Kalepo ‘back and ready to go’ as potential starter for Ole Miss offensive line
Ole Miss has been ‘set back a bit’ by limited or shelved-altogether players over three-plus weeks of preseason practices.
Washington transfer offensive lineman Nate Kalepo for the longest was one of those in a black, no-contact jersey, which indicates injury designation. Kalepo and Husky teammate Julius Buelow transferred in together in the off-season.
Kalepo declared himself good to go after practice on Monday.
“I’m good,” Kalepo said. “I just got banged up a little bit, but I’m back and ready to go.”
Monday’s practice was closed to the media, as was Saturday’s scrimmage.
At last look on Friday Kalepo was running with the first team offensive line at right guard. Jayden Williams was at left tackle, Buelow at left guard, Gerquan Scott at center and Micah Pettus at right tackle.
“Probably Walter Nolen or JJ Pegues,” Kalepo said, when asked the Rebel defenders who’ve proven most challenging to block. “Then a sleeper pick, I’d probably say (Jamarious Brown).
“They’re real strong, real stout. SEC d-line. I got to play a couple stout d-lines towards the back half of my season last year. Going against it every day is going to make me better.”
Ole Miss has shuffled the starting offensive line countless times over camp.
Kalepo has played both guards and has the versatility to kick out to guard. North Carolina transfer Diego Pounds has started more practices at left tackle than he hasn’t.
Caleb Warren is a three-year starter for Ole Miss at center. But he’s rotated exclusively between left and right guard. Jeremy James has played guard and tackle.
The Rebels open the 2024-25 season August 31 against Furman.
“It shouldn’t matter who’s out there,” Kalepo said. “As long as we’re on the same page, we’re going to be good.”
Kalepo, fifth-year Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive back Brandon Turnage all addressed the media after practice. The included video was provided by Ole Miss Sports Production.
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