Ole Miss defensive lineman Jared Ivey has been an important member of this Ole Miss team for the previous two years, but after the 2023 season, he had to make a decision.
The senior had one year of eligibility left and the option of pursuing a career in the NFL, but thanks to his quarterback’s efforts, the decision became clear.
“He was in my ear a little bit about coming back. I wanted to come back and run it back with the guys, so Dart was definitely a part of that,” Ivey said Tuesday after spring practice.
With Ivey deciding to come back and the additions of Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, Kam Franklin, Will Echoles, and more, Pete Golding’s front seven has a chance to be one of the best in the country. Jared himself recognized three specific players who have stood out to him up to this point.
“Walts (Walter Nolen) is picking up really fast, Princely (Umanmielen) is picking up really fast, and young Kam (Franklin) looks pretty good too.“
Jared Ivey on the newcomers to the D-line
Alongside Ivey, Ole Miss is returning key defensive linemen like Josh Harris, Zxavian Harris, Akelo Stone, and JJ Pegues. Jared says the players who have experience in Pete Golding’s scheme also have an important leadership role to participate in over the next few months.
“Obviously, we have guys who understand our scheme, and then we are bringing in new guys, so they are picking up quick. It’s not just the coach’s voice, other guys and leaders can step up, answer questions, and lead them away from mistakes that they made when we first started learning this stuff.”
Looking ahead, we’re still 164 days away from kickoff, but Ivey says Coach Golding hasn’t wasted any time talking about the type of defense he wants his team to be.
