Jared Ivey provides update on Ole Miss’ new and improved front seven
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss defensive lineman Jared Ivey has been a crucial part of this Ole Miss team for the past two years, but following the 2023 season, he had a decision to make.
The senior had one remaining year of eligibility and the option to pursue the NFL, but with the efforts of his quarterback, the decision became a no-brainer.
“He was in my ear a little bit about coming back. I wanted to come back and run it back with the guys, so Dart was definitely a part of that,” Ivey said Tuesday after spring practice.
With Ivey deciding to come back and the additions of Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, Kam Franklin, Will Echoles, and more, Pete Golding’s front seven has a chance to be one of the best in the country. Jared himself recognized three specific players who have stood out to him up to this point.
“Walts (Walter Nolen) is picking up really fast, Princely (Umanmielen) is picking up really fast, and young Kam (Franklin) looks pretty good too.“
Jared Ivey on the newcomers to the D-line
Alongside Ivey, Ole Miss is returning key defensive linemen like Josh Harris, Zxavian Harris, Akelo Stone, and JJ Pegues. Jared says the players who have experience in Pete Golding’s scheme also have an important leadership role to participate in over the next few months.
First day of media availability for Ole Miss spring football. Here are some D-line drills from today, the group featured here is as listed:
No. 0 – Joshua Harris
No. 1 – Princely Umanielen
No. 2 – Walter Nolen
No. 4 – Suntarine Perkins
No. 15 – Jared Ivey
No. 95 – Akelo Stone… pic.twitter.com/el60Nlfc9R— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 19, 2024
“Obviously, we have guys who understand our scheme, and then we are bringing in new guys, so they are picking up quick. It’s not just the coach’s voice, other guys and leaders can step up, answer questions, and lead them away from mistakes that they made when we first started learning this stuff.”
Jared Ivey
Looking ahead, we are still a solid 164 days away from opening kickoff, but regardless, Ivey says that Coach Golding hasn’t wasted any time preaching what type of defense he wants his guys to become.
“The most fast, physical, and smart team we could possibly be. Those three words are the main words that PG (Pete Golding) is preaching right now, and that’s the mindset that we take into every day.”
Jared Ivey on what the defense is striving to be
Ole Miss will return to the practice fields tomorrow and will hold another press conference afterward. For spring football updates and more, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
