The Ole Miss Rebels are roughly halfway through 2024 spring training, but there are still plenty of questions for this team before the Globe Bowl.
On paper, this Rebels team looks like one of the best in school history, and going 11-2 in 2023 has created a lot of hype in Oxford. Still, there's always more to do, and as training continues in April, there are some areas worth focusing on.
Here are five burning questions for the Ole Miss Rebels as spring practice continues.
1. Will there be a new running back?
Ole Miss' offense looks to be gaining depth again entering 2024, but one question that remains on that side revolves around the running back position.
Sure, Ulysses Bentley IV and Kedrick Liescano will return, but until Logan Diggs returns from injury, running back could be the position of emphasis in this transfer portal cycle, with Lane Kiffin himself. It states that there is a possibility…and that it is a friend in progress that could return the Rebels to their old state.
“Yeah, it's going to be free agency soon,” Kiffin said. “If you looked outside and looked at our running back position, we would attack free agency at that spot, just like we do in the NFL. That's the reality. is.”
The crystal ball prediction that former Ole Miss running back Henry Parrish Jr. would return to Oxford from the Miami Hurricanes came true, but is it just a matter of time before it becomes a reality?
2. How good is this front seven?
The early returns for the Rebels' front seven are blisteringly strong. Other positions on the field, whether offensive linemen or defensive backs, have taken note of what this revamped unit was able to accomplish during spring training, with transfers Princely Umanmielen and Walter Nolen joining the ranks. It's the main character in the room.
“When we got into this one-man group, we thought, 'Man, this looks like a team built up front,'” defensive back John Saunders said. “That front seven is truly amazing. The D-line is beautiful. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.”
A combination of a dominant pass rush and an elite offense? It's a recipe for a special 2024 campaign for Ole Miss.
3. Emphasis on the development of wide receivers?
Aiden Williams could be a candidate to fill a breakout role in this Ole Miss offense despite having a lot of veteran talent in front of him. If Juice Wells (who has been plagued by injuries at times during his career) can stay healthy, that's another great piece of the room, but Williams will be asked to make an impact this season as well.
He has appeared to be a mainstay in practices so far this spring, and even with such a veteran group of pass catchers, the sophomore from Ridgeland, Mississippi, could have a bigger role this season than in 2023. be. The same goes for young Kayden Lee, who has been the focus of social media hype out of Ole Miss.
4. Trey Amos vs. Tre Harris: Power on Power?
Ole Miss' social media team had a field day this spring promoting the matchup between defensive back transfer Trey Amos and wide receiver Tre Harris, and for good reason.
As it stands, these two names are viewed as the biggest forces in their respective position groups, and taking control of the passing game is a key part of their success within the Southeastern Conference. Harris will look to gain yards and Amos will look to limit yards, but you'd be hard-pressed to find better talent to match these two up against during the regular season. So now is the perfect time to hone your already elite skill set.
If these two horses continue to fight through the spring, results could be seen in late August.
5. How does the new subface fit in?
While the focus is naturally on the front seven, Ole Miss' secondary will also look a lot different in 2024. Amorion Walker, Yam Banks, Key Lawrence and Brandon Turnage are all highlighting a new defensive dimension for coordinator Pete Golding, but who will step up and where?
The front seven should be able to get to the quarterback (if healthy), but who will be the most notable playmaker for the Rebels this season when the pass goes up in the air? It's a journey that begins in spring.