Ole Miss running back Jerrion Ealy looks ahead to playing Alabama
OXFORD, Miss. — Going into next Saturday’s game with Alabama, running back Jerrion Ealy is one of the players the Rebels will look to help lead the offense in Tuscaloosa. Earlier this week, media got to visit with the talented Ealy and get his thoughts on the upcoming contest against the Tide.
Ealy is coming off a superb game against Tulane last weekend where he ran the ball 15 times for 103 yards. In three games this season, the Walnut Grove, Miss. native has totaled 188 yards on 31 rushes with a touchdown to go along with 6 receptions for 78 yards.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Ealy was asked about the mood at practice and the opportunity afforded the Rebels with a bye week ahead of the matchup with Alabama.
“We are preparing for them…Everyone practiced like we were playing Bama this Saturday. That’s how we have to practice even though we have a bye. I think we should practice like we are about to go out and play them. Why not get ready now so we won’t have to get ready later?”
Ole Miss RB Jerrion Ealy
The junior running back, who has been sharing touches with Henry Parrish, Jr., Kentrel Bullock, and Snoop Conner, was asked how he would evaluate his season thus far.
“You know, you never know how a season goes. You can only kind of have aspirations and hope it goes the way you want it to go. This is life; therefore, everything is not going to go your way,” Ealy began.
“I feel like on my part I’ve been slacking a little bit so over these next two weeks I have to go out and make a strong impression,” Ealy continued.
He was asked to further explain in what area he felt he could be slacking. “Just with the touches I’ve been given, I feel like I left a lot of yards out there,” he answered.
Roughly 74 percent of Ealy’s rushing yards in 2021 have come after contact. He has also forced 16 missed tackles this year.
When it comes to playing Alabama, Ealy assessed the opportunity he Rebels have playing the No. 1 ranked team in the country in one week.
“I evaluate it like this. I don’t believe there is anyone that can beat us but ourselves. If we go out there and don’t beat ourselves, we’re in good shape.”
Jerrion Ealy on playing Alabama
Ole Miss and Alabama will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on CBS next Saturday.
Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image: Amanda Swain, The Rebel Walk)
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
