As Wesley McGriff progresses through his first spring practice as Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator, there’s no bigger priority than fixing the team’s linebacker situation.
Simply put, last season’s group of linebackers was historically bad. As an eight-man unit, they manufactured a grand total of two turnovers in 12 games. Their struggles to tackle and fill running lanes was the biggest factor in the Rebel defense finishing last in the SEC in rushing defense. The low point came in the Egg Bowl, when Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald lumbered for 250 yards on just 14 carries.