LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste Describes 'Bond' With Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels linebacker was made available to the media following spring practice on Thursday.

"Fast, physical, and I'm gonna hit you."

That is how Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste described himself to the media on Thursday afternoon, and his talents will be on display this spring and fall in Oxford.

Ironically enough, Jean-Baptiste, Kiffin and Ole Miss go "way back," in his words, and he shared some of those stories on Thursday after joining the Rebels out of the transfer portal this offseason.

"[Kiffin] was my first ever collegiate offer out of high school," Jean-Baptiste said. "Me and Coach Kiffin have had that bond since day one. And, coming out of high school, my last official visit was here at Ole Miss. It was a no-brainer to come finish where I was supposed to start."

Jean-Baptiste has spent the last four seasons with the UCF Knights, but he found a strong fit and perfect storm in Oxford this offseason with both Kiffin and new defensive coordinator Pete Golding being on staff.

"With Coach Golding coming in, it's been a blessing," Jean-Baptiste said. "He's coached some of the best linebackers, and I wanted to get some of the best coaching I could. Perfect opportunity for me."

So, the Rebels' new linebacker may play fast and physical, but what is his actual role on this new-look Ole Miss defense this spring?

"It's kind of the same," Jean-Baptiste said. "I'm playing middle backer, so I'm in control of the defense, making sure everybody is playing fast and physical and getting everybody set."

Jean-Baptiste will have the ability to participate in the annual Grove Bowl on Saturday. Ole Miss' spring game will be broadcast on SEC Network+, and it is set to begin at 2 p.m. CT.

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