss in 2015. He led the SEC in passing yards (4,042), touchdowns (31) and yards per game (310.9).
Kelly always had the potential to be one of college football’s top passers, but he had a history of off-field incidents — including a bar fight that occurred just days after signing his Letter of Intent. But the junior transfer provided the Rebels’ offense with a mature leader and he prospered in his debut season.
Kelly has all the tools and individual attributes to succeed in 2016, but will need to do so without Treadwell as a primary option. Fortunately he still has Evan Engram, a former All-SEC tight end, and several potential playmakers to throw to even in Treadwell’s absence.
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