Deantre Prince is already pushing the Ole Miss newcomers. Just ask Michael Trigg.

Ole Miss is two days into spring football practices. The Rebels haven’t even put on full pads yet.

But veteran starting cornerback Deantre Prince said the competition is already fierce, which is the way he wants it. Prince, at times, was matched up one-on-one with new tight end Michael Trigg on Tuesday. Trigg, along with quarterback Jaxson Dart, transferred to Ole Miss from USC in January.

“I won, but that intensity he brings to the game, it’ll definitely get over on different corners around the country,” Prince, an exclusive NIL partner of the Ole Miss Spirit, said. Prince is sponsored by Greer Law Firm in Tupelo, Miss. They can be reached at 662-842-5345. 

“Not necessarily me at the moment, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to try to get me before it’s all said and done.”

Trigg recorded seven receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown in six games as a true freshman for the Trojans last season. 

However, he was shut down after suffering a knee injury against Utah October 9. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Trigg, a former four-star prospect, was ranked as the No. 37 transfer in the country by On3. Dart was No. 2, trailing only Caleb Williams. Williams, formerly of Oklahoma, replaced Dart at USC.

“He’s definitely a huge threat,” Prince said of Trigg. “He’s a triple-threat. (Tuesday) we went at it, and he was actually playing outside receiver. When you have someone who can mess up the defensive scheme, the defensive formation from moving from tight end to receiver, man, it’s dangerous.”

Trigg isn’t the only newcomer to impress Prince so far.

Ole Miss currently boasts what is widely considered one of, if not the best, transfer classes in the country. The Rebels are ranked as high as No. 1 in team rankings for other recruiting services.

In all, they’ve added 14 players, among them TCU running back Zach Evans, Louisville wide receiver Jordan Watkins, Iowa State safety Isheem Young, Western Kentucky offensive lineman Mason Brooks, Georgia Tech EDGE Jared Ivey and Auburn’s JJ Pegues (defensive tackle) and Ladarius Tennison (safety).

One player, though, has really grabbed Prince’s attention.

“A lot of new faces on defense that impressed. Also a couple of receivers. Even the walk-ons,” Prince said. “(Former Central Michigan linebacker) Troy (Brown) has shown out. He actually caught an (interception) on Tuesday. He was around about three picks. He probably got one pick and about three (pass break-ups). 

“He’s making great plays and I love his energy. I like how he plays. He’s been opening my eyes. He’s one of those players.”

Brown is enrolled at Ole Miss as a graduate transfer with one year to play one. He’s a three-time All-MAC First Team selection, who recorded 215 tackles over four years with the Chippewas. Brown, one of the most sought-after defensive players in the portal, chose the Rebels over Texas A&M, USC, Rutgers and others.

“It seemed like we’d been together forever already,” Prince said, of meshing old faces with the new on the practice fields this week. “Our chemistry seemed like it was already there. It’s going to be scary how good we’re going to be once we all come together and have that chemistry.”

It’s a spring of change for the Ole Miss defense. 

Along with the influx of talent, now-third-year head coach Lane Kiffin significantly overhauled his coaching staff following a 10-3 2021 season. The Rebels reached the Sugar Bowl for the 10th time in program history. 

Chris Patridge, who served as the co-defensive coordinator with DJ Durkin the last two seasons, was promoted to the full-time position following Durkin’s departure to Texas A&M. Partridge is still coaching the Rebel defensive backs, too. 

“I can definitely tell a difference in just the way we’re playing now and the different qualities that coach Partridge has,” Prince said. “We’ve brought a lot of intensity to practice, and that’s something we didn’t mainly do all of last year. The intensity and the energy and all of us playing together and having fun together is there. Not saying we didn’t do it last year, but I feel like we’re doing it more this year.”

Ole Miss and cornerbacks coach Terrell Buckley mutually agreed to part ways. He was replaced by Sam Carter, previously of Arkansas.

“He’s more than a coach,” Prince said of Carter. “He’s like a father, a brother. He can get serious at times. But, also, he’s a great and cool coach that me and the other corners, we love. He’s getting us better every day.”

Prince is embracing it all. 

He said he’s trying to get faster over the coming weeks. Even more, he wants to continue to build on his already-strong confidence when the ball’s throw his way, just as it was to Trigg on a fade on Tuesday.

Prince started every game last season and finished with 46 total tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions.

“I’m trying to get more into a talking role and do as much as I can to be there for the younger guys,” Prince said. “Even the guys that aren’t corners, I try to be there and help them along the way. I’ll do anything to make sure that they’re on the right path and are in a great position once they become a junior or a senior.”