Former HHS star gets rave reviews from Ole Miss coach

Courtesy Photo

Ole Miss defensive end Kentrell Lockett has started 26 games for the Rebels and has recorded 7 sacks and 21 1/2 tackles for loss. Lockett recently received the 2010 Chucky Mullins Courage Award and will get to wear the “38” patch on his jersey this season

At the Southeastern Conference media days, Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt gave high praise to former Hahnville High School and current Rebel defensive end Kentrell Lockett.

Lockett has started 26 straight games for the Rebels at defensive end over the past two seasons while recording 7 quarterback sacks and 21 ½ tackles for loss. While Rebel fans will always remember that Lockett was the one who blocked the Florida Gators’ game-tying point after touchdown attempt to seal the Rebels 31-30 victory in 2008, he still has plenty of gameday production to add to his resume.

“We were fortunate to get here at Ole Miss and Kentrell was already on campus,” Nutt said. “Coach Orgeron and his staff did an excellent job with him as an underclassman and they saw the potential in him as a high school football player. Right from the start of spring drills in 2008 we saw that Kentrell had the athleticism and desire to be a very good college football player.”

Nutt, who has been a head coach in the SEC for 12 seasons, says that Lockett has the skills to be an all-conference performer in 2010.

“He has the size and build of an NFL-style defensive end. Kentrell is 6-5 and probably 260 or 265 pounds right now,” Nutt said. “He has worked hard to get stronger in the weightroom and he has the foot speed and quickness to be one of the better pass rush guys in our conference.”

Nutt said Lockett is able to use that foot speed and quickness to get at the quarterback.

“In our league it is important to play the run strong, but you also have to get pressure on the quarterback,” he said “He has that rare ability to turn the corner and flow to the quarterback with great speed. We love his hustle, his pressure skills in the backfield and Kentrell’s instincts to find the ball quickly.”

Lockett recently received the 2010 Chucky Mullins Courage Award and he has the distinction of wearing the “38” patch on his jersey during his senior season to honor the late defensive back who was paralyzed in a football game.

“Kentrell deserved that award,” Nutt added. “Everyone talks about his play on the field, and he has been a very good player for us, but he also has been a team leader. Whether it is on the field, in the classroom, in the weightroom or during the practice sessions, Kentrell Lockett has made a name for himself at Ole Miss.

“We are proud to have him be part of the Ole Miss family.”