Special teams is often just as important as offense and defense when it comes to a team’s success, and the Ole Miss Rebels just took a big hit on special teams.

As the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against South Alabama on Saturday, it’ll do so without a key player.

On Friday morning, just one day before game day, junior long snapper Chadwick Lamar announced he was leaving the team:

Proud to have been a part of something so special in OMFB, but I am stepping away from football. Great things to come for Rebs. #hottytoddy — Chadwick Lamar (@Chadwick_Lamar) September 1, 2017

Lamar was the most-experienced long snapper on the Ole Miss roster, but the team has a whopping four other long snappers listed — Jack Propst, Kamden Darney, Cole Becker and Mike Taylor.

Per the Clarion-Ledger’s Antonio Morales, Lamar will focus on law school.

LS Chadwick Lamar tweeted he's stepping away from the program this morning. An Ole Miss spokesman said it was to focus on law school. — Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) September 1, 2017

Based on that depth, it’s probably safe to say the Rebels will be fine without Lamar. Still, though, having a player quit the day before a game is never a good sign.

Saturday’s game against South Alabama is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Central time and can be seen on ESPNU.