Reginald Hughes is back 'home' within the Ole Miss defense after switching positions
When Lane Kiffin hired Pete Golding to take over the reins of the Ole Miss defense there were going to be plenty of changes coming. One change in particular has Reginald Hughes back in his comfort zone.
Last season Hughes was listed as straight up linebacker but with Golding’s new defensive scheme that includes a four-man front the senior is taking on a hybrid role as an outside linebacker and man the JACK position.
Hughes roaming the outside of the second level of the defense and also provided pass rush support on edge of the defensive line has the Tunica, Mississippi native back in a comfortable position.
“Outside linebacker is kind of my home,” Hughes said after Monday’s practice. “I already played outside linebacker prior to Ole Miss. It’s just getting back comfortable to me. That was a skill set I already had. Just getting back comfortable with it I think is great.”
Not only is Hughes back manning a former position on the field but Golding’s system as a whole is one that fits Hughes’ strengths and emphasizes what he can bring to the defense.
The change has been noticeable throughout fall camp as Hughes has made significant plays at his new-old position.
“This year from last year has been a complete turnaround for me,” Hughes said. “Camp is going great. Last year I didn’t really get the chance to compete in camp as much as I wanted to. This year I kind of put my foot on the gas. I had a great camp. Feel like I produced a lot.”
The scheme has a lot of Ole Miss players on defense expressing a new sense of excitement when discussing playing for Golding.
For players like Hughes who are seeing an increased role or a completely new role for the 2023 season it allows them to play more freely.
“I feel that I can let my hair down way more in this defense,” Hughes said. “Not going to say there’s not as much thinking, but schematically-wise, it was something that I was already comfortable to before coming to Ole Miss. …It’s just a re-run for me, basically.”
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All of the players on defense are getting their time with Golding to learn the install but for Hughes and the rest of the linebackers group they get a little bit more one-on-one time.
Having Golding as their position coach is allowing the linebackers to grasp the new scheme quicker than some of the other position groups.
“It most definitely holds me to, I’m not going to say a higher standard than any other position. But knowing that your defensive coordinator is your position coach is going to make you get on your horse a little more.”
As for the entire defense’s comfort level with Golding’s new scheme as Ole Miss shifts out of fall camp mode and into game week mode this weekend?
Hughes says things are clicking much better in August than in the spring after time to adapt and adjust.
“Fall camp, I’ve seen a big transition in that. Just getting more comfortable with the defense,” Hughes said. “We’re playing way faster, making more plays. Practice now is way different than last year. We actually shut down the offense sometimes.”
