Ole Miss Football Practice Report: Rebs work out in full pads Monday

OXFORD, Miss. —  As the weather cools down a tiny bit, the intensity is heating up in Oxford, and many Ole Miss players are starting to emerge in different places and moves are happening. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels held their first open practice of week two Monday evening, with the players wearing pads for the first time this fall.

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive back Jaylon Braxton were both a full go Monday evening, back from injury, and each will be pivotal for the Rebels’ success this season. Braxton was a freshman All-American in 2023 for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and thus far this fall has played a majority of reps at the free safety position alongside Nick Cull.

Cull has played a variety of different positions throughout fall camp, and really stood out to me Monday evening. During every snap against the offense, he seemed to be everywhere to make plays for the defense. He worked out with great intensity, breaking up many passes that truly looked like he had no shot at affecting any of them. So that definitely bodes well for this Rebel secondary.

Behind starting quarterback Austin Simmons, the others at the spot are competing mightily. Trinidad Chambliss continues to display his potential at a high level. Chambliss, a transfer from Ferris State, brings versatility and the ability to make plays happen with his legs that could prove very valuable for the Rebels this year.

Throughout transitions during the open viewing periods, the team practiced in a few red zone plays at full contact. Chambliss showed strong understanding of blitzes from the defense, and rifled a ball to Caleb Odom in the back of the end zone that resulted in a touchdown. AJ Maddox is also in the mix for backup quarterback and has looked good in his reps as well.

Running back Kewan Lacy got many reps Monday. The sophomore transfer from Missouri has an ability to catch and make plays happen in the open field, which could make Lacy very important in different short-stick moments for Ole Miss this year.

Special teams finally got going at full motion Monday evening, and wide receivers Traylon Ray and Harrison Wallace III got reps as the return guy and didn’t disappoint, with each showcasing his ability to catch and run.

The offensive line room was put to work by position coach John Garrison. Pieces are being moved around as there are a number of players who are versatile and can play different spots on the line. That gives Coach Garrison a lot to work with there.

Charlotte transfer guard PJ Wilkins and UAB transfer guard Delano Townsend are working hard for the opportunity to be the starting guards for the Rebels, taking a lot of snaps Monday with Austin Simmons in the backfield. Devin Harper is another offensive lineman who has also caught our attention throughout the first couple of open practices, so he will be one to look out for in the future. Another versatile player, if any injuries happen throughout the year, Harper can play in different positions.

Defensive linemen Andrew Maddox and Kam Franklin will both play big roles for Pete Golding’s defense, and on Monday they further showed abilities that will be pivotal for the defense in third down passing. Franklin, seemingly playing in a role similar to what Jared Ivey did last season, has truly looked the part within the defensive line. Maddox, too, appears to have put in serious work throughout the offseason, and although you don’t usually see Lane Kiffin use freshmen as often, Maddox is making a case to be a game changer for the team.

Linebackers TJ Dottery and Tyler Banks once again did not disappoint. Dottery, one of the leaders for the defense, truly has the ability to do a bunch of different things — and do them quite well. Whether it is dropping back into zone coverage, or rushing the quarterback, Dottery looks to be in full game mode already and his energy is contagious to his teammates. As for Banks, he has thrived within new opportunities during camp, and has proven himself as one of the best open field tacklers for this defense.

Ole Miss was ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP Coaches Poll released Monday, with five SEC teams ahead of them.

Our next opportunity to view select periods of practice comes Wednesday, with interviews with Coach Kiffin and some players afterward.

(Feature image credit: Karis Chambliss)