If anyone were to question if former Missouri State transfer linebacker Tahj Chambers can make the transition from playing FCS football to playing in college football’s premier conference, he’d be the one to take that as a personal challenge.
That, and the will to play at the next level was all it took for Chambers to take the leap of faith and move to Oxford to round out his college career
“When I was taking visits and I was in the transfer portal, I was looking for a place where I can excel at my position. I feel like Ole Miss has a great D-line and is a place where linebackers are built to succeed here,” Chambers said.
“My goal, end all, is to go to the NFL. Me coming here and me getting all the accolades I got last year and coming here into this year, I’m just going to do what I did last year, but at another level so I can be seen by the NFL scouts.”
Chambers started for Missouri State in each of the last three seasons, playing in 43 games for the Bears since 2020-21. Throughout his career there, he recorded 196 total tackles and 17 for a loss, registered three sacks, eight passes defended, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Ole Miss needed to fill a gaping hole in its linebacker room with Chris Paul Jr. heading to the NFL, so they reinforced said room with Chambers and others through the portal and high school ranks. Spring injuries to Suntarine Perkins and TJ Dottery has forced Ole Miss’ hand in heavily evaluating Chambers.
“Pete Golding is a genius. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. Having him as a DC and position coach is helping us understand the whole defensive concept in general, especially as linebackers, helping the other guys out whenever they need it,” Chambers said.
The biggest adjustment going from FCS football to being within a SEC program for a few months?
“The run aspect of the game is pretty similar. I feel like the outside perimeter aspect is a little different, more speed, taller guys out there and more athletes on the field. The interior is pretty much the same,” Chambers said.
Inside the Rebels will continue to provide wall-to-wall coverage of Ole Miss’ spring practice period as things progress. The spring period is nearing its end, with no official spring game to cap things off. Ole Miss scrimmaged internally late last week, making adjustments for weather.
“Still trying to evaluate with so many new players, especially defensively,” Lane Kiffin said. “It was good to go into a stadium and create a scrimmage, game-ish atmosphere… pleased with guys’ effort. We worked on a lot of tackling today with full pads. Excited about this group and continuing to work with them.”
