Starting linebacker Pooh Paul and defensive tackle Walter Nolen were two of Pete Golding’s greatest additions through the transfer portal this offseason. As transfer prospects, both were ranked in the top two of respective position units among all available players throughout the cycle.
They’ve been as advertised eight games into the 2024 season, contributing significantly to Ole Miss’ defense becoming one of the most formidable in the country. Heading into Week 10, the Rebels’ defense allows an average of only 11 points per game, which tops the country.
It may be argued that Nolen and Paul are the top defenders on this strong Ole Miss team. Pro Football Focus ranks the two as the top players in the SECÂ at their respective positions. Nolen’s 84.7 season grade is the highest for an SEC defensive tackle, while Paul’s 90.9 season grade is the highest for an SEC linebacker.
“This guy is a monster. “I think he’s one of the best players in the entire country,” Jaxson Dart said of Nolen in July. “His God-given potential is remarkable, and I thought he had a great offseason and has gone the next step in his development. He’s thrilled about this season and putting his name on the map.”
In his first — and perhaps final — season as a Rebel, Nolen has 27 tackles (14 solo), one pass deflection, and 2.5 sacks. However, Nolen contributes far more than just stats, as he plays in double teams and is held on the majority of snaps. Still, he helps set up his teammates for enormous success, which won’t be shown in the box score.
Paul, on the other side, leads the club in tackles with 58, including three pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and 2.5 sacks. He plays with a relentless drive and appears to be the emotional leader of this defense, inspiring others around him after a great play.
“I just thought he was so physical and played so hard,” head coach Lane Kiffin said of Paul while scouting him in the gateway. “Actually, in our game (last year), I felt there was a difference – he got hurt in our game against them a year ago, and I simply felt like he was there to make a difference. He’s been wonderful for us. I admire the intensity he plays with; we talked about it today. He needs to make better decisions at the end on those penalties, but he works extremely hard and is an excellent teammate.”
Though Paul is returning to a location he called home for the past three years of his collegiate career this weekend, his teammates say he is excited but ultimately focused on securing the crucial victory.
Kickoff for Saturday’s Week 10 showdown between No. 19 Ole Miss (6-2, 2-2 SEC) and Arkansas (5-3, 3-2 SEC) is 11 a.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can also listen to the Rebels’ home broadcast via the Ole Miss Radio Network. The Rebels are presently 7.5-point road favorites versus Arkansas.
