Our daily fall camp preview series continues with the Ole Miss Rebels, a team anxious to reacquire the taste of being ranked inside the Top 5, but is expected to finish in the middle of the Western Division according to league media.

Personnel

We’re the same team with a new quarterback. Though not entirely accurate (replacing two All-SEC players in the secondary doesn’t equal an automatic upgrade), I liked that response from one of our readers last week and understand where he’s coming from. The question is can the Rebels win 10 or games with concerns on offense at the most important position on the field? Hugh Freeze has been interrogated for several months on the issue and answers with the same response: “Ryan Buchanan has the lead only because he’s been in the system longer than Chad Kelly.” He’s practically telling us that the former Clemson passer and JUCO transfer is the Rebels’ guy.

This team, backed by a preseason ranking likely inside the Top 15, is built around elite players on defense, a unit that should finish around the top of college football this fall in several notable statistical categories. Potential 2016 first-round picks Robert Nkemdiche and Tony Conner will try and rub off on others during August, including newcomer and first-year starter Tony Bridges at corner. Our audience is correct in their assessment that the Ole Miss defense could be better in 2015. And that’s a great sign for the Rebels.

Primary position battles

Quarterback — Ryan Buchanan vs. Chad Kelly: From strictly an athleticism and arm strength standpoint, Kelly’s the favorite, but Buchanan has experience in his corner along with the coaching staff’s trust with the playbook. The Rebels could win with either guy, but it’s important one separates from the other to make Freeze’s decision a little easier before game week. Determining who better facilitates the Rebels’ preferred pace and can get the football to Laquon Treadwell, Evan Engram and others will be the most important factor. Cutting down on wild mistakes from the position is essential as well.

Mike linebacker — C.J. Johnson vs. Christian Russell: It’s important to know that Johnson is the starter heading into fall camp following a consistent spring in the middle after transitioning from his post at defensive end. Lacking depth, the Rebels needed Johnson, who embraced the position switch, alongside Denzel Nkemdiche in their two linebacker look. That could change if Russell, a former JUCO transfer, plays consistent reps in August. Freeze would be the first to admit that Johnson’s at his best when he’s able to move around freely near the line of scrimmage while Russell’s the prototypical thick-body tackler. Ideally, Russell steps up and sheds the career backup label to handle Mike while Johnson’s able to play the majority of his snaps as a pass rusher. It may not happen, however.

End goal

Freeze is building a perennial SEC darkhorse the proper way — through recruiting. He’s been able to convince highly-rated guys to be apart of the new Ole Miss, a program on the cusp of extended success as an annual Top 25 team. Injuries decimated this team late in the season last fall, knocking the Rebels off their perch near the top of the West. Treadwell’s back, the Laremy Tunsil situation should be resolved quickly and Ole Miss has enough talent of defense to counter-attack several prolific offenses it will face over the second half of the season. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the Rebels will have a say in how the West is won.