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Ole Miss Football: 5 players trending up after spring 2019

By Connor Muldowney

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels takes the field before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels takes the field before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Matt Luke and Ole Miss football could be facing a transition year with a ton of talent departing but here’s who’s trending up after spring.

Offense was not an issue for Ole Miss in 2018 as it finished 5-7 overall and had just one win in eight SEC games. The Rebels ranked 30th in the country in scoring offense and had no problem moving the ball with a plethora of weapons.

Now that Matt Luke has brought in new coordinators — Mike MacIntyre on defense and Rich Rodriguez on offense — there’s more hope for a bowl berth in 2019.

Spring ball brought out some star power in the Rebels as a number of guys stepped up and made strong pushes for playing time.

Which five Rebels are trending in the right direction after spring ball?

Adjusting to a new position is tough for newcomers, but Sam Williams is making it look rather easy. After being a top-tier defensive end at the JUCO level with Northeast Mississippi C.C., Williams decided to commit to Ole Miss despite the possibility of having to change positions.

Williams has moved to linebacker this spring after being the nation’s sack and tackles for loss leader at the JUCO level and finished the spring game second on the team with six takedowns.

If Ole Miss wants to see that defense improve tenfold from last season, it’ll need to rely on guys like Williams and he can be a star for the Rebel defense.

Mike MacIntyre has a new weapon to work with on the defensive side of the ball and he’s going to be a stud for the Rebels this fall if he lives up to the hype.

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