Ole Miss lost five contributors from last year’s offensive line, but the Rebels have plenty of experience returning to an offense that possesses dynamic skill players and a seasoned quarterback in Chad Kelly.
Returners
Robert Conyers – Conyers is a senior returning from an ACL tear that occurred in the Memphis game. Conyers has been a key contributor on the Rebels’ offensive line since 2014. Conyers was the starting center last season before his injury, but his versatility allows him to play the tackle position as well. Conyers is extremely athletic and provides Ole Miss with experience at either position.
Rod Taylor – After Taylor tore his labrum in a 2015 preseason boxing incident, the now-junior guard struggled to get back to himself. The injury prevented what he could do and assuredly limited his range of motion in his shoulder. Taylor showed great toughness, however, to make it through the 2015 season. Taylor is an extremely athletic offensive lineman that can play either guard position.
Javon Patterson – Patterson started as a true freshman in the SEC at guard, and that says a lot about the sophomore’s skill set. Patterson was mixed in with seniors Justin Bell and Aaron Morris and was still able to start the year. Patterson sprained his ankle during the 2015 season, which set him back some, but the Petal native showed flashes of being an elite-level offensive lineman.
Jordan Simms – Simms came on strong at the end of last year. An Alabama native, Simms dropped a ton of weight and has worked extremely hard to get into great football condition. The sophomore guard played really well at the end of last season and provided Ole Miss with even more depth at the guard position.
Sean Rawlings – Rawlings filled in admirably when Laremy Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the 2015 season. He played extremely well in Ole Miss’ 43-37 victory over the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa last season. Rawlings provides Ole Miss with the same flexibility as Conyers, as the sophomore can also go inside and play the center position.
Daronte Bouldin – Bouldin got somewhat lost in the mix this season, but this could be the year for the junior lineman. Bouldin has played tackle and guard during his time at Ole Miss and could provide Ole Miss with some more flexibility along the line. Bouldin is regarded as one of the stronger players on the team and going into his junior year could give Ole Miss a nice surprise along the offensive line.
Newcomers
Greg Little – Little, a five-star recruit from Texas, will be Ole Miss’ left tackle next year. It may not be the first game, but at some point the young, heralded freshman will start at left tackle for the Rebels next football season. Little will unfairly be compared to Laremy Tunsil next year, inevitably, but the young freshman will be an elite-level offensive lineman during his time in Oxford.
Bryce Matthews – Matthews, in an ideal world, would probably redshirt, and he still may. The Rebels, however, may have to ask the young freshman to play some tackle for them next year as they only have two players on the roster that have started a game at tackle (Conyers, Rawlings).
Jeremy Liggins – Liggins is somewhat of the wild card. He’s played tight end and quarterback during his tenure at Ole Miss, but his frame allows him to give Ole Miss some quality depth at tackle. Liggins is an athletic specimen, and if he learns the system and nuances of the offensive line, the senior could become a solid offensive lineman for the Rebels during the 2016 season.
