No QB decision yet from Ole Miss’ Coach Kiffin; Altmyer, Dart focused on team winning
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss fans were hoping for a verdict in the training camp trial-by-fire for the Rebels starting quarterback job.
Coach Lane Kiffin announced Monday there was a hung jury.
“We still have not made a QB decision,” Kiffin said. “I thought they both played ok (in Saturday’s mock game)…I do not know when I’ll have that answer. We haven’t even discussed the timeline as coaches because it has not emerged at all.”
The competition between Luke Altmyer who filled in for an injured Matt Corral in the Sugar Bowl and Jaxson Dart, a transfer from Southern Cal started in the spring, continued through the summer and now not only into fall camp, but into the game week of the season opener against Troy.
“I definitely feel like there’s been a lot of growth, especially coming from the spring, just having extra time in the offense and being able to improve on the little things and continue to improve on those. I think my biggest thing has just been able to get a better understanding of the offense and get a better rhythm with all the guys.”
Jaxson Dart on his growth at QB
Altmyer has also seen growth, not only from Dart but from himself. That aspect has pushed each quarterback to improve his game.
“It’s really cool to see us both do well,” Altmyer said.
“When we both do well, our offense is really rolling and I think we have a chance to be really special but the complexity of the competition is pretty relentless. I’ve learned how to navigate a path through it jus through the support of the people I love most and through God, Himself. He’s given me everything and I’m really thankful for that.”
Ole Miss QB Luke Altmyer on the QB competition
Kiffin said he has no timeline to announce the starter for Saturday and that is something each quarterback has to take in stride.
“Obviously, I’d be lying if I said I never think about that time (when a QB is named),” Altmyer said. “But I have no control over it. I’m thankful for the position I’m in. I’ve worked really hard. I’ve shown up every day for my teammates and my coaches and given everything I have.”
Dart also knows that the coaches’ decision on the job will come in time.
“Every coach has their own approach to how they handle quarterback battles and stuff like that,” Dart said. “Really my mindset going forward is just to prepare myself like I’m going to be the starter. I know Luke is doing the same thing. At the end of the day, I just want to win so we’re going to do everything in our power to do that.”
Troy Names a Starting Quarterback
Meanwhile, at Troy – this week’s opponent – the jury is in as the Trojans picked a winner in their three-man quarterback competition. Troy coach Jon Sumrall announced last season’s starter, Gunnar Watson, has earned the starting assignment against the Rebels.
“We’ll roll out with Gunnar to start the game but that doesn’t mean other guys won’t play, Gunnar has earned the opportunity to lead this team as the game one starter,” Sumrall said.
“Last week I sat down with Gunnar and all the quarterbacks one-on-one and let them know the direction we’re moving in,” Sumrall recalled.
“We knew a week and a half ago really, but we wanted to make sure we were communicating it and were upfront with our players about any decision we make on the roster. We’re really excited about Gunnar and what he’s done since January until now pushing himself to get better. Gunnar has earned it, he put in the work and I think the team is behind him.”
Troy head coach Jon Sumrall on Trojans’ QB
Watson, a junior from Butler, Ga., won the job over Utah transfer Peter Costelli and West Virginia/Western Kentucky transfer Jarret Doege.
“Again, that doesn’t mean we won’t play other guys,” Sumrall said. “My plan is to play a lot of guys, not necessarily at quarterback. We won’t play musical chairs at quarterback all game but that doesn’t mean Gunnar is the only one that will take snaps.”
Game info
Ole Miss and the Trojans will kick off Saturday at 3 p.m., and the game will be broadcast by the SEC Network.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss; Graphic: Nick Filipich, Rebel Walk)
Steve Barnes
Steve Barnes joins The Rebel Walk staff as a senior writer and brings a trifecta of journalistic experience. As a writer, he has covered college sports for Rivals.com, Football.com and SaturdayDownSouth.com as well as served as a beat writer for various traditional newspapers.
He has been a broadcaster for arena football and several national tournament events for the National Junior College Athletic Association as well as hosting various shows on radio.
A former sports information director at Albany (Ga.) State University and an assistant at Troy and West Florida, he has helped host many NCAA conference, regional and national events, including serving five years on the media committee of the NCAA Division II World Series.
Barnes, a native of Pensacola, Fla., attended Ole Miss in 1983-84, where his first journalism teacher was David Kellum. The duo has come a long way since that time.
He will bring a proven journalistic track record, along with a knack for finding the out-of-the-ordinary story angles to The Rebel Walk.
Barnes continues to reside in Pensacola a mere ten minutes from the beach because he does have taste and a brain.
