Robert Nkemdiche headlines the Ole Miss defense, but the Rebels believe improved depth and a new-look secondary could help them contend for a national title. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) By Parrish Alford Daily Journal OXFORD – Ole Miss defensive end turned linebacker C.J. Johnson noticed something different about his coach, Hugh Freeze, in spring drills. Freeze talked about the possibility of a national championship for Ole Miss not in abstract terms but in a direct cause-and-effect manner. Complete the requirements of A, B and C and this will happen, Freeze told his players. “During a team meeting he just told us if we all stay together and stay healthy and if we continue to make the right decisions to protect the team that we’d have a chance to win the national championship,” Johnson said. Members of the consensus top 10 2013 signing class who did not redshirt are juniors now. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche are projected first-round NFL draft picks and are expected to declare early. Safety Tony Conner could join them, and so too could tight end Evan Engram. Freeze has known this day would come and has recruited to it.