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Ole Miss Power Rankings: Top 10 Rebel Football Players Entering Week 5
Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) returns a punt during the second quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
The Ole Miss Rebels are heading into week five of the 2016 season. Here’s a look at the Power Rankings for the top 10 Rebel players.
Ole Miss is coming off a great team win against the Georgia Bulldogs. It was great to see the team jump out to a lead and hold on. Maybe this is a sign that the Rebels figured out how to close out games. Of course, several players have stepped up this season. Now it’s time to update the Power Rankings for the Ole Miss football team.
Gary Wunderlich
Ole Miss kicker Gary Wunderlich had competition for the 10th spot this week in the power rankings. However, he holds on despite his first missed field goal of the year. Wunderlich has been nearly automatic and this week’s miss was a 55 yard attempt. However, he is still perfect on extra point attempts and hit a 24 yard field goal for the first points of the game. Wunderlich is five of six on field goals and 19 of 19 on extra points.
Jordan Sims
The sophomore offensive lineman had an outstanding day on Saturday against Georgia. So much so, the SEC named Sims the Offensive Lineman of the Week. He helped the Rebels tally 510 total yards against the Bulldog’s defense. If he could stay consistent for the year it will strengthen the offensive line and make the offense that more dangerous.
Van Jefferson
The Ole Miss wide receiver corps has been one of the bright spots of the year. However, the red-shirt freshman Van Jefferson has been a key cog. He only had a couple of catches this week but he has been a key to the offensive onslaught this year. He’s rank eight this week in the power rankings because as long as he’s on the field he is a viable threat to the defenses the Rebels face.
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Zedrick Woods (36) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Power Rankings: 7-4
7
Zedrick Woods
The defensive back field has gotten increasingly better from week to week. However, one player that is quietly having a decent year is Zedrick Woods. Woods has been solidly playing his position all year. He has started every game of his sophomore campaign. He is third on the Ole Miss football team in tackles with 21. Woods also has a half tackle for loss. Look for him to stay active on defense for the rest of the year.
D. J. Jones
D.J. Jones is a huge plug in the middle of the Ole Miss defense. He eats up space and causes congestion at the line of scrimmage. However, his real value doesn’t come from his own stats but by what he opens up for other teammates. He has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His stats only show 14 tackles with one sack. But ask anyone who actually watch the games and they know how important Jones is to the defense.
Damore'ea Stringfellow
Damore’ea Stringfellow is emerging as the best wide receiver on the team. The 6’2 junior has become the outside threat that Kelly can depend on throughout this season. He pulled in two catches for 43 yards against Georgia. However, he has been a solid target with 14 catches for 211 yards and two touchdown. I look for him to standout in the Memphis game.
Marquis Haynes
Everyone in the SEC knows that Marquis Haynes is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the conference. The constant pressure he puts on the quarterback was key to the Rebels ability to go after the Georgia quarterback without having to always bring extra rushers. Plus he had a pass break up while guarding a tight end down the field. From his defensive end position, Haynes has 15 tackles with two sacks. He leads the team with three tackles for loss. In addition to that, his pressure opens the door for others to make plays. The weakest position group for the University of Memphis is their offensive line. Haynes may have fun Saturday.
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3), defensive tackle Breeland Speaks (9) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) celebrate against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Power Rankings: 3-1
3
Demarquis Gates
Although the defensive line seems to get all the glory, so far this year the best defensive player just may be a linebacker. DeMarquis Gates is putting together a great season. Last year’s leading tackler is at it again this year. He leads the Rebels in tackles through the first four weeks of the season. Gates has 30 tackles. However, he has two quarterback sacks along with three quarterback hurries.
His game against Georgia was on par with all his games this season. He had nine tackles for Ole Miss while providing constant pressure. In addition, it was his pressure against Jacob Eason that cause the Georgia quarterback to throw the interception to Derrick Jones. Jones proceeded to return it for a touchdown. He’ll have his hands full this week with the Tiger offense. But that should lead him to a chance to make plays.
Chad Kelly
There is nothing about Chad Kelly that hasn’t already been said. Contrary to what anybody with a “hot take” may say, it is clear that Kelly is the best quarterback in the SEC. Although our running game leaves a lot to be desired, it amazes me that no one can really stop our passing game.
Kelly’s numbers for the Georgia game were great. 18/24 for 282 yards with two passing touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for a 41 yard TD Saturday afternoon. However, his season numbers are even more impressive. Kelly has thrown for 1235 yards with 12 TDs and only three interceptions. I don’t believe there is any defense that can stop him.
Evan Engram
The Biletnikoff Award is usually reserved for wide receivers. However, it seems as if they see the same thing we see in Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram. This week he was added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list. The award is given to the best receiver regardless of position. Engram could very well be the best receiver in the conference. He is second in receiving in the SEC with 397 yards. The senior has pulled in three touchdowns this year as well.
Georgia was no match for him with his six catches for 95 yards and a TD. But his greatness is in the defensive mismatches that he causes. If the defense devotes defenders to stop him, it leaves other receivers in favorable match ups. However, Engram remains number one because he has yet to be stopped.
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