Optimism: a word that is constantly mentioned while talking about the Ole Miss defense this offseason.
The reason for this heightened expectation is the stellar play last season, which ranked first in the nation in scoring defense.
New faces junior cornerback Tony Bridges and sophomore safety C.J. Hampton are projected to contribute to the success of the landshark reputation.
“Last year, that defense had its own DNA. So, we’re trying to form something new now and just keep on adding to it. Everybody is adding their own play style to it and just staying consistent,” Hampton said. “Last year they had a great season and fell a little short, but it’ll be fine. We’ll pick up where they left off at and try to make it better.”
For the defense to improve this season, the cornerbacks will have to step up to replace Senquez Golson, who had 10 interceptions last season.
Bridges is expected to start this season and shows the potential to replace Golson’s knack for turnovers, reeling in a team-high 10 interceptions in fall camp.
“He’s a big long guy. All the corners are really good,” Hampton said. “He spends a lot of time at it so he sees things faster. When he sees the ball in the air, he just attacks it and he just makes a lot of plays. He’s a great corner.”
Bridges said he has gotten better by working on his technique this summer, and his improvement is helped by practicing with quality receivers like junior Laquon Treadwell and redshirt sophomore Damore’ea Stringfellow every day.
“I go against those guys everyday. They’re great guys,” Bridges said. “I like to compete with them all the time. I have no choice but to get better with those guys.”
Bridges had fierce competition going one-on-one against Treadwell in practice, which is helping both of them grow.
“I’m getting the best out of him, he’s getting the best out of me. We talk about that all the time,” Bridges said. “On game day, that’s what it is. I just want him to be the best and he wants me to be the best.”
Hampton said he’s also seen a lot of improvement while working with defensive coordinator Dave Wommack and safeties coach Corey Batoon to step up his game from his freshman year.
“All last year it was kind of tough playing free (safety). I’d just line everybody up all the time, so I finally learned that now, and now I know near everybody’s position on the field,” Hampton said. “Really this offseason, I just spent a lot of time making sure I know everything.”
Hampton said learning the defense better and watching a lot of film has given him a boost.
“I’m playing faster now, so, I mean, I’m getting to the ball, making plays so I guess I’m doing my part now,” Hampton said. “Everyone’s been humble, so everyone knows what’s going on. Everybody spends a lot of time learning, so I think we’ll be real good this year.”
