Ole Miss Rebels' backup plan working out perfectly well
Football is like life: We remember the stars. People know the lead singer, but struggle to name the bass player. They remember who won an Oscar for best actor, but blank on the best supporting actor.
Such is life for the 2015 Ole Miss Rebels — have-a-roster-handy version.
The Ole Miss training room has resembled the set of the new medical drama “Code Black” lately. The injured list reads like a who’s who on the Oxford campus. C.J. Johnson, out. Tony Connor, out. Justin Bell, out. Jaylen Walton, out.
It has not just been injuries. Laremy Tunsil, out. Tee Shepard, out.
But instead of sulking, Ole Miss supplemented, thoroughly embracing the Next Man Up mantra.
Four of the five offensive linemen who started Saturday against New Mexico State were not starters in Week 1. Aaron Morris, Ben Still, Rod Taylor and Sean Rawlings joined Fahn Cooper in Saturday’s opening lineup. But even that was an adjustment. Cooper was slated to start at right tackle in the preseason, but with Tunsil out, he has played each game at left tackle.
The Rebels are so undermanned, former quarterback Jeremy Liggins wore No. 66 and played as a reserve right tackle.
Running back Jaylen Walton sat with an injury. Enter Akeem Judd and Jordan Wilkins. Each had rushing touchdowns.
During the game, tight end Evan Engram was banged up, and his replacement, Taz Zettergren, had a clutch catch.
Defensively, Issac Gross was lost to neck surgery before the season. No worry. Several players picked up the slack. Johnson had a knee procedure last week, but Terry Caldwell has played well.
The Rebels’ secondary is in plug-in-and-play mode. After Conner went down against Alabama and Shepard left the team, Ole Miss relied on the experience and versatility of the remaining members. Trae Elston, C.J. Hampton, Chief Brown, Kendarius Webster and Mike Hilton have all played multiple positions.
Against the Aggies on Saturday, coach Hugh Freeze also burned the redshirt of Cam Ordway and put him in to gain experience for the rest of the season.
Every team has stars. But, as Ole Miss has learned, stars aren’t always available. And the reserve Rebels have proved to be more than capable of performing in the SEC.