Ad Disclosure
Freeze releases Ole Miss depth chart for season opener against Boise State
By Ethan Levine
Published:
Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze released his depth chart for Thursday night’s season opener against Boise State at his press conference Monday, although his two-deep contained few deviations from what most fans expected.
Junior Cody Core earned the nod at slot receiver ahead of sophomore Quincy Adeboyejo, although Adeboyejo was listed as the primary backup in the slot as well as on the outside. Laquon Treadwell and Vince Sanders were listed as the team’s starting wideouts on the perimeter.
Freeze’s depth chart also gave little clarification as to who he’ll lean on among his stable of running backs this season. He listed I’Tavius Mathers “or” Jaylen Walton as co-No. 1 backs, and also used “or” to include both Mark Dodson and Jordan Wilkins as co-backups entering the season.
Star defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche was listed as a defensive tackle on the depth chart, indicating his move to the inside of the defensive line may be permanent. C.J. Johnson and Fadol Brown are listed as the team’s starting defensive ends, with Marquis Haynes and Channing Ward listed as the No. 2’s.
Most of the shakeup occurred in the secondary, where perhaps the lone certainty remains Cody Prewitt’s spot at free safety.
Injuries to Tee Shepard and Carlos Davis created playing time for a handful of players not expected to make an impact in 2014, including twins A.J. and C.J. Moore. C.J. was listed as a backup at free safety and is expected to fill Davis’ role on special teams; A.J. was listed as a backup at the nickel corner “huskie” position.
Senquez Golson and Mike Hilton are slated to be Freeze’s starting corners, while Trae Elston earned the starting nod at the rover safety position.
Sixth-year senior Deterrian Shackelford will anchor the defense as the starting middle linebacker alongside outside linebacker and All-SEC honoree Serderius Bryant.
As expected, Walton is listed as the team’s primary kick returner, while Anthony Alford is listed as Ole Miss’ No. 1 punt returner.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
