As we close on Ole Miss Football's spring practice, which position groups have early questions regarding the depth chart? First up, the tight end position.
Ole Miss found a star at the tight end position last season thanks to the transfer portal in Caden Prieskorn. The Rebels have lost a couple of names from last season. However, Lane Kiffin has added another talented player to the room. How does the depth chart hold up heading into spring practice?
1st - Caden Prieskorn
Caden Prieskorn showed his value last season after missing the first four games through injury. The Memphis transfer had 30 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns, including a 136-yard and a two-touchdown game in the Peach Bowl.
Prieskorn is the clear number one tight end heading into spring practice. He has shown his importance for quarterback Jaxson Dart, being a popular target on key third down plays. At 6-foot-5 and 255 lbs, Prieskorn has the size to block and does it well. Expect the senior to be utilized even more during the 2024 season.
2nd - Dae'Quan Wright
With the Rebels losing a couple of tight ends this off-season, Lane Kiffin added a very talented replacement in Virginia Tech transfer Dae'Quan Wright. A four-star rated transfer, Wright had two seasons with the Hokies, both under-the-radar seasons. Despite not registering a touchdown for the team, he managed to haul in 47 passes for 574 yards.
Wright is a similar size to Prieskorn at 6-foot-4 and 249 lbs. However, the Georgia native offers something a little different with his speed and athleticism, a match-up problem for opposing defenses. With the addition of Wright, we could have the Rebels run more two TE sets. He is too talented to leave off the field too often.
3rd - Hudson Wolfe
Hudson Wolfe has been with the program since 2021, with injuries stopping him seeing the field in 2022 and most of his freshman season. Wolfe had 3 receptions for 41 yards in 2023, his first receptions in a Rebel uniform.
Lane Kiffin believes in the talents of Hudson Wolfe, it's just a matter of getting him on the field frequently. A top 20-rated tight end from the 2021 class, Wolfe has the potential to be a serious red zone threat, measuring at 6-foot-7. He may not see the field as much as Prieskorn and Wright, but he could play an important role in the 2024 season.
4th - Jayvontay Conner
Redshirt freshman Jayvontay Conner had just one reception for seven yards in his first season, seeing the field in garbage time in the ULM game. A 2023 recruit out of North Carolina, Conner was close to leaving for the transfer portal in December. A talk with the coaching staff convinced him to stay with the program.
Conner may see more action next season, especially with a good off-season. Putting himself firmly in the picture during spring practice could see Conner move up the depth chart before the season starts.
Other players
Ole Miss added three-star tight end Dillon Hipp from the 2024 recruiting class. The Arizona native was ranked number 56 at his position, measuring at a big 6-foot-6 and 230 lbs.