Spring practice commenced for a handful of teams this week, including Ole Miss Football. With Lane Kiffin's side holding the number one team rank in the transfer portal class, there are plenty of new faces on the practice field.
The Rebels have kept a high percentage of starters from last season. However, they have lost several integral pieces from the team that broke the program's season record with 11 wins. Combined with the new faces and the expectations of a successful 2024 season, what are the key questions during spring practice?
1. How do the Rebels replace running back Quinshon Judkins production?
Star running back Quinshon Judkins surprisingly entered the transfer portal after the Peach Bowl, eventually committing to Big Ten's Ohio State. In his two seasons with the Rebels, Judkins surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing milestone both times, carrying the ball over 270 times in each season. It's a hell of a lot of production to replace.
Aside from the true freshman, Kiffin will have three running backs that could feature this season. Ulysses Bentley IV played backup to Judkins last season. However, the now super senior was more productive with his touches than the now-departed Judkins, averaging 1.4 more yards per carry.
Ole Miss RB Ulysses Bentley (@BentleyDoo) reached a max speed of 20.7 mph on this 44-yard touchdown. #ReelSpeed @LandSharkNation
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) October 2, 2023
🎥: @ESPNCFB
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/fFDNZq4wr3
Bentley will be challenged for the percentage of carries by LSU transfer Logan Diggs and redshirt freshman Kedrick Reescano. Diggs had a productive season in Baton Rouge in 2023, leading the running backs with 119 carries for 653 yards. Diggs will likely not feature in spring practice as he recovers from injury but should be good to go in the summer.
Reescano did not have any carries last season but did see action on special teams. However, the four-star 2023 recruit is regarded highly by Kiffin and the coaching staff.
Lane Kiffin and running backs coach Kevin Smith go with a running back by committee approach, with all three guys offering different skill sets. However, if Bentley can distance himself from Reescano in spring practice, he could land the lead-back role.