Putting on for the ‘Sip: Echoles Steps into Leadership Role for Ole Miss Defensive Line

OXFORD, Miss. — With the 2025 season on the horizon, sophomore Ole Miss defensive lineman Will Echoles has emerged as a key figure on a retooled defensive front, embracing both the physical demands and emotional weight of his growing role.

“Probably the biggest adjustment is just taking care of my body more because now I’m getting more reps,” Echoles said after a recent fall camp practice. “So it’s taking a toll on my body.”

Echoles, a former standout from Houston, Mississippi, is stepping into a leadership position at a time of transition for the Rebels’ defense. Gone to the NFL are several high-profile starters from last season’s unit, replaced by a mix of portal newcomers, young talent, and a handful of returners. That doesn’t shake Echoles’ confidence in what the group can do.

“Most definitely,” he said when asked if he feels good about the current group.

Will Echoles on the 2025 Ole Miss DL

That room includes a few fellow Mississippians — a fact that Echoles believes adds an extra layer of pride and responsibility.

“Most definitely,” he said, when asked about playing for the state. “Our room now is a bunch of in-state guys. So just playing for the state of Mississippi, that means a lot. Not just for me and Kam [Franklin], but for our whole room because we put on for the ‘Sip.”

Other defensive line teammates joining Echoles and Franklin (Lake Cormorant) from the Magnolia state include Jamarious Brown (Moss Point), Zxavian Harris (Canton), Jeffery Rush (Pascagoula), Kamron Beavers (Bay Springs), and Andrew Maddox (Hattiesburg).

Experience, even if only a year’s worth, has already made a noticeable difference for Echoles. The complexities of Pete Golding’s defensive system — one filled with checks, rotations, and situational packages — can be overwhelming to young players. But Echoles says the game is beginning to slow down.

“It was good for me because our defense is very compacted,” he said.

Will Echoles on Pete Golding’s defense

And he’s not alone in making strides. The Rebels’ staff brought in new defensive line talent through the transfer portal, including Da’Shawn Womack and Princewill Umanmielen — two highly-touted players who have impressed in camp. According to Echoles, the returners have made it a point to help them adapt quickly.

“We took them under our wing and we’ve been showing them the ropes of the defense,” Echoles said. “So they’ve been adjusting well and getting the hang of it.”

Helping Echoles navigate this leadership role has been the return of fellow defensive lineman Harris, who brings SEC experience and perspective.

“Yeah, he helped me a lot,” Echoles said of Harris.

Will Echoles on Zxavian Harris

On the practice field, Echoles has turned heads. While fall scrimmages serve as preparation, conditioning, and fine-tuning, they’ve also given players like Echoles a stage to showcase their development.

“I’ve been doing pretty good,” he said. “Just flying around, getting to the ball. That’s a big thing around here. Just using the scrimmages to get my conditioning good and just flying around making plays.”

Under the guidance of defensive line coach Randall Joyner — one of the more animated and energentic position coaches on staff — the unit has developed a close-knit, high-energy identity.

Will Echoles on DL coach Randall Joyner

That energy is being channeled into a defense Echoles believes will hold strong despite offseason departures.

“I don’t see any fall off from last year,” he said.

Will Echoles on the DL

As camp nears its conclusion and the season opener looms on August 31, Echoles knows exactly what’s expected — especially in the SEC, where talent alone isn’t enough.

“Talent is no longer enough,” he said. “So it’s just your hard work that separates you from the others. So it just shows you that when it’s time for SEC play you really got to bring it all.”

From taking care of his body to leading by example, Will Echoles is doing just that.