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Akelo Stone bringing a violent nature to Ole Miss defensive line in 2024-25

Ben Garrettby: Ben Garrett08/20/24SpiritBen
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Ole Miss DT Akelo Stone (Photo credit: USA Today Images)

Senior defensive tackle Akelo Stone was Ole Miss football’s third-highest-rated defender last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Stone is a one-time transfer from Georgia Tech. He posted a 77.2 overall grade and was also the Rebels’ second-best defender against the run (79.4). 

He was the best of all defensive linemen. 

Stone appeared in 12 games (one start) and finished with 27 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and a pass breakup. By almost every objective measure his debut Ole Miss season was a success. 

Stone, however, doesn’t view it that way.

“I wasn’t violent enough,” he said.

Stone’s plans to make a change in 2024-25.

Ole Miss opens an expectations-filled year against Furman in a little over a week. The Rebels are in their fourth full week of preseason camp. Stone was speaking to the media after practice on Tuesday.

RELATED: On3 Ole Miss football camp intel with Andy Staples and Ben Garrett

The defensive line received one of the biggest infusions of talent in the off-season.

Ole Miss brought in, among others, a pair of Top 10 transfers in Walter Nolen (DT, Texas A&M) and Princely Umanmielen (EDGE, Florida).

“Improved in all aspects of the game,” Stone said. “We’re a faster group now — a more physical and violent group. Just putting all the pieces together, working hard and becoming a family on the defensive line.”

Stone said the ‘physical abilities’ of Nolen and Umanmielen are what set them apart.

“They’re definitely gifted,” Stone said. “They just do some things some guys can’t do. That’s why people speak highly of them, for real.”

Stone’s goals for the season ahead are simple. Ole Miss was preseason ranked No. 6 nationally in the coaches’ poll.

“Just to get stronger and establish self in the run game and become a better pass-rusher,” he said.

Stone and transfers Micah Davis (WR, Utah State) and Rashad Amos (RB, Miami of Ohio) all spoke after practice on Thursday. Here’s everything they had to say.

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