The University of Mississippi Athletics
A Closer Look: Safeties
1/19/2018 | Football, Blog
Top Performers: Zedrick Woods (64 tackles, four break ups, four deflections) C.J. Moore (51 tackles, three interceptions)รย
Returning in 2018: Zedrick Woods (Sr., 3L) Jaylon Jones (Jr., 2L), Cam Ordway (Sr., 3L), C.J. Moore (Sr., 3L), Armani Linton (Jr., 2L), A.J. Harris (Fr., RS), C.J Miller (So., 1L)
Newcomers in 2018: Cameron White (Fr., Madison Miss.)
Losing from 2017 Team: A.J. Moore (Graduation), C.J. Hampton (Graduation)
Looking back at 2017: If last year proved anything, it is that Zedrick Woods is the backbone of the Ole Miss secondary as a whole. The junior had four pass break ups, four deflections and 64 tackles on the season. Three of Ole Miss' top six tacklers in 2017 were safeties and four ranked amongst the top 10. C.J. Moore was right behind woods with 51 and three interceptions. This was overall a pretty solid group on the back end of the Rebels' defense. This unit helped hold opponents to 214 yards passing per game and just seven yards per attempt, meaning it was a little harder to hit receivers over the top of this secondary.
Jaylon Jones made a seamless transition from corner to safety, recording 34 tackles and a pair of break ups and deflections. The good news for the Rebels is that the majority of this group returns in 2018 to help solidify what should be a competitive pass defense with the entire two deep on the depth chart returning at cornerback.
Looking ahead to 2018: The loss of A.J. Moore at the star safety position definitely hurts Ole Miss, but outside of that they should feel pretty good with what they have returning in 2017. Woods, C.J. Moore and Jones should be a pretty formidable trio and the team also returns Cam Ordway. C.J. Miller is a young player the coaching staff is really high on and a guy that is expected to be right in the thick of the rotation going into fall camp.
The Rebels have the offseason to find a replacement for A.J. Moore and have a couple of solid options to do so. Miller will be the most interesting guy to keep an eye on throughout the spring and into fall camp, but Wesley McGriff and the defensive staff have to feel pretty confident in what they have coming back 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)
