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Ole Miss Football: Five Players Poised to Take the Next Step During the Spring

By K. L. Williams

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Football: Georgia at Mississippi
Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver DaMarkus Lodge (5) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown as he is defended by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Juwuan Briscoe (12) during the second quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: DeMarkus Lodge, Junior-WR

Ole Miss has been aptly-named Wide Receiver University for the past few years. With past Rebels Donte Moncrief, Laquon Treadwell and Cody Core already in the NFL, expectations are high for those Rebels currently playing. In addition, losing Quincy Adeboyejo and Damore’ea Stringfellow to the draft has opened up playing time. DeMarkus Lodge has the chance to step up.

Ole Miss Rebels Football
Ole Miss Rebels Football /

Ole Miss Rebels Football

The junior from Cedar Hill, TX. will have the opportunity this Spring to cement a starting job next season. Everything appears to be there for him. He has the measurables. Lodge is 6’2 and 190 lbs. He has great play making skills. He needs to spend this Spring focusing on his route running and picking up the offensive schemes.

Lodge has modest numbers over the past two years. In total he’s pulled in 16 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns. However, now he should have the chance to be a main target on the Ole Miss offense.

The wide receiver corps have very few upperclassmen. However, the young guys are as talented as any in the country. Therefore, Lodge must use this Spring to separate himself from the rest. It will be a challenge but he has the skills need to do so.

The competition will be fierce this year in Spring camp, but Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo is known to run an offense that is very pass friendly. So there should be a lot of footballs for everyone. Lodge must be prepared to be available to benefit from such an offense and take the next step.

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