Top Ole Miss Tight Ends in the Past 30 Years

Wesley Walls

If versatility is what you are looking for, then look no further than this Pontotoc, MS. native. The 6’5 200 lb. Wesley Walls started out as a high school quarterback. He spent his senior year at fullback. When he arrived at Ole Miss he came as a defensive end. Then he played a little at linebacker and settle in at tight end during his senior campaign.

It was his play in 1988 as tight end that earned him a spot on the Associated Press All-American team. Walls pulled in 36 catches for 426 yards and three touchdowns.

It was in the game against 12th ranked Alabama in ’88 that Walls really showed his worth. He collect seven catches for 79 yds. to help lead the Rebels to an upset victory. While he also had a key sack in the game as a linebacker.

Though he only played one year at TE in Oxford, he is the most successful Rebel to go to the NFL at that position. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in ’89. Wall’s time in San Francisco got him a Super Bowl ring.

But his career saw greater success when he suited up for the Carolina Panthers. With the Panthers Walls was a 5x Pro Bowler and 4x All-Pro. He ended his career with over 5000 yds. and 54 touchdowns.

As great a career as he had at tight end, what keeps him lower on the list is the length of time he spent playing the position. He had one of the greatest single seasons as a TE. But he only played one season.  As a three-year defensive player he recorded 140 tackles including 5.5 sacks. One could only imagine the success he would have had playing the position all four years.

So with such a small sample size we felt Walls at three is a good spot for him to land. But his contribution is woven into the Ole Miss football fabric forever. Plus, he makes a good golfing buddy for Coach Hugh Freeze.

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