With new coach Houston Nutt inheriting plenty of talent at Ole Miss, the Rebels seem poised to be a sleeper team in the SEC this year. That is if they can keep their defensive linemen healthy.
Junior defensive end Greg Hardy, the team’s best defender, underwent surgery this week on his right foot to repair a stress fracture and will be out up to two months. He injured the foot in a non-contact drill last Wednesday and had been held out practice since that time. The injury was initially believed to be a bruise, but X-rays revealed a small crack in the bone.
“It’s an unfortunate setback for Greg, but we’re glad the surgery went well and he can begin his recovery,” said Rebel head coach Houston Nutt. “We look forward to getting him back on the field later this season.”
Hardy has earned several preseason All-America honors and was named to watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy and Hendricks Award. Last year, he topped the SEC in sacks (10.0) and ranked second in tackles for loss (18.5). If Hardy misses the full eight weeks, he won't be available until the Rebels play at Alabama on Oct. 18.He becomes the fourth major defensive player to be lost to injury, following starters Ted Laurent (nose tackle), Peria Jerry (tackle) and Allen Walker (outside linebacker).
Laurent had arthroscopic knee surgery shortly before the start of fall practice. It's not clear when he might return. Jerry and Walker both have knee sprains and both are expected back before the season opener.
Nutt said junior Marcus Tillman, who moved from end to nose tackle after Laurent’s injury, will remain at tackle for now. Tillman has started at end the last two seasons. Junior Emmanuel Stephens and sophomore Kentrell Lockett are the most likely candidates to replace Hardy at end.
"We've got a bad bug on this defensive line right now," Nutt said.
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