Mississippi running back Mark Dodson (7) runs the ball to score a touchdown in Saturday’s game.
Despite only receiving three carries in the game, sophomore running back Mark Dodson was able to get a new career high in rushing yards against Presbyterian on Saturday, ending the game with 128 yards and two touchdown with an average of 42.7 yards per carry.
Despite over five yards a carry in each of his first two seasons at Ole Miss, Dodson is competing for carries in one of the deepest positions on the Ole Miss team. Dodson has 30 carries on the season, behind juniors Jaylen Walton and I’Tavius Mathers, redshirt freshman Jordan Wilkins and senior quarterback Bo Wallace. Walton is the leading rusher, with 77 carries for 434 yards and four touchdowns, while Mathers and Wilkins have 58 carries for 277 yards and 41 carries for 318 yards respectively. Wallace actually has the most carries of anyone on the season, taking 97 attempts for 233 yards and four touchdowns.
“I just try to take advantage of every opportunity I get,” Dodson said of his performance.
Despite playing a smaller role on the team than usual, Dodson saw the game against Presbyterian as a way to impress the coaching staff.
“I felt like it was a chance for me to prove to the coaches what I have and maybe get a re-evaluation from their eyes,” Dodson said.
Co-offensive coordinator Dan Werner liked what he saw from Dodson, especially with his vision and cutting ability.
“A couple of his carries, he made a nice cut then set up the run. One looked like it was a huge hole, but one of them, there was a guy in the hole,” Werner said. “He made a nice cut and just sort of messed that guy up and took it to the house.”
Head coach Hugh Freeze also praised Dodson, as well as backup running back Jordan Wilkins, saying their performances really made them stand out.
“The physical, downhill running that they did was very impressive,” Freeze said. “How does that equate against some of the defenses that we’re playing in weeks to come, I’m not sure. But I know I was impressed with what we saw for sure.”
A downhill power back to run between the tackles is something that the Rebels have been trying to add for some time. Much of the inside carries have been split between Wilkins and goal line sophomore quarterback Jeremy Liggins. But Dodson thinks he can be that downhill back.
“Of course, we know who are opponent was, but I think I can be a downhill runner,” Dodson said. “I think I just have to get another chance, get an opportunity in a big game.”
However, Dodson wasn’t bitter or frustrated over his carries this season and was optimistic about more touches coming his way in the future.
“I just feel like the coaches, they put the right guy in for the best situation, and I just have to wait on my time,” Dodson said.
