Fans will see many different looks from the offensive and defensive lines during Saturday’s annual Grove Bowl. The defensive line is replacing two starters due to graduation and position changes. The offensive line is battling through a number of injuries and will be featuring a lineup very different from the starting group last season.
One of the key things to watch on the offensive line Saturday is the play of junior Jeremy Liggins. Last year, Liggins played tight end and quarterback, but with the depth behind the injured junior left tackle Laremy Tunsil being thin, Liggins has made the switch to offensive tackle. Liggins was oversized as a quarterback and tight end, weighing in at almost 300 pounds. His size makes him better suited for the offensive line, but the outstanding athleticism that allowed him to play at quarterback and tight end will work to his advantage at tackle and give him an extremely high ceiling.
Overall, the offensive line has eight players who will miss the spring game due to injury. This leaves seniors Fahn Cooper, Justin Bell, Ben Still; freshman Javon Patterson; Liggins; redshirt freshman Jordan Sims; sophomore Rod Taylor; junior Jacob Feeley and finally, redshirt freshman Tyler Putnam as the offensive linemen who should see time in the scrimmage.
Patterson has impressed so far during camp and should be able to make an impact in the game as he battles to see time in his first season at Ole Miss. Sims is also looking to make an impact early in his collegiate career, and head coach Hugh Freeze said he might be the most improved player among the linemen.
With the graduation of defensive tackle/end Bryon Bennett and senior C.J. Johnson moving to middle linebacker, some new and inexperienced players on the team have a good chance to stand out in the Grove Bowl on the defensive line. At defensive tackle, junior college transfer D.J. Jones will be fighting for the starting spot opposite junior Robert Nkemdiche, but he could see time at both tackle spots during the scrimmage. Redshirt freshman Breeland Speaks will also be fighting for his first chance at playing time with the Rebels. The Grove Bowl provides an excellent chance for him to add on to what has been an impressive spring for him so far.
At defensive end, sophomore Marquis Haynes will step into the starting position full time, with Johnson moving to linebacker. Redshirt freshman Garrald McDowell and Victor Evans both have a chance to make an early impact as reserves and should have plenty of chances on Saturday. Evans has great speed and should add another dangerous pass rusher to the Rebels defense. McDowell has the ability to play outside at defensive end and move inside to play defensive tackle and should bring a good blend of speed and power to the defensive front.
