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New position for Jeremy James working out in spring football

Chuck-Rounsavilleby:Chuck Rounsaville•03/29/22
Jeremy James
Ole Miss offensive line tackle Jeremy James

It doesn’t sound like much – switching from right tackle to left tackle on the offensive line, but it’s the equivalent of being right-handed and learning how to throw or eat or write left-handed.

For junior Jeremy James, that’s exactly the transition he is going through this spring – moving from right tackle, where he was a starter all of last year, to left tackle, where Nick Broeker played last year.

In case you haven’t been keeping up, Broeker moved from LT to left guard to enhance his professional opportunities – he’s projected to be a guard in the NFL; transfer OT Mason Brooks took over for James at right tackle and James shifted over to left tackle, arguably the most important position on the OL due to, as the movie says, protecting the “blind side” of the quarterback.

“I’m still trying to get used to the switch in my head, but it’s going OK so far,” said James, who is sponsored by Canopy Nation out of Memphis (901)-805-2860. “The coaches talked to me after the bowl game and asked me if that would be something I wanted to do and I told them I would do whatever I needed to do to help the team.

“I have to think opposite of what I have been doing the last two years. The calls are different for me and it’s jus something I will have to get used to. I’ll get there. Nick and I feel like we can be as good as we want to be on the left side.”

Just as Broeker will most likely benefit from showing his versatility of being able to play guard and tackle, James is in the same boat. When he graduates, he will have played inside at guard and both tackle spots.

“It certainly doesn’t hurt my chances for the next level. At least that’s what I feel and hope,” he continued. “It’s awesome playing next to Nick. It’s weird, but it’s awesome. I love it and think both of us will benefit from it.”

James was asked about Brooks and who their backups are currently.

“It’s great having Mason. He fits right into what we are doing,” noted Jeremy. “(Freshman) Jayden Williams is behind me and (sophomore) Tobias (Braun) is currently behind Mason.”

Jeremy and Nick aren’t the only Rebel offensive linemen changing positions. Caleb Warren has gone from guard to center.

“Caleb is doing great. I always thought that was his natural position,” James assessed. “He’s a leader and a great communicator.”

At right guard, so far, Eli Acker is holding his own.

“I think it’s Eli’s job to lose. He looks very good so far, but we have some more guys who can push him and we have guys who can push all of us.”

Jeremy James has had to go from a righty to a lefty, but he’s game for the challenge and seems to be making the most of it so far.

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