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The University of Mississippi Athletics
SPOTLIGHT: Rebel D Line Hungry
11/5/2010 | Football
Nov. 5, 2010
By Morgan Adams
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations
The debate over which NCAA football conference is the best has been on the lips of critics and fans alike for as long as college football has been alive. Which one is the strongest? Which one is the fastest? Which has the best shot at a national title? These questions will never fully be agreed upon, but one thing is for certain, the Southeastern Conference is known for its hard hitters and playmakers.
The SEC has offensive players that are fast and accurate and defensive players that are strong and steady. With quarterbacks, receivers and running backs that are always in the spotlight, the SEC offensive players are not ever to be taken lightly. However, it takes more than offense to make a football team and win a game. It's been said defense wins championships.
Filled with larger than life guys, the defensive line has one goal in mind; stop the opponents dead in their tracks. Players on the d-line are notorious for their antics on the field after delivering a hard hit or sacking a quarterback, and most have acquired a nickname. The Ole Miss Rebels' d-line falls right into this stereotype and proudly boasts the nickname "Landsharks". With senior defensive players Kentrell Lockett, Jerrell Powe, LaMark Armour, Ted Laurent and Lawon Scott, the Ole Miss d-line is more than equipped to attack its opponents in the sea of college football.
Many of these players have won personal battles which have made them even stronger on the field.
Waynesboro, Miss. native Jerrell Powe said, "It seems like I can't quit on anything out here on the field. What I had to go through to get here gives me determination and drive. But, I'm keeping everything positive and not thinking about the past. I'm moving forward and pressing on."
Powe fought hard to become an Ole Miss Rebel and he continues that fight every time he steps onto to the football field.
"It was definitely worth all the work to get back to Ole Miss. I am here and I am happy. Everybody has to go through something to get to where they want to be in life," he said.
Kentrell Lockett is another player who has fought to overcome personal battles this year, first with a health scare concerning his heart and later with a season-ending knee injury.
"I need football, it is what makes me whole and gives me that extra pep in my step," Lockett said. "I want to practice and I want to play. It is nerve wracking and sad to watch my team and not be able to contribute. But, I have faith in my team and their ability to get it done. I'll be supporting from the sidelines."
With the season now in full swing, the d-line is being called on heavily and the players are ready to answer.
LaMark Armour and Lawon Scott both said that they are more than prepared for the upcoming games. They are focused on executing plays and eliminating missed assignments. Scott is especially excited for the upcoming game against Auburn and knows he will have to bring a lot of energy out onto the field.
Armour is also ready for Auburn and said, "We have got to be tough. Playing defense means that practice is tougher and games are tougher and we have got to be prepared for them."
Defensive players are the backbone of a football team. To be good, a player has to be both mentally and physically strong. Quitting is not an option and neither is backing down.
"Playing on the d-line is like being in the trenches 24/7, said defensive tackle Ted Laurent. "You have to run constantly whether it's from sideline to sideline or up and down the field; you can't just stand there. The team depends on us and we do not want to let them down."
With hard-hitting defensive players and quick offense, the Rebels are ready for whatever is thrown their way. Kentrell Lockett put it best when he said, "The "Landsharks" are ready, and we will be out in full force not for just a few quarters but for the whole game."
