Current Ole Miss running back graded higher by some NFL teams than former player

When star running back Quinshon Judkins transferred out of Ole Miss, concerns were raised about how the team would cover the loss at the position.

Current Ole Miss running back Ulysses Bentley IV may have taken fewer carries than Judkins did last season, but he was more productive than him. Bentley IV had 1.4 more yards per carry than the now Ohio State running back, Judkins.

Most media outlets and fans would say Judkins is the better running back. However, Jim Nagy, Executive Director of the Reese's Senior Bowl, said some scouts see that differently. Speaking to SEC Network, Nagy said that Ulysses Bentley IV was a very talented back, with some NFL teams higher on him than Judkins.

""I think a lot of people are pushing the panic button that they lost Quinshon Judkins. Ulysses Bentley IV is a guy that some teams in the league have higher grades on Bentley IV than they do on Judkins. Most college football fans would not think that. That's a really talented back.""

- Jim Nagy on SEC Network

The comments will spark a few conversations, but NFL scouts have always been known to see things very differently from fans.

Bentley IV looking to be the No. 1 running back for Ole Miss in 2024

Ulysses Bentley IV is the only returning running back on the roster from last season, with Lane Kiffin bringing in four guys from the transfer portal at that position. It still needs to be determined how Ole Miss will use these running backs, likely a committee position group.

If the Rebels op for that approach, it's not a knock against any of these players. Ole Miss is looking to make the playoffs, and if they do, that could add four more games to the schedule, which is the best case.

Keeping plenty of tread on the tires for this running back room could be crucial for an excellent post-season run. Ulysses Bentley IV has the potential to take a big load of the carries, and he might. Not overworking him would benefit the Rebels, with Bentley IV offering unique skills to this offense.

However Lane Kiffin chooses to use his running backs, and Ulysses Bentley IV will play a vital role in this offense.