This offense is loaded, make no mistake about it. What particular players are being overlooked or taken for granted?
Jared Redding
In order for Ole Miss to achieve its lofty and now attainable goals for 2024, there has to be complete buy-in across the whole roster from starters, role players, bench warmers and even scout team guys during the week of practice.
Offensively, there's plenty of riches to go around. Running backs were recently highlighted, the quarterback situation speaks for itself, the receiving game is a "pick your poison" type of approach and the offensive line is a unit where anyone could start at any time and pick up where someone else left off.
There are so many weapons, in fact, that there are other pieces that could possibly be taken for granted for a variety of reasons. As last season showed throughout multiple months, injuries or other unfortunate events are bound to happen. Football is a "next man up" type of game, especially for one with the ambitions that of Ole Miss. Those ambitions stretch across both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
"This is definitely the best roster we've had. I don't know that it'll be the best team. There's a lot still to be figured out. Some of the significant players we have were out for spring. We'll have a lot of work to do to bring them together to be the best team. Last year, we won 11 games, the most in school history. The roster is better than that but there is a lot of work to do to be a better team," head coach Lane Kiffinpreviously said about this year's roster.
The Rebels will begin this heavily anticipated 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against Furman. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT and can be seen on SECN+/ESPN+ or listened to on the Ole Miss Radio Network.
Without further ado, let's dive into three "sleeper" picks for Ole Miss offensive players.
Cayden Lee — WR
Cayden Lee was one of the most popular names brought up in our spring practice reports a couple months ago. Let's just say there's a reason for that.
Injuries were a bit of a concern throughout spring ball, and the receiving room was also affected. That put Cayden Lee in a better position to prove something and, in our eyes, he most definitely did. It took 13 games, but Lee earned his first start in the 2023 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl as a result of a bad hamstring from veteran wideout Jordan Watkins.
He's been able to not only play in multiple spots, but prove that he's worthy of more playing time. After all, when he was on the field last year the few times he was, he was able to make the most of it with 10 catches and 22 yards per catch. He could've transferred with that small production, but was willing to stay the course.
"It's all about learning and developing, being more of a compete player," Lee previously said. "The moment is going to shine for everyone at some point, just have to wait your turn and see when the moment is there. When it presents itself, you have to be ready...We had three 700-yard receivers. No school in the country had that last year. That speaks for itself."
Tre Harris, Antwane Wells, Jordan Watkins and Deion Smith have received plenty of attention at receiver and rightfully so, but if something happens, be rest assured that Lee won't let Ole Miss down.
Dae'Quan Wright — TE
So why did Ole Miss get a transfer portal tight end with potential NFL upside to him? Especially with Caden Prieskorn making more and more of an impact as last season progressed?
One reason is obvious. Ole Miss definitely could use the depth. Two, however, is because of an experiment that never really came to fruition last season. Ole Miss tried to utilize a two tight end set to ensure success both on the ground and through the air, but it didn't work out, especially with a certain player jumping ship in the middle of the season.
Everywhere Lane Kiffin has been, tight end has always been a success story, so it's reasonable to expect one in 2024. Caden Prieskorn may get all the attention, but Dae'Quan Wright is plenty capable, despite being banged up this past spring.
"I feel like it can be dangerous. Having (Prieskorn's) skill set and my skill set – he can block, he can also run and catch passes – we both really compliment each other out there on the field. It'll make it hard for the defense to cover us," Wright previously told Inside the Rebels. "I feel like we mix really well and it will be really good for the offense…"I'm definitely a versatile player – run, catch and block. (I'll) do whatever needs to get done for the team. I'm definitely a team player…I just want to get the job done."
The transfer from Virginia Tech has starting experience at the Power Five level and could also play out wide if need be.He was responsible for 44 catches and 510 yards over his first two years as a Hokie. He'll have two more season of eligibility remaining.
Ayden Williams — WR
Ayden Williamsturned quite a few heads this past offseason upon arriving on campus as a freshman from Ridgeland (Miss.). He made some of the best catches of fall camp, but did not receive as much playing time as his fellow Mississippi native Suntarine Perkins. That said, Williams was able to soak up a lot being in an experienced wide receivers room.
However, we do know another reason why Williams received so little playing time. He had a nagging groin injury that derailed his freshman season and he ended up having to get surgery at season's end. He eventually got back into the thick of things late in the spring, but there's enough of a sample size before of his potential, with his smooth route-running, solid size and ball instincts. Four catches for 80 yards, 20 yards per catch, is a start.
Like fellow freshman Cayden Lee. He's embraced the process, despite many in his position across the country leaving for the portal after having little playing time.
"You have to realize that stuff we learn in here, it's really like the NFL," Williams previously said. "With guys coming in, it's going to be like that when we get to the next level. As ongoing as we stay here, learn what we need to, compete, when we get to the next level, it's going to be like no problem. Guys coming and going don't worry me, as long as I put my work in, God will take care of the rest."
