The defensive line was probably the strongest and deepest position group on the ole miss defense last season. This year, maintaining that level of play and depth will be difficult without the services of Robert Nkemdiche, Woodrow Hamilton and C.J. Johnson, although Issac Gross and Herbert Moore will be returning after missing last season due to injury.
Defensive line coach Chris Kiffin said he liked how his group was coming along in spring.
“Any time you lose a couple of great players, you’ve got to find a way to replace them,” Kiffin said. “You see that coming far in advance. You have a plan recruiting and getting the guys in that you want to develop. The good thing is we were able to redshirt some guys and allow them to progress. Austrian (Robinson), Ross (Donelly), Garrald (McDowell,) Victor (Evans), those guys are all in their second or third year now. We’re looking for them to step up. You talk about replacing Rob and Woody, thank goodness you’ve got D.J. (Jones) and Breeland (Speaks) in there right now. We’re missing Fadol (Brown) and Issac (Gross) for spring ball, which is obviously two guys we’re going to count on in the fall to really help us.”
(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Ross Donelly waits for a play call during a game last season against UT Martin.
Last season, Donelly was slated to redshirt, but then had to join the rotation after the defensive tackle position suffered some injuries. Kiffin felt this expedited his development. Tiffin said that Donelly is coming along with his technique and that the confidence is the main thing with him.
“Unfortunately we burned the redshirt, but he did have some game experience, which is valuable,” Kiffin said. “You can’t put a price on that to where now all of a sudden you get into spring and some blocking schemes he’s already seen. I’m very pleased with Ross. He’s a very smart player in there, and he adds quality depth for us.”
Donelly went through the steps he took to be ready to contribute in his first season. Donelly made it a point to know everything about the defense.
“During fall camp, after practice I’d go home, and right before I went to bed I’d sit down and go over the plays and different hand signals,” Donelly said. “The GA, anytime I had a question I’d just go up and ask him and make sure that I was doing everything right, and I’d ask Coach Kiffin obviously.”
Donelly said he spoke to assistants and Kiffin for help throughout the season, and specifically tried to focus on his running.
“I’ve tried to run to the ball more, get in shape so I could get to the ball, run from sideline to sideline and pursue the football, that’s a big thing,” Donelly said. “I feel like I’m in much better shape pursuing the football.”
Kiffin was also impressed by freshman defensive end Charles Wiley and freshman defensive tackle Benito Jones. Kiffin said that Wiley is going to be a special player for the Rebels going forward and called him a “combine freak.”
“He’s very talented,” Kiffin said. “As you guys know, he’s kind of a combine freak. Can run, jump, very explosive. He’s just a little bit raw right now, but him and Benito, to have those two guys here as early enrollees is awesome. He’s a quick learner. He’s not lost out there. Charles is going to be a very good player for the Ole Miss Rebels one day.”
Kiffin said Jones was similar to Issac Gross when he was a freshman with the first quick step that he possesses.
“Can’t say enough about who Benito is as a kid and a young man coming in here,” Tiffin said. “(He) should still be in high school, and he’s eager to learn and play football. Also just the guy he is around the building. Everybody loves him. He’s everybody’s favorite player already. Very, very talented young man. Still raw but a very quick learner of skills. Should be able to help us this fall for sure.”
