Ulysses Bentley IV outproduced the now departed Quinshon Judkins during the 2023 season, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The expectation was that he would be a vital part of the running back room in 2024 despite several new arrivals in the position.
After five games, Bentley has carried the ball 16 times for 62 yards and caught three passes for 19 receiving yards. He didn't see any action in the loss to Kentucky this past weekend, and Lane Kiffin was asked questions about why he is being so underused.
Ole Miss fans want to see more of Ulysses Bentley
Lane Kiffin was asked about Ulysses Bentley at yesterday's press conference, and it was not the first time this season. Kiffin answered honestly why the veteran running back has yet to see a high number of carries.
"I don't know. I get asked that every week. Nothing against Bentley but I can't predict how the future is going to go."Lane Kiffin on Ulysses Bentley's usage
WATCH: "I don't know. I get asked that every week. Nothing against Bentley but I can't predict how the future is going to go."
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) September 30, 2024
-Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin on RB Ulysses Bentley not getting significant reps. pic.twitter.com/4XW4IN65nL
The questions are not just coming from the media; plenty of Ole Miss fans have taken to social media, calling for Bentley to see more carries, starting against South Carolina on Saturday.
I need to know where Ulysses Bentley is.
— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) September 28, 2024
It makes no sense. At all.
I love Henry Parish but after that I think we deserve an answer. Where the hell is Ulysses Bentley? What’s going on? One of the best returning backs in the SEC is occasionally fielding kickoffs and I want to know why
— Ghost of Colonel Reb’s past (@GhostofColReb02) September 28, 2024
Ulysses Bentley
— Durag Rebel (@DuragRebel) September 30, 2024
Caden Prieskorn
Juice Wells
PLEASE get them some attention on Saturday
Henry Parrish having the majority of the carries is not a massive surprise. Former walk-on Matt Jones as the RB2 is a surprise over Bentley. Look, we don't have access to all the practice sessions; we have to trust what Lane Kiffin is saying. However, on the flip side, it does feel odd that a player who was a high performer last season is way down the depth chart.
We will see if we see more of Bentley and tight end Caden Prieskorn in Week 6, two players who were key parts of the 2023 11-win season. One thing is for sure: Kiffin is holding his cards close to his chest.