The University of Mississippi Athletics
A Closer Look: Defensive Line
1/16/2018 | Football, Blog
This is the sixth 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.
Top Performer: Breeland Speaks (27 solo tackles, 40 assisted tackles, 67 total tackles, 10 TFLs, two sacks), Marquis Haynes (27 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 11 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three forces fumbles)Returning in 2018: Victor Evans (Sr., 3L), Markel Winters (Sr., 1L), Shawn Curtis (Jr., 2L), Amani Johnson (Fr., RS), Ryder Anderson (So., 1L), Qaadir Sheppard (Jr., 1L), Charles Wiley (So., 1L), Garrald McDowell (Sr., 3L), Josiah Coatney (Jr., 1L), Austrian Robinson (Jr., 2L), Ross Donelly (Sr., 3L), Sincere David (Fr., RS), Benito Jones (Jr., 2L), Jordan Hebert (Sr., 2L)
Newcomers in 2018: James Williams (Fr., Jackson, Miss.), Jalen Cunningham (Fr.,Odenville, Ala.), Hal Northern (Jr., Senatobia, Miss.), KD Hill (Fr., Eufaula,Ala.), Quinten Bivens (Fr., Waynesboro, Miss.)Losing from 2017 Team: Breeland Speaks (NFL Draft), Marquis Haynes (Graduation), Herbert Moore (Graduation)
Looking back at 2017: The 2017 Ole Miss defensive line was the strongest part of a defense that struggled to stop the run early in the season, but improved dramatically down the stretch. Marquis Haynes and Breeland Speaks anchored this unit and were the Rebels' two best pass rushers. Junior college transfer Josiah Coatney had 65 tackles on the interior defensive line. The Rebels were deeper on the defensive line than they were on any position on the field. It got contributions from Ryder Anderson and Victor Evans on the outside at defensive end and Ross Donnelly and Austrian Robinson on the interior at defensive tackle.Both Haynes and Speaks had big games in Ole Miss' memorable Egg Bowl win on Thanksgiving night, a fitting end to a productive season as well as the last game of their Ole Miss careers.
Looking ahead to 2018: On the surface, it would appear that Ole Miss has some holes to fill on the defensive line, particularly on the outside. The departure of Speaks and Haynes means the Rebels will have to find a way to replace 12.5 sacks and 112 tackles. That's quite a lot. They were two of the best players on the 2017 defense and replacing them will be tough. Victor Evans does return with a decent amount of experience, as he was a starter when healthy. He only played in five games in 2017. Ryder Anderson and Qaadir Sheppard -- who battled injuries for most of the season -- will see their roles increased dramatically next season. Markel Winters will also be in the mix as well. Anderson in particular showed promise last season and it was hard to gauge Sheppard's effectiveness due to him being injured. At least one of these names will need to become a formidable pass rusher for the Rebels next season.The prognosis on the interior is a little better. Benito Jones is a former top-100 recruit that battled a shoulder injury for most of the season and his production was hindered as a result. Coatney, as mentioned earlier, was really good for the Rebels last year. Behind them is where Ole Miss will need to develop some depth. Sincere David redshirted a year ago as he tries to make the transition from offensive to defensive lines. Ross Donnelly and Austrian Robinson got some playing time last fall and will likely take on greater roles 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)
