Ole Miss' veterans in the secondary a key piece to the success of the defense this season
It took a couple years but Miles Battle is now comfortable in his new role within the Ole Miss secondary, a position group that is not hurting for depth.
A light came on or something clicked for Battle during the 2020 season which allowed for a form of acceptance to his new place on the field.
Recruited by Ole Miss as a receiver and played as one his first two seasons but then Lane Kiffin came in with a new staff and Battle found himself seeing a new perspective.
Instead of trying to catch the football he was now tasked with trying to make sure others did not.
Now, entering his second year as a full on cornerback, Battle is at peace and part of a defense that is primed to build off the success 2021 finished with.
“I wouldn’t say (I’m) surprised just because with all the work I put in in the offseason and even out there during spring just in my spare time,” Battle said of finding success quickly. “Because I know that it was a new position for me so I got to catch up to people that have been playing the position for a long time.
“This is maybe like my second year at the position, so just having to catch up. It wasn’t really surprising but I feel like it’s paying off really well.”
Related: Fall Camp Snapshot(s): A look at the Ole Miss cornerbacks and safeties
Battle looks very comfortable in his second fall camp at the position, making five tackles during Saturday’s scrimmage.
Some of the success could be attributed to having spent most of his playing career as a receiver. Battle knows how the guys he is now in charge of defending think. It gives a little bit of an advantage.
Also, having the journey Battle has had in his career is one he would not trade up for playing an entire college career in the secondary.
“I think it has helped me as an overall player,” Battle said. “But I think maybe if I played (cornerback), even in high school, played both ways or just more defense it would be that much better. But I don’t take anything for granted. I take my journey, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
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The Ole Miss secondary is one that is full of experienced veterans such as Battle, including Deantre Prince.
Prince’s story is one that has been documented and the senior has fully embraced his second chance back in Oxford.
Getting the most out of veterans of Battle, Prince, Otis Reese and AJ Finley in the secondary is going to be crucial in the total success of the defense.
“Prince has done a great job.” Kiffin said. “Really great camp and is playing as well as anybody back there. So, it’s exciting to see. Really matured during his time here, leaving and coming back and all that. One of our better stories that way.”
With all of the depth at secondary and the defensive line there is cautious optimism the defense could be a special group in 2022.
There is still roughly a week and a half left of training camp, including another scrimmage on Saturday, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
The defense is on schedule but not where Battle and his teammates want it to be, yet. Though it is trending in the right direction.
“It’s always a work in progress. Nothing’s perfect,” Battle said. “But I feel like the bond that we’ve built already outside of football is reflecting what we’re doing on the field and it’s creating the right atmosphere that we want to have.”
Listen to Battle’s full comments after Wednesday’s practice below.
