The Ole Miss Rebels left plenty of room for improvement along the offensive line following the 2014 season.

The Rebels allowed the third-most sacks (26) of any team in the SEC this season, and the line’s inability to run block resulted in one of the SEC’s most pedestrian rushing attacks. Although most of the line will return next season, including All-SEC left tackle Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss can still build depth and beginning building a better line for the future with a strong recruiting class this season.

Ole Miss has the No. 19 class in the nation, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings as of Dec. 9, and that class features a nice collection of offensive linemen, headlined by two premier prospects.

Current OL commits

  • Four-star — Javon Patterson, OG, 6-2, 290 (Petal, Miss.)
  • Four-star — Drew Richmond, OT, 6-5, 310 (Memphis, Tenn.)
  • Three-star — Alex Givens, OT, 6-6, 280 (Nashville, Tenn.)

Other positions of need

  • Linebacker — Ole Miss will lose some vital leadership when sixth-year middle linebacker Deterrian Shackelford’s career comes to an end after the Peach Bowl, and with him the Rebels will lose fellow starting linebacker and former All-SEC selection Serderius Bryant, who’s also a senior. Denzel Nkemdiche will be returning from injury when next year begins, making depth at the position a priority for Hugh Freeze and company.
  • Defensive backs — The Rebels will lose All-American safety Cody Prewitt as well as SEC interceptions leader and unanimous All-SEC selection Senquez Golson following this season. Both players are seniors, leaving no questions regarding their departures, and both will be making plays on Sundays this time next season.