SEC Football: The West’s Most Important Defensive Players in 2015

4 of 8

Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA;TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) runs between Mississippi Rebels defensive end C.J. Johnson (10) and Mississippi Rebels defensive lineman Bryon Bennett (95) during the second quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles/CFA Peach Bowl via USA TODAY Sports

While the losses of Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt (both All-Americans) will certainly take some adjusting, Rebel coaches and the players themselves think the Rebels’ secondary will actually be improved in 2015.

The defensive line has an 8-man rotation that any school not named Alabama would be jealous of (which is better a toss-up). With the secondary and defensive line being settled, the linebacker position will be the key for the landsharks in 2015. And it is a huge question mark.

Converted defensive end CJ Johnson moved to middle linebacker in the spring and is looking to make solid contributions there. If Johnson can succeed there, the Ole Miss defense may actually be improved in 2015. If he fails, the landsharks will not be nearly as intimidating.

Next: Arkansas

Home/SEC Football