Daniels: Rebels ‘Two Deep’ Depth Chart Against Texas A&M

Photo by Joshua McCoy, Ole Miss Athletics

Quarterback

1. Chad Kelly
2. DeVante Kincade

Note: Chad Kelly threw a career high 47 passes as a Ole Miss Rebels last weekend in the loss to Memphis. With two great offenses and a struggling run game we could see about the same amount of passes against Texas A&M.

Running Back

1. Jaylen Walton
2. Jordan Wilkins

Note: These two running backs ran for a combined 44 yards last weekend with Jaylen Walton carrying seven times for 39 yards while Wilkins had six carries for five yards. These two backs need open space to get going and with the addition of Tunsil to the offensive line, that could happen.

Wide Receiver

1. Laquon Treadwell
2. Damore’ea Stringfellow

Note: As predicted, Laquon Treadwell had an outstanding day against the Memphis Tigers with 14 receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Stringfellow also had a touchdown reception on four catches for 72 yards.

Wide Receiver

1. Cody Core
2. Derrick Jones

Note: Cody Core was the recipient of some very early slant patterns that worked to our advantage. He caught about four slants in a row at one point and didn’t get that much attention again. Core finished with six receptions for 83 yards.

Slot Receiver

1. Quincy Adeboyejo
2. Markell Pack

Note: Quincy Adeboyejo put up big yardage in the receiving game off of just two catches. Adeboyejo was on the receiving end of Laquon Treadwell’s touchdown pass as he had two receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Tight End

1. Evan Engram
2. Taz Zettergren

Note: Evan Engram has still yet to have that “big day” we have been waiting on. Last weekend, Engram had four catches and this week we could see similar production from him. Hopefully, he will be a big part of this offense Saturday.

Left Tackle

1. Laremy Tunsil
2. Christian Morris

Note: Hugh Freeze said that as soon as Tunsil gets back that he will be right in the starting lineup. We will see Tunsil out there for the first time this season against Texas A&M. Hopefully, having him back will be a big lift for the team and will help the offensive line production.

Left Guard

1. Javon Patterson
2. Jordan Sims

Note: Javon Patterson will be back out there at left guard with the return of Tunsil not affecting him.

Center

1. Ben Still
2. Jacob Feeley

Note: Robert Conyers suffered a torn ACL last weekend against Memphis so it will be Ben Still starting at center while the junior Jacob Feeley will be the backup. We also could see Justin Bell take a few snaps at center.

Right Guard

1. Justin Bell
2. Rod Taylor

Note: Both of these players have had nagging injuries, but I believe both Justin Bell and Rod Taylor will be active with Bell starting at right guard.

Right Tackle

1. Fahn Cooper
2. Sean Rawlings

Note: Fahn Cooper will move from the far left side of the offensive line to the far right starting at right tackle. Sean Rawlings has been great while Tunsil has been out. He will be second string.

Defensive End

1. Fadal Brown
2. Channing Ward

Note: Fadal Brown corralled Paxton Lynch to pick up a sack last weekend along with six tackles. He will have to get to another efficient quarterback in Kyle Allen this Saturday.

Defensive Tackle

1. Robert Nkemdiche
2. Breeland Speaks

Note: As of earlier this week, Robert Nkemdiche had not been cleared to play. He has been under routine concussion protocol. In Hugh Freeze’s weekly press conference Monday morning, he spoke very highly of Breeland Speaks saying he played with tremendous effort. Hopefully, Nkemdiche will get the start and we will say he is for now. Both of them could play an equal amount of time.

Nose Tackle

1. Woodrow Hamilton
2. D.J. Jones

Note: These two players will have about the same amount snaps played on defense. They will be vital to stuff those holes where the Aggies running game of Tra Carson could get through.

Defensive End

1. Marquis Haynes
2. John Youngblood

Note: Marquis Haynes has been outstanding bringing the blitz this season as he leads the team in sacks. He will have to get to Kyle Allen who has a quick release in the spread offense of Texas A&M.

Outside Linebacker

1. Denzel Nkemdiche
2. DeMarquis Gates

Note: These two combined for 10 tackles being aggressive at getting to the football. We could see these two bring the blitz as well trying to get to a pass heavy offense.

Middle Linebacker

1. Terry Caldwell
2. Christian Russell

Note: Terry Caldwell will continue to get the start for the injured C.J. Johnson. Last weekend, Caldwell had five tackles. He will have to lead this defense being the middle linebacker.

Nickel

1. Mike Hilton
2. A.J. Moore

Note: Last weekend, Mike Hilton forced the first interception thrown by Paxton Lynch this season. Hilton also had 11 tackles and a sack against Memphis. We could see him in some spy blitz situations this Saturday.

Cornerback

1. Kendarius Webster
2. Carlos Davis

Note: Kendarius Webster was thrown at a lot last weekend against Memphis and could not come up with the big play. Hopefully, he will be more physical and come up with some big plays in man coverage on the quick receivers of Texas A&M.

Cornerback

1. Tony Bridges
2. Kailo Moore

Note: Tony Bridges could have to cover a plethora of receivers this Saturday but he will most likely have to cover Josh Reynolds or Speedy Noil depending on where they line up. He too will have to play body on body to keep these quick receivers from getting in the open field.

Free Safety

1. C.J. Hampton
2. Chief Brown

Note: C.J. Hampton will get another start at free safety as Tony Connor is still absent from the starting lineup.

Rover

1. Trae Elston
2. C.J. Moore

Note: Even with Texas A&M’s quick screen plays, they also are not afraid to throw the ball over the top vertically. Trae Elston will have to keep this in mind as he will be ready to make a possible game changing interception. He has undergone concussion protocol as well but should be able to play.

Kicker

1. Gary Wunderlich
2. Andy Pappanastos

Note: Gary Wunderlich hit one field goal on one attempt. This week, it will be vital to get as many points as we can and kick these field goals. Those field goals could be important points when this game comes to a close.

Punter

1. Will Gleeson
2. Gary Wunderlich

Note: Will Gleeson was the other of three Rebels that had to undergo concussion protocol after being lofted in the air and coming down hard. Gleeson will play a vital role in flipping the field position. He needs to keep it out of the hands of the dangerous punt returner Christian Kirk who returned a touchdown last weekend against Alabama.

Kickoff Specialist

1. Nathan Noble
2. Gary Wunderlich

Note: Nathan Noble will have to keep it out of the hands of Christian Kirk as well.

Grant Daniels, a student at Oxford High School, is a sports correspondent for HottyToddy.com. Email him at hottytoddynews@gmail.com