Ole Miss releases first game-week depth chart at Coach Luke’s Monday press conference
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke met with the media Monday at the first weekly football press conference of the season and released the Rebels’ first game-week depth chart for 2018.
Coach Luke made an opening statement and then he, offensive coordinator Phil Longo, and defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff took questions from the media.
“I think this is an awesome opportunity on a big stage,” Luke said of the game with Tech.
“I have a lot of respect for Texas Tech. I think it will be a really, really tough opener and one I think we’ll find out a lot about our team right off the bat.”
Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke on playing Texas Tech
Depth Chart News and Notes
Right Guard: True freshman Ben Brown will start at right guard, but Coach Luke made it clear that senior right guard Jordan Sims is an invaluable part of the offensive line, referring to him as “a sixth starter.”
“Just to have him and his experience is huge,” Luke said of Sims. “He can play at both guards and at center, so having a guy like Jordan is invaluable.”
Ole Miss defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff took questions from the media Monday. (Photo credit: Jake Evans, The Rebel Walk)
STAR: Montrell Custis, a junior, will be at the hybrid STAR position when the Rebels take the field Saturday. Custis won the start at the position over junior college transfer Vernon Dasher; however, defensive coordinator McGriff noted that both will see significant playing time.
“Vernon Dasher and Montrell Custis have done a great job,” McGriff said. “We’re anticipating them playing a lot of snaps. I’m really, really pleased with their progress.”
Running back: As expected, junior college transfer Scottie Phillips was named the starting running back. Junior Eric Swinney is listed as the No. 2 running back, followed by true freshman Isaiah Woullard.
“Scottie will start the game and go, but I think you’re always having to keep guys fresh.He will get the majority of the carries, but you’ll see some others based on situations and where those guys are best at.”
Coach Luke on running back position
Nose tackle: Junior Benito Jones has been named the starter at nose tackle. He and senior Ross Donelly were neck and neck throughout the fall camp, and Donelly should see plenty of playing time as well.
Linebacker: At the all-important linebacker position, Coach McGriff said the Rebels will start second-year sophomore Mohamed Sanogo and true freshman Kevontae’ Ruggs, and he offered high praise for each.
“MoMo (Sanogo) has a strong football IQ. He is going to get us lined up. He can process on the run. His knowledge of the game and the way he has matured has been surprising.“
Coach McGriff on Mohamed Sanogo
True freshman Kevontae’ Ruggs obviously made a strong impression on McGriff in fall camp also. “I don’t think he gets tired. He’s a born football player…I’m excited to see him play,” he said.
“Ruggs has excellent length for the position. I don’t think this kid gets tired. He can run all day. he will make more plays than he will give up (as a true freshman).”
Game-Week Depth Chart Versus Texas Tech
OFFENSE
WR
DaMarkus Lodge | Sr.
Braylon Sanders | So.
WR
A.J. Brown | Jr.
Elijah Moore | Fr.
Floyd Allen | Sr.
LT
Greg Little | Jr.
Royce Newman | So.
LG
Javon Patterson | Sr.
Bryce Mathews | So.
C
Sean Rawlings | Sr.
Eli Johnson | So.
RG
Ben Brown | RS Fr.
Jordan Sims | Sr.
RT
Alex Givens | Jr.
Tony Gray | RS Fr.
WR
D.K. Metcalf | So.
Alex Weber | Sr.
Miles Battle | Fr.
QB
Jordan Ta’amu | Sr.
Matt Corral | Fr.
RB
Scottie Phillips | Jr.
Eric Swinney | Jr.
Isaiah Woullard | Fr.
DEFENSE
DE
Austrian Robinson | Junior
Tariqious Tisdale | So.
DT
Josiah Coatney | Jr.
Sincere David | RS Fr.
NT
Benito Jones | Jr.
Ross Donelly | Sr.
DE
Qaadir Sheppard | Jr.
Victor Evans | Sr.
Ryder Anderson | So.
MLB
Mohamed Sanogo | So.
Jacquez Jones | Fr.
Zikerrion Baker | RS Fr.
OLB
Kevontae’ Ruggs | Fr.
Willie Hibbler | Jr.
STAR
Montrell Custis | Jr.
Vernon Dasher | Jr.
Cam Ordway | Sr.
CB
Myles Hartsfield | Jr.
Javien Hamilton | Sr.
SS
Zedrick Woods | Sr.
C.J. Miller | So.
FS
C.J. Moore | Sr.
Kam’Ron White | RS Fr.
CB
Jaylon Jones | Jr.
Keidron Smith | Fr.
Ken Webster | Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK
Luke Logan | So.
Patrick Nasiatka | Jr.
P
Mac Brown | So.
Spencer Cole | Jr.
KO
Luke Logan | So.
Spencer Cole | Jr.
Holder
Mac Brown | So.
Floyd Allen | Sr.
Game info:
Ole Miss kicks off the season Saturday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. (CT) against Texas Tech in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
(Video courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics)
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
