Princely Umanmielen on Ole Miss' high expectations: 'Just focused on the goal'

The expectations are high for Ole Miss going into the 2024 season. That’s something that defensive star Princely Umanmielen isn’t shying away from but it’s also not something he wants to focus on.

Instead of spending time worrying about expectations, Umanmielen explained that with Fall Camp underway his focus is on getting to the end goal instead of what people outside of the program are anticipating.

“When it comes to me, I don’t really hear too much about it in the locker room,” Princely Umanmielen said. “We don’t really talk too much about it with the guys. So, I think everybody is just focused on the goal.”

This is Umanmielen’s first season at Ole Miss. Prior to this, he played four seasons with Florida. There, he gained tons of experience, playing in 45 games. During that time, he made 99 total tackles, 24.5 were tackles for a loss, and 15 of which were sacks. However, throughout that time, the Gators struggled to compete at the top of the SEC.

“It’s a little cool to me,” Umanmielen said. “I haven’t seen the team that I’ve been on that’s been ranked since my freshman year of college. So, it’s a good feeling just to see that again.”

In the Preseason Coaches Poll, Ole Miss is ranked sixth in the country. Similarly, when the AP’s Preseason Poll comes out, Ole Miss is similarly expected to be ranked highly, showing it’s both media and coaches within the sport that think highly of Ole Miss.

A major reason why Ole Miss is thought so highly of is how head coach Lane Kiffin has used the Transfer Portal. That includes revamping the team’s defensive line with players like Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen joining the team from other SEC schools.

Princely Umanmielen updates his health entering 2024

Princely Umanmielen was practicing for Ole Miss in a black jersey. That’s a non-contact jersey that could indicate an injury. Luckily, when he was asked about it, Umanmielen downplayed the severity of it and emphasized that he’s feeling healthy.

“I’m doing good,” Umanmielen said. “I’m taking it day by day, you know what I’m saying? I’m taking it day by day but I’m feeling really good. It’s just that I just can’t do any, like, physical contact.”

It’s good news for Ole Miss, who will be relying on Princely Umanmielen to help them get to where they want to go this season. Having him as healthy as possible going into the regular season is a big piece of that.