Practice Report: New Looks on Defense

OXFORD, Miss. – The new 3-4 defensive scheme isn't the only change on that side of the football for Ole Miss in 2019. Several players are swapping positions, newcomers are carving out their roles and returners are stepping up as well.

Defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre, linebacker Lakia Henry, defensive back Jalen Julius and defensive lineman KD Hill met with the media Friday to recap the second full week of camp and look ahead to Saturday's second scrimmage.

HENRY HELPING OUT
One of the latest additions to the 2019 recruiting class is already having one of the biggest impacts of any player on the defensive side. Lakia Henry was brought in from Dodge City Community College as a plug-and-play JUCO prospect at linebacker. So far, he's been just that.

"Once we put on the pads, I felt like things started clicking," Henry said. "I started understanding the defense and the concepts better. There are some things I have to clean up as far as the pass stuff. But I feel like I have the run down pat, and that's the most important thing to me as a linebacker is having the run down. The pass will come. It's coming fast, and I like that."

Henry is well on his way to earning a key spot in the linebacker rotation as the Rebels look to fortify the heart of their defense. For that, he credits his fellow linebacker MoMo Sanogo, who is one of the key leaders on the defense.

"He's a really big help on the field," Henry said. "He was my host on my unofficial and my official visit, so I've known MoMo for a while. He's a really good dude. We have that connection on and off the field, so that translates pretty good."

FREE JULIUS
When the coaching staff approached Jalen Julius about a switch from corner to free safety, it was an easy choice for the fifth-year senior. He enters his final season with 19 starts under his belt, all at cornerback, but he was nonetheless eager to take on a new role.

"It's going great for me," Julius said. "I felt like that was the best fit for me. The difficulty is making more checks, but I feel like it's a good fit. I ain't scared to hit, so I feel like I'm doing good in run support too."

MacIntyre sees it as the perfect fit as well. Julius fits the mold of a rangy, physical defensive back who can stick with speedy slot receivers while also providing a solid option in run defense.

"In today's world with the RPOs and all the different things, you have to have someone who can cover a slot," MacIntyre said. "There aren't many true safeties who can cover a slot. He's physical. I watched his film from last year when he had a hurt shoulder, and he's still trying to hit people with all he's got. He can cover. That allows you to do some more things with your safety and coverage responsibilities, because you've really got a corner in there in coverage. It gives us a little more flexibility on defense."

CLIMBING THE HILL
The defensive line has been working hard to build depth this fall, and that task is always easier when numerous players are ready to rise to the occasion. KD Hill has been one of the most improved players on the defensive front.

The redshirt freshman appeared in two games and tallied a two tackles last season. He spent the spring and summer working on his craft, and now, he's climbing the depth chart and is ready to make more of an impact in Year 2.

"It's a blessing," Hill said. "I'm just continuing to work hard and not be satisfied with where I'm at. Technique, hands, eyes, footwork. I'm just going to continue to work on the little things until I get to where I want to be."

To purchase tickets for the 2019 season, visit STH19.com or call 888-REB-TKTS.

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Players Mentioned

Lakia Henry

KD Hill

Jalen Julius

MoMo Sanogo

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