Who's poised to bounce back at Ole Miss this season? Today, we take a look:
OFFENSE
Melvin Harris, WR, Jr.: Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt couldn't wait to get the 6-6, 210-pound Harris on the field last season, especially after seeing Harris catch a 61-yard touchdown pass in the spring game and then follow that up with a strong preseason camp. Sure enough, Harris caught a 41-yard touchdown pass in the Rebels' opener last season ... but caught only two more touchdown passes the rest of the way. He was also suspended for the Mississippi State game to end the season after being cited and charged with DUI. The Rebels are searching for playmakers in their passing game, and Harris has the size and speed to be their go-to guy. He just needs to be more consistent, not to mention make better decisions off the field. He caught 30 passes last season and seemed to be coming into his own until the suspension. If he can stay healthy, which was a problem earlier in his career, he could easily be a 50-catch guy.
DEFENSE
Kentrell Lockett, DE, Sr.: The most important recruit Ole Miss picked up this offseason was senior defensive end Kentrell Lockett, who was granted a rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after tearing his ACL last season. Lockett leads all returning SEC players in career tackles for loss with 23.5, and he's the kind of defender who can change the complexion of a game with one or two plays. The Rebels were never the same defensively a year ago after Lockett went down with his knee injury against Fresno State the fifth week of the season. He expects to be 100 percent in time for the 2011 opener against BYU, and being able to plug him back in Ole Miss will be huge for defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix. Not only will Lockett provide production from his end position, but he's also one of the Rebels' strongest leaders.