Zxavian Harris appears to be one of the main returners on the Ole Miss roster.
The Ole Miss football team is only two weeks away from the start of the 2024 season, and while battles for positions and spots on the depth chart are still ongoing, the Rebels are becoming more confident as the season approaches.
Receiver Ayden Williams, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. spoke with the media on Friday, providing updates from the practice fields outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Scroll down to observe how each Rebel unit is improving on a daily basis.
WORK SMARTER
Ayden Williams returns for his second season with the Ole Miss system, where he is expected to play a role in a crowded wide receiver corps. There has been a lot of buzz about the trio of elite veteran receivers in Oxford: Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Juice Wells. Williams has focused on both physical and mental progress as he prepares for his sophomore season.
“The biggest challenge for me was all the information and being locked in on every small key detail because that’s what’s going to win you ballgames—the small key details,” Williams told the audience. “I’m definitely starting to recognize coverages, knowing where the ball is probably going pre-snap or post-snap based on the look the defense gives us.”
Williams demonstrated his playmaking abilities as a rookie, with a 43-yard reception on his first career grab. With his first season behind him, the game has begun to slow down, and he has become more comfortable in the offense. He also gives thanks to new receivers coach George McDonald for his growth.
“Coach McDonald has been very good. “He gives excellent advice,” Williams added. “He’s been watching all of our reps, telling us what we’re doing wrong and how to correct it. He’s an excellent receiving coach. “I love Coach G-Mac.”
BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES
Zxavian Harris, like Ayden Williams, appears to be a crucial returner for the Ole Miss team. He’ll be part of the defensive tackle rotation alongside Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, and others as they attempt to anchor what Harris feels is an excellent defensive line. The group recognizes its talent and has strived to form a camaraderie that extends beyond pad level.
“This is probably the best our D-line has looked since I’ve been here,” Harris told the crowd. “We have so close of a bond, everybody is praying for each other’s greatness and success, so that makes you much better.”
That bond has been challenged on a daily basis in practice as the new-look D-line fights with a new-look O-line, which junior Harris believes has progressed significantly from previous seasons.
“They are physical. “When they get to the field, they’re ready to fight,” Harris stated. “This is the most talented offensive line I’ve worked with. They have increased mobility. They can move. They can move about, pull, stretch, and so on. “They’re also faster.”
LEADERSHIP AT LB
With the departures of senior leaders Ashanti Cistrunk and Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste—both of whom were among the team’s top five leading tacklers—the Rebel linebacker corps required an injection of not only skill but also leadership in the summer. Insert Chris Paul Jr., who stated this week that joining in the spring was a critical step toward taking on a leadership position on defense this fall.
“The spring really helped me understand the standard,” Paul told me. “So, heading into camp, I already had an idea of what the coaches were looking for and how I needed to push myself this camp in order to prosper this season, not only as a person but also as a defensive unit. I feel like I’ve embraced the position the coaches assigned to me, and as long as we remain on track, we’ll be terrific this season.”
Pooh Paul played in 28 games and 11 starts for Arkansas, totaling 137 tackles (68 solo), 15.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup before moving to Oxford. So far, he’s pleased with how the Rebel defense has gelled this autumn.
“I’m feeling pretty good.” “I feel like the team is confident, especially on defense,” Paul said. “I feel like we’re all maturing together and forming a team. That’s something Coach Kiffin emphasizes, and I believe we’re embracing it and taking things day by day.
