Ole Miss Football: Ta’amu Impressive During the Grove Bowl
There were many positives for Ole Miss football from the 2017 Grove Bowl Spring game. One of the most impressive things was the outstanding play of QB Jordan Ta’amu.
The fate of the Ole Miss quarterback position for the 2017 football season, was all but sewn up when Shea Patterson reported to the campus January of 2016. However, there was still a question about the number two position coming into this year’s Spring practice. Jordan Ta’amu may have given the Ole Miss football coaches an answer.
Jason Pellerin was last year’s back up. However, his athletic gifts warrant him being on the field more often. Therefore, Coach Hugh Freeze has decided to give him playing time at the H-back/Tight End position. The Rebels are hoping to replace the productivity of future NFL TE Evan Engram.
Pellerin’s move to another position is predicated on whether the Rebels can find a suitable back up quarterback. Jordan Ta’amu’s play during the Grove Bowl may have provided Ole Miss an excuse to keep Pellerin at TE.
Ta’amu has benefited from being an early enrollee. The junior joined the Rebels in January after spending two years at New Mexico Military Institute. However, he is originally from Pearl City, HI. He has been a pleasant surprise for the coaches during Spring practice.
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Coach Freeze left the game very impressed with Ta’amu. “I think he’s got something to him. I really do. I’ve watched him for 15 practices right now. I love his demeanor. He had been itching to go live and I think he’s faster than anyone gives him credit for. He has a knack for running the ball and he throws the deep ball pretty well. He threw some good ones today, so I think he’s getting better and better.”
Grove Bowl Performance
Ta’amu looked good during the game. He showed great athleticism. There were several runs he had that during a regular game would have been big runs. He appears to be very instinctive when the ball is in his hand. He made good decisions and didn’t place the football in danger.
He accounted for 213 yards which include one TD pass and one TD run. His passing touchdown was a pretty 75 yard pass to Van Jefferson while he ran in stride. This was a welcome sight for Rebel fans. They are not expecting Ta’amu to challenge Patterson for the starting job but they would like to have a backup that can step in when necessary.
All in all, this was a good day for the QB position. Accordingly, the Ole Miss fan base is looking forward to seeing the success in real game competition. Jordan Ta’amu may just find himself some playing time if he keeps improving.