The University of Mississippi Athletics
A Closer Look: Offensive Line
1/15/2018 | Football, Blog
This is the fifth of a 10-part position-by-position series looking back at the 2017 season, as well as previewing what lies ahead for Ole Miss football in 2018.
Returning in 2018: Greg Little (Jr., 2L), Sean Rawlings (Sr., 3L), Javon Patterson (Sr., 3L), Ben Brown (Fr., RS), Samuel Plash (Fr., RS), Peyton Cox (Fr., RS), Alex Givens (Jr., 2L), Chandler Tuitt (So., 1L), Jordan Sims (Sr., 3L), Bryce Mathews (So., 1L), Royce Newman (So., 1L), Tony Gray (Fr., RS), Eli Johnson (So., 1L)Newcomers in 2018: TBD
Losing from 2017 Team: Jack DeFoor (transfer), Daronte Bouldin (graduation), Rod Taylor (graduation)Looking back at 2017: The Rebel offensive line was a pretty solid unit in 2017, particularly considering some of the attrition it endured throughout the season. The Rebels struggled to run the football early in the season, but eventually hit their stride. The offensive line helped Jordan Wilkins become the first 1,000-yard rusher since 2009. Greg Little is on the fast track to becoming an NFL left tackle and guys like Sean Rawlings, Jordan Sims, Alex Givens and Javon Patterson are all battled-tested and were good for the Rebels in 2017.
With the number of guys the coaching staff was able to redshirt, Ole Miss should feel pretty good about its depth at this position next season.Looking ahead to 2018: This offensive line unit should be even stronger for Ole Miss in 2017. It returns every starter with the exception of Rod Taylor at right tackle. The loss of Daronte Bouldin will hurt because of his versatility and the flexibility he gave offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., but Jordan Sims and Sean Rawlings have experience playing multiple positions. For example, Sims played center in a couple of games when Rawlings was injured.
This will be a starting unit of all upperclassmen who have played a lot of football together, with the exception of rising sophomore Royce Newman, who will presumably take over Taylor's duties at right tackle. The coaching staff is excited about the future of some of the guys that were able to redshirt last year like Ben Brown, as well as rising sophomores Chandler Tuitt and Bryce Matthews. The Rebels also get backup center Eli Johnson back from an ACL injury.The argument could be made that this will be Ole Miss' most stable unit on either side of the football aside from the wide receivers. This is a group with a lot of seasoned veterans that will help the Rebels immensely at the line of scrimmage next season. It will help the Rebels immensely at the line of scrimmage next season.
A Closer Look:- Running Backs (Jan. 8)
- Quarterbacks (Jan. 9)
- Wide Receivers (Jan. 10)
- Tight Ends (Jan. 11)
- Offensive Line (Jan. 15)
- Defensive Line (Jan. 16)
- Linebackers (Jan. 17)
- Cornerbacks (Jan. 18)
- Safeties (Jan. 19)
- Special Teams (Jan. 22)
