The Ole Miss linebacking core will look much different than last year’s group. With three seniors from last year’s team having graduated, new players will have to step up and try to keep the Ole Miss defense strong.
The biggest question is who will step up to fill the void left at middle linebacker after the graduation of two-time Chucky Mullins Courage Award recipient Deterrian Shackleford.
Senior C.J. Johnson was moved to middle linebacker in the spring to add depth at the position and could be the new starter. Johnson spent the last three seasons at defensive end after originally playing linebacker and being moved to end midway through his freshman year.