Ole Miss Football: Way-too-early Projected 2022 Depth Chart

Defensive Line

Starting Defensive Ends:  Jared Ivey and Tavius Robinson

Backups: Khari Coleman and Jamond Gordon

Starting Defensive Tackles: K.D. Hill and Tywone Malone

Backups: JJ Pegues and Zxavian Harris

The defensive line is another position group that will see a lot of change next season. In 2021, Ole Miss Football ran a base 3-2-6 formation, but with a number of fresh faces, and a new defensive coordinator in Mo Crum. They might switch it up a bit in 2022.

Their sack-leader from a year ago, Sam Williams, may be out and on to the NFL, but the Rebels were able to bring in a series of playmakers from other major programs. Most notably, four-star recruit Jared Ivey from Georgia Tech, and four-star tight-end turned defensive lineman, J.J. Pegues. As well as three-star TCU transfer, Khari Coleman, and the 6’8″ freshman mauler, Zxavian Harris.

All of whom should see ample opportunity. Tavius Robinson finished fourth on the team last year in sacks with 3.5, and at 6’7″, 265-pounds, he offers an exceptional size advantage at defensive end. So, I’m projecting him to start opposite of Ivey, with Coleman and Gordon to back them up.

For defensive tackle, K.D. Hill should start if they stick with the same formation, as he’s easily the best run-stuffer on the roster. But if they instead switch over to a different style of defense, there’s a good chance that Tywone Malone will slide in next to him. With newcomers Pegues, and Harris falling behind them on the depth chart.

Isaiah Iton might see some time as well, but given his immense size and potential, it would be wise for Ole Miss to throw Zxavian Harris into the mix.