Ole Miss football: Pieces are in place for Rebels to surprise in 2020

Defense looks to make strides under new coordinator

Ole Miss’ run defense made some strides last year and the Rebels were not half bad at rushing the passer, but their pass defense was one of the worst in the country and that will be something that new defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will be looking to fix.

Durkin is one of the controversial figures in college football after what happened at Maryland and his subsequent firing and it was unclear as to when he would get another opportunity. He was one of the finest defensive coordinators while at Michigan and could make this Ole Miss defense feared once again.

Durkin will move from a 3-4 defense to his 4-3 scheme and the outside linebackers will move to put their hands on the ground to rush the passer.

Sam Williams was the leading pass rusher for the defense last year and he hopes to build on his six sacks from a season ago. Quentin Bivens is one of the more talented Rebels in the interior and he will will be paired up with redshirt freshman Patrick Lucas Jr. A name to watch for a breakout campaign will be senior Ryder Anderson, a 6-foot-7 end with length and he could have a big season rushing the passer.

Lakia Henry was the leading tackler for the Rebels and he will return after having 87 tackles and a sack a year ago and he will have the second leading tackler beside him in Jacquez Jones. The latter had a breakout season as a sophomore and will be looking to build on his 71 tackles and two sacks. MoMo Sanogo has not had a chance to play much yet due to injury, but should get the opportunity to start and the Rebels will be hoping that he can make an impact.

The secondary will bring back two starters in Keidron Smith, who has been making an impact since he arrived on campus at cornerback and the corner on the opposite side will be Jaylon Jones, who will be looking to go finish his career in Oxford strong. Jon Haynes was one of the leading tacklers as a safety and he will need to improve if the Rebels hope to improve one of the nations worst pass defenses.

Durkin is known for building defenses, but it may take some recruiting wins before he can get the Rebels to the upper tier defenses of the SEC.