Ole Miss Running Game To Have New Feel

You could argue the running back position, along with the linebacker spot, are the only two spots where Hugh Freeze and his staff have yet to recruit and cultivate a real star. The running game has yet to feature one guy that could make big plays, while also making the small plays. The small plays being the short-yardage, physical runs.

However, the running game has been back on forth during the last four seasons, sometimes providing a serviceable compliment to the passing game with splash plays here and there. However, there have also been those times where the running game has stalled brought about frustrations also. That can somewhat be attributed to lack of depth and injuries on the offensive line, as well, though.

At any rate, the stable of backs currently on the roster appear versatile and experienced enough to provide a steady contribution this Fall.

It certainly doesn’t help to lose a guy like Jaylen Walton, the team’s leading rusher from a year ago. The undersized Walton had developed into a serviceable blocker, in addition to being a game breaker through the air and on the ground. He also led the team in carries, yards per carry and yards per game.

However, his departure means the Rebels will rely first on bigger backs, in Jordan Wilkins and Akeem Judd. Eugene Brazley seems to be a fit to replace the “small-back” void that Walton leaves behind. With the size at running back it will not only give the offense a new feel in the running game, but also give them an advantage on shotgun passing plays having an additional, physical and appropriately-sized blocker to help out Chad Kelly.

Speaking of Judd and Wilkins, one or the other appears to be in line to be the starter. While early in the season I expect the starter to simply be the first guy that gets a shot on the field and gets announced on the jumbotron. I think carries will be divided rather evenly between them.

Because of the similarity of what they can give the offense, it is conceivable one could begin to become the focal point. There are likely carries that will be designated for the electric Brazley and the bruising Swinney, as well. There will be variety available to Freeze, Werner and Nix, this Fall and that is a great advantage for an offense that could be seeking more balance than in recent seasons.

In 2015 Judd was able show flashes of what he can do. He is quick and decisive at the line of scrimmage, while showing that he can really move once he gets going downhill on top of being able to deliver blows to defenders. He finished third behind Walton and Kelly in carries and rushing yards with 77 totes for 421 yards. An impressive 5.5 yards per carry shows that he can be a reliable option to keep the offense moving forward, eliminating negative plays.

Wilkins shook the Earth during the Egg Bowl last November when he delivered a gruesome-looking blow to Mississippi State safety Deonte Evans. That gives you an idea of just what he can be with the ball in his hands, however, he’s also shown a play-making ability.

In limited opportunities thus far in his career he has shown an ability to get to space and run for a long gain, but he’s also shown his knack for making a play on trick plays. With 72 carries in 2015 he was able to run for 329 yards and four scores. Like Judd, he will see increased opportunities this upcoming season.

Both Brazley and Swinney are going to play a significant role, as well. Last season Brazley was able to accumulate 222 yards and three touchdowns as a reserve in blowout wins. He averaged 10.1 yards per carry and burst off a run of 78 yards. He played in just six games in 2015, but will likely see more action, to add speed to the rushing attack, this season.

Swinney has shown the ability to run through defenders this Spring. There could be a role for him this season but at the least, he could pad some stats as a reserve in games that aren’t close.

It is unlikely Ole Miss will need a contribution from any incoming backs, as DK Buford has been moved from defense back to running back, as well. But regardless of that fact, they did sign an impressive true back in D’Vaugn Pennamon from Manvel, Texas in February. He chose the Rebels over Alabama and Texas A&M. He comes in with high school teammates Deontay Anderson.

In addition to Pennamon, the Rebels signed a few other prospects that could end up at running back,  too. Justin Conner of Sardis, Mississippi, could end up at defensive back, but could also end up at tailback. He is a small, stout back with speed to burn.

While Jarrion Street from Trussville, Alabama, was named the 7A Offensive Players of the Year in his home state in 2015. While he seems like a strong fit at the running back spot, his frame also lends him to be a candidate for husky or linebacker as well, if the running back spot gets too deep.

The passing attack is sure to be lethal but Ole Miss has major talent at running back. Balance from the talented receivers, Chad Kelly, as well as Wilkins, Judd and the stable of backs on the roster should certainly help out the offensive line that will be gelling early in the season.

Don’t forget, the staff appears poised to land a BIG TIME running back one way or the other in the 2017 recruiting class. Clinton’s own Cam Akers certainly likes what he sees from Ole Miss, while Nashville product Ty Chandler also really likes the program. Chandler is a legacy as his father, Chico, played for the Rebels.