Ole Miss has enjoyed the good fortune of having surprise players step up to become key contributors in each of Hugh Freeze's first two seasons at the helm.
In 2012 Denzel Nkemdiche arose as an unlikely leader at linebacker despite his smallish size, playing the position with such ferocity that defensive coordinator likened Nkemdiche to a Tasmanian Devil. Nkemdiche led the team in tackles and was named a Freshman All-American.
Last season freshman Evan Engram became such a key piece of the offensive puzzle at tight end that the team was almost lost without him after Engram injured his ankle eight games into the year. Engram finished an abbreviated season with 21 catches for 268 yards and three touchdowns. While the numbers weren't tremendous his performance was impressive enough to garner Freshman All-SEC honors and recognition as one of the nation's top tight ends headed into this season.
Who will the surprise newcomer be this year?
On the defensive side of the ball look for freshman Marquis Haynes. While Haynes won't necessarily be a "surprise" to those who have followed the Rebels closely since the spring, he should make a large and immediate impact as a speed rusher from his spot at defensive end. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Haynes comes to Ole Miss by way of prep school, which allowed him to enroll early and go through spring workouts. Wommack and Freeze have been highly complimentary of Haynes ever since, to the point of sounding downright excited. They like his quickness, motor and ability to get to the quarterback. With Robert Nkemdiche requiring extra attention in the middle and C.J. Johnson on the other side, the opportunity should be there for Haynes to explode on the scene. Hopefully, he's been practicing his Landshark routine.
The easy guess on offense would be Quincy Adeboyejo because of his position in the slot vacated by Laquon Treadwell, who moved to the outside. Treadwell led the Rebels in receptions last year from the slot position, so it's a good bet that Adeboyejo will have a lot of passes come his way. However, the Adeboyejo guess is too easy. Plus, he played some snaps as a freshman.
Fahn Cooper will start at right tackle, and his impact will be tremendous, but again, that will come as no surprise. The Rebels have been hoping Cooper will be the guy since he committed last year.
On offense, I'll go with running back Jordan Wilkins as the impact newcomer this year.
Wilkins is a former 4-star prospect out of Cordova, Tennessee, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in just seven games as a high school senior before hurting his knee. I like his physical style of running and his size (6-foot-1, 209 pounds). While Wilkins may not get the most carries playing behind experienced backs I'Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton, I think Wilkins will do enough with the carries he does get that you'll see more and more of him as the season progresses.
DISCUSS HIGH-IMPACT NEWCOMERS ON THE MESSAGE BOARD
DISCUSS HIGH-IMPACT NEWCOMERS ON THE MESSAGE BOARD