Da’Shawn Womack Brings Edge Energy to Ole Miss: ‘Just Rush the Quarterback’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss will see a significant turnover on the defensive front heading into 2025; two of those will be rushing from the edge positions. Princewill Umanmielen and Da’Shawn Womack transferred in from top schools this off-season, and the latter spoke to the media today and is hungry to get going.
Womack was recruited heavily by Ole Miss during his high school days at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. However, the class of 2023 EDGE chose LSU, but he did stay in contact with the Rebels staff. When he hit the transfer portal in December 2024, he was quick to pick Ole Miss, the first transfer for Lane Kiffin this past offseason.
Coach Joyner and Da’Shawn Womack Share Strong Bond
Womack was asked if it was a leap of faith to commit to Ole Miss so quickly after hitting the portal. The Maryland native confirmed it was, but said past conversations with defensive line coach Randall Joyner created a strong relationship.
“It was a leap of faith. Ole Miss was my first offer at high school; they were always one of the schools reaching out. Coach Joyner was reaching out, making sure I was good when I was committing to LSU, saying, ‘You sure you want to go?’ The relationship with Coach Joyner is high.“
Da’Shawn Womack
The Rebels tallied over 50 sacks last season, and that is thanks to the combination of explosive playmakers and defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s scheme. Womack says he has a handle on the defense and his role in it.
“I’m adapting very well to a new playbook, just getting a new install every day. Learning the playbook, learning my job and the guys’ next to me job to really know what’s going on in the defense and just dominating every day.”
Da’Shawn Womack
‘Just doing what I love to do–just rush the quarterback’
Transferring in from LSU back in January, Womack has now been through both spring and fall camp in Oxford. His confidence is his knowledge of what he’s supposed to be doing has helped him develop even more this fall.
“I would say, just with me learning the playbook fast and like getting it on the back of my hand is like making me more comfortable and making me play free, fast, physical,” Womack explained. “Just doing what I love to do–just rush the quarterback.”
We have heard players talk about how impressive Golding is since he joined Ole Miss in 2023. Womack was another defensive player who had nothing but high praise for his DC and what he can do to make him a top pass rusher.
“We move around a lot. PG (Pete Golding) is the best in the game right now, and he can move you all over the field to rush the passer.”
Da’Shawn Womack
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
