Top 3 Defensive Storylines to Follow in Ole Miss Football Spring Practice

For the Rebels' defense, what are the movements to watch this spring?

OXFORD, Miss. -- With spring practice on the horizon for the Ole Miss Rebels, there are plenty of talking points surrounding Lane Kiffin's team that will draw attention before the season begins in September.

Kiffin, the dubbed "Portal King" of college football, was at his usual antics in the transfer market this offseason, and much of that motion has led to some key storylines that we will see unfold this spring.

Over the weekend, we looked at the top three storylines for the offensive side of the ball. Now, let's dive in on defense. 

1. Pete Golding's Arrival and Changes in System

The acquirement of Pete Golding as the Rebels' new defensive coordinator this offseason from the Alabama Crimson Tide made national headlines. Now, it's up to him to revitalize this Ole Miss defense.

With the pieces in place, both carryovers from last year and new transfers, can Golding implement his system effectively on the field this spring? Lane Kiffin is certainly high on his new assistant coach, but how the defense looks this spring will likely be different than how we last saw it in the Texas Bowl in December.

2. Where Do the Transfers Fit In?

Speaking of transfers, where do names like Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and Monty Montgomery fit into Golding's defense?

Kiffin has not been shy about utilizing the transfer portal since its advent in college football, but, in a sense, this is a fresh start for everyone on defense with Golding's arrival. Not only could the transfers find new roles, but some familiar faces for Ole Miss fans may find new spots on the field in a new defensive alignment.

3. How healthy is Cedric Johnson?

Cedric Johnson's snaps last season were somewhat taken by transfer Jared Ivey after a shoulder injury. Now, can he return to form and be a force on the defensive line after playing hurt in 2022?

Again, much of this hinges on how these pieces fit into Golding's scheme, but Ivey's experience from a season ago could be critical in 2023. If Johnson can shoulder some of that load as well, it would be a big boost for the Rebels' pass rush.

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You can follow John Macon on Twitter at @JMakeGillespie.

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