Ole Miss LB Monty Montgomery Most Underrated Defensive Transfer of 2023?

247Sports believes the Rebels may have found the most underrated defensive transfer of the 2023 cycle.

OXFORD, Miss. -- To no one's surprise, Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin took advantage of one of the busiest transfer cycles ever recorded this offseason, most notably bringing in competition for sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart, along with additional weapons on offense. The defensive side of the ball was not neglected, however, as Kiffin also managed to snag impactful players at all three levels of the defense, giving newly hired assistant Pete Golding plenty of chess pieces to utilize in his scheme. 

Linebacker Monty Montgomery was part of Kiffin's 2023 transfer portal haul and was recently recognized by 247Sports as one of the 50 most impactful transfers entering the fall. Montgomery came in at No. 12 and was one of the four defensive transfers to crack the top 15. 

Here is the excerpt on Montgomery's impact on the new-look Ole Miss defense.

12. MONTY MONTGOMERY, LB, OLE MISS

Did Kiffin and the Rebels snag the most underrated defensive transfer? Perhaps. Montgomery led Louisville last season with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks from his post at linebacker and brings much-needed physicality to the Ole Miss defense. He forced four fumbles and posted two interceptions as well. Montgomery is a complete player despite being undersized and could make a name for himself as a future NFL Draft pick in the SEC. Ole Miss finding him and landing his commitment is vital toward this defense's 2023 revamp.

Montgomery was all over the field for the Louisville Cardinals in 2022, recording 70 total tackles, 11 TFLs, six sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions to top it all off. The Norcross, Ga., native brings physicality and versatility to an Ole Miss defense that allowed 168.0 rushing yards per game. Linebackers play an important role in Golding's scheme and the Rebels got one of the best available in Montgomery. 

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You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.

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