Monty Montgomery believes underestimating revamped Ole Miss football defense is ‘insane’

In 2021, Delmonico Lamont “Monty” Montgomery faced Ole Miss as an linebacker for Louisville.

He recorded 3 tackles against the Rebels, his current team.

Unfortunately, Monty suffered an ACL tear in the third game of the year. He was sidelined the rest of the season.

In ’22, however, he came back with a vengeance, tallying 70 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 QB sacks and 4 forced fumbles. Now he’s prepared to back the defensive line in DC Pete Golding’s Rebel defense.

Montgomery went through spring drills along with fellow transfer LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste. Like Jean-Baptiste, he felt he had a productive practice session.

“Spring went well. Of course, I had a learning curve. But I caught on OK and started to make some plays as the spring wore on,” said the 5-11 220-pounder.

He said Golding’s defense is a lot different than the one he played in for Louisville.

“We have a lot more man responsibility and we have a 4-man front versus a 3-man front as our base defense,” Montgomery continued. “I love the 4-man front. It really helps the linebackers in that it keeps the offensive linemen off us more often and allows the linebackers to make more plays.”

Louisville LB Monty Montgomery transferred to Ole Miss in January

When asked what he has been working on this summer to prepare for the 2023 season, Monty left no stone unturned.

“Everything. I am working on literally everything. I’m working on learning and knowing all the plays. Knowing what everyone on defense is doing on every play. Working on my footwork, my pass rush moves (and) coverage technique. You name it and I’m working on it,” Montgomery said\. “I’m going to be ready to work this season, my last college season.”

He says having Golding as his position mentor is a blessing.

“I love Coach Golding. He is amazing – he’s like your best friend, but he coaches you hard,” Monty added. “He’s amazing in that he breaks things down to where anyone can understand it. He makes things that are complicated seem simple. Like I said, he is amazing.”

Montgomery said he has heard the talk from different sources that “the offense will be good, but the defense is a question mark.”

Ole Miss linebacker Monty Montgomery

“Those people are insane,” Montgomery laughed.

“We are going to be a good defense and the linebackers are going to be very good. I will put it this way with one word – the linebackers and the defense will be solid. I don’t mind being underrated though. We will surprise some people.”

Monty is receiving financial assistance with an NIL agreement with The Grove Collective, something he called “a God send.”

“The Grove Collective has meant the world to me. It’s allowed me to help take care of my family,” he closed. “It’s also going to allow me to give back. I want to start my own charity and my contract with The Grove Collective is going to allow me to do that.

“I am very thankful to all the Rebel fans who made The Grove Collective a reality for me and all my teammates.”

If spring is an indication, Monty Montgomery will be in the thick of things this fall at one of the linebacker slots.

Look for #8 to shine on defense.

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