Mississippi quarterback Bo Wallace (14) throws the ball during the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Dec 30, 2013. Mississippi defeated Georgia Tech 25 -17.
(Photo/Alex Edwards)
Recruiting season is in full swing, as all of the drama surrounding whom Ole Miss will sign on national signing day Feb. 5 circles through social media. However, let’s take a look at whom the Rebels have coming back next season on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback
Ole Miss looks to be in good hands at quarterback with Bo Wallace returning for his senior season. Wallace has been under criticism by fans at several times during his Rebel career, but the job is his to lose.
Redshirt freshmen DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan will be battling it out for the backup spot. Kincade was the leader of the two throughout the 2013 season, but both will get their fair share of opportunities when spring practice rolls around.
Running Back
The Rebels will lose Jeff Scott, but the backfield will be crowded next season. Leading the show will be I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton, who will both be juniors.
Ole Miss will also find a way to mix in rising sophomores Mark Dodson and Kailo Moore. In addition, redshirt freshman Jordan Wilkins will provide the Rebels with a bigger running back that could be the difference in short-yardage situations.
Wide Receiver
The loss of Donte Moncrief to the NFL draft was a blow to the Rebel wide receiving core, but there’s still plenty of talent left behind.
Rising sophomore Laquon Treadwell will be the star of the unit now; expect him to move outside to fill Moncrief’s spot. Vince Sanders, who will be a senior, will be fully healthy and will be a big piece of the puzzle as well.
Also, look for rising sophomore Quincy Adeboyejo to get more involved in the offense. Adeboyejo showed a lot of promise in fall camp, and in year two in the collegiate game, he should take a big step forward. Cody Core, who will be a junior, will also be in the mix.
Redshirt junior Quadarias Mireles could be moved back to the slot where he will compete with rising senior Collins Moore.
Tight End
The tight end position is the weakest on offense for Ole Miss. Rising sophomore Evan Engram is a huge weapon, as he presents mismatches for opposing defenses. Look for Engram to be a go-to guy in the offense if he can stay healthy.
Nick Parker returns for his senior season and should be a capable body at tight end in the running game, but the loss of Christian Morgan, who transferred, was a big blow to the position.
Offensive Line
Ole Miss will have the task of replacing three starters up front, but the good news is it has some guys with tons of potential.
It all starts with rising sophomores Laremy Tunsil and Austin Golson, who both played a lot in 2013. Tunsil will undoubtedly be the starter at left tackle, while Golson will likely move around at both right tackle and right guard.
Junior Aaron Morris will be back after missing 2013 with an injury. Morris was considered the best offensive lineman on the squad when he went down, so that’s certainly a big asset to get back for the Rebels. He will be at left guard.
It will be interesting to see who gets the nod at center. Rising junior Ben Still and rising sophomore Robert Conyers have both spent a lot of time at center, but it could be rising junior Justin Bell, who played both guard spots in 2013, who makes the shift to center.
At right guard, look for a combination of redshirt freshman Daronte Bouldin and redshirt junior Darone Bailey. Bouldin seems like he’s ready to make an impact, but Bailey may need more work. Bouldin will likely split time with Golson and a couple of true freshmen.
For continuing coverage of Ole Miss football, follow @DavidLCollier and @thedm_sports on Twitter.
