As we roll along in our preview series, we finally go outside the front seven to the secondary. Cornerback has historically been the weak spot of Ole Miss defenses no matter the era. You had guys like Senquez Golson, Ken Lucas and Trey Amos, but that’s it.
The secondary that Pete Golding has put together might just be the best collection of talent in program history, but by no means do I expect them to be elite. Remember, the bar is kinda low here.
These corners will likely benefit from the talented
front seven they share the field with, but don’t overlook this group’s ability to pitch in and contribute with coverage sacks and turnovers.
#0 Jalyn Crawford – Jr. 6’0” 180 (Auburn)
#2 Jaylon Braxton – Jr. 6’0” 190
#8 Antonio Kite – Sr. 6’0” 190
#13 Cedrick Beavers – Sr. 5’11” 185
#16 Dorian Barney – Fr. 6’0” 185
#21 Tavoy Feagin – So. 6’0” 170
#25 Maison Dunn – rFr. 6’2” 185
#27 Pat Broomfield – S0. 6’1” 165
#28 Dante Core – Fr. 5’11” 170
#32 Victor Lincoln Jr. – Fr. 5’11” 170
#34 Iverson McCoy – Fr. 5’11” 185
#40 Micah Stallworth – So. 5’11” 200
#41 John Ross Ashley – Jr. 5’11” 180
#43 Israel Solomon – Jr. 5’9” 175 (Hawaii)
Now Phil Steele projects Jaylon Braxton to be the odd man out behind Antonio Kite and Jalyn Crawford in a standard 4-3 defensive set up. However, Braxton will be heavily in rotation with those two. The rest of the rotation will likely be between Beavers, Solomon and possibly Sherif Denson who is listed as a safety.
Deep depth is still an issue with this unit, so health to the primary guys is of utmost importance here. There is a lot inexperience and youth in the room, but the guys at the top are primed to have a major impact this year.
