Joshua Harris, Ole Miss defense embracing new DC Pete Golding’s high standard
In some ways, NC State transfer defensive lineman Joshua Harris is still getting his feet underneath him as an Ole Miss Rebel.
Harris left to join the Rebels in the off-season and enrolled in time to participate in spring practices. He’s currently in the two-deep rotation at defensive tackle.
Ole Miss is in its third week of preseason practices. The Rebels open the 2023 campaign September 2 against Mercer.
“Playing-wise, I’m down to 328. I’ve lost some weight,” Harris said this week. “In the spring I was heavier. I was heavier at State. I’m lighter (and) my pass-rushing game has improved a lot. That was something I struggled with at NC State, and my run-blocking ability has definitely gotten better. I’m able to take on double teams and be strong in there.”
RELATED: Ole Miss transfer DT Joshua Harris believes he will thrive in Pete Golding’s defense
Harris is one of the many new faces for the Rebels on defense.
Ole Miss went defense-heavy in a transfer class that was one of the largest in the country. Seven of its 11 first-team members came from the portal.
The Rebels are also working under their third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. Pete Golding spent the previous three seasons as Nick Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama.
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“His standard is so high,” Harris said of Golding. “That’s why I came here from jump. We had a meeting when I was on my official visit and he was just so energized and enthusiastic. And it never changes. He’s the same person every day.”
Additional transfers added by the Rebels on the defensive line alone include former Alabama and Nebraska defensive tackle Stephon Wynn, as well as James Madison EDGE Isaac Ukwu.
“He’s bringing the energy and holds us to such a high standard,” Harris continued. “I feel like all the guys just buy into it and play their tails off for him.”
Harris was one of three Rebels to recently meet with the media. The others are FAU transfer safety TJ Young and Oregon State transfer running back Jam Griffin. Each of those videos is linked below.
RELATED: Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart a Top 5 SEC QB in 2023? David Eckert thinks so.
