Delano Townsend Returns with Purpose as Ole Miss Builds Through Spring
OXFORD, Miss. — Spring practice continues for the Ole Miss football team. Returning starting offensive lineman Delano Townsend talked with media Friday, explaining why he ultimately stayed at Ole Miss and what his thoughts are on the team.
The junior lineman briefly entered the transfer portal earlier this year before deciding to return to the Rebels, and he described what that process was like.
“Just making a business decision, taking some time to think, stepping back, and just realizing what we had here,” he said. “And, you know, the guys, a lot of us, came back, so I just wanted to keep that ever out there,” he said.
Townsend also talked about what it means to have new offensive line assistant coach, Terrence Metcalf. The legendary former Rebel lineman is back in Oxford in that new role.
“It’s great just having another guy that played here, you know, played in the league, played here for several years. It’s great having him, somebody to relate to, another voice in the room.”
Delano Townsend on Terrence Metcalf
As everyone knows, the Rebels made an incredible playoff run. Townsend offered some thoughts on what he learned from his fellow offensive linemen and his teammates during that exciting time.
“Stick together and enjoy the game, just play hard and together, because in the playoffs, you have a lot of adversity. You will hit a lot of different things. Things will come up, but just stick together and just have each other’s back.”
Delano Townsend
Ole Miss also has a new offensive coordinator, a familiar face to all Rebel fans. John David Baker is back in that spot, and Townsend had great praise for his coordinator.
“JDB, yeah, he’s a great guy. First time I met him in the playoffs, he sat down, had a one-on-one meeting. He broke it down because I wasn’t here when he was here previously. Yeah, he broke it down. Gave me a little backstory, and I love him ever since he’s been here. Great guy. “
Townsend on John David Baker
There are some new names and faces in the o-line room, such as Carius Curne, Tommy Kinsler, and Enoch Wangoy. Townsend spoke about what they’ve shown him so far.
“They’re willing and want to learn a new playbook,” Townsend began. “You know, it’s different if you didn’t come from a tempo team, just them embracing the different stuff that we do. And being willing to learn fast on what they need to pick up to play in this offense,” he added.
Townsend then transitioned into what he has been working on this off-season.
“Just getting more in shape, my body,” Townsend commented.
“How I value my success — I mean, you can’t harp on what you did (before). You know, it’s a new season. So, nothing is guaranteed. What we did last year, so it’s a whole new year, new team.”
Delano Townsend on not getting complacent
To wrap up his press conference, the offensive lineman talked about Rebels’ quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
“He means everything to his team. That’s our guy. I was actually on the phone with some of my people, like my brother (when he heard Trinidad won his court case). He’s a big fan of us, too. And when it hit, he had told me while we were playing the game and stuff, we talked about it. Trinidad is our guy.” — Townsend on Trinidad Chambliss
What’s Next?
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Parks Burcham
Parks Burcham is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi. He is majoring in Journalism, emphasis in Sports Media, with a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Booneville, Mississippi and graduated high school from Jumpertown Attendance Center.His favorite sports are basketball and football. He chose this path because he has always been extremely interested in the sports world. Parks enjoys all aspects of the game and hopes to do great work in this field.
