WATCH: Chris Graves had to first ‘build a trust’ at Ole Miss. Now he’s ready to roll.
Chris Graves didn’t expect much when he transferred late in process to Ole Miss from Miami (Florida) last July.
He was already playing catch-up after reporting just days before fall camp opened. The Rebels were already well-settled at cornerback, anyway, so there would be no reason to rush.
The plan was to bring him along slowly — as laid out by Ole Miss during his whirlwind of a portal recruitment.
“I knew I had to come in and put my head down,” Graves said. “I knew I was going to start on special teams. My goal was to get on special teams as quick as I can and show them they can trust me on defense as well.”
Graves ultimately played in all 13 games as a freshman. He made one start in place of starter Zamari Walton — against then-No. 1 Georgia.
“I had to build a trust last year,” Graves said. “I’m more confident (this year), and I actually gained a few more pounds, too. Technique got better. It’s going to be a good season for me.”
Graves is a likely starter for Ole Miss in its season opener against Furman August 31.
Ole Miss lost both of its starting corners — Walton and Deantre Prince — after last season. The Rebels won a program-record 11 games, including the Peach Bowl.
They replenished their stock pile with, among others, transfers Trey Amos (Alabama), Isaiah Hamilton (Houston) and Brandon Turnage (Tennessee). Ole Miss signed the nation’s No. 3 transfer class, according to On3.
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“We’ve got new pieces,” Graves said. “A lot of older guys, but they’re smart. They’re brining the younger guys up with them. We’re going to be a good secondary this year.”
Graves said Amos and Turnage, in particular, have really helped bring along the younger players.
But the Rebels, who are in their fourth week of preseason camp, are also playing faster because of the simplification of Pete Golding’s defense.
Graves had 13 total tackles (eight solo), three pass breakups and one forced fumble last season.
“He’s a good coach,” Graves said of Golding, formerly of Alabama. “He’s simplified things so we can get it fast. Last season I came in late so I had to get adjusted to the defense a little bit. But now I’m really comfortable with the defense.”
Graves and specialists Fraser Martin and Caden Davis all spoke up after practice on Wednesday. Video credit: Ole Miss Sports Production.
