Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr. discusses Rebels’ QB Competition
OXFORD, Miss. — In the current college football world, the frequent turnover on a team has become quite common, not only on the field with players, but also on the sidelines with coaches. This past spring, head coach Lane Kiffin brought in Charlie Weis, Jr. as the Rebels’ co-offensive coordinator and quarterback’s coach.
“I’m fired up to be here at Ole Miss,” Weis said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s been a blessing and great to be back working with Coach (Lane) Kiffin. I absolutely love Oxford, so it’s been a blessing.”
Charlie Weis, Jr. on being back with Coach Kiffin
Weis Jr. has been around college football for a long time. He worked at Notre Dame as a kid where his father was the head coach for five seasons. He began coaching when he was just 18 years old as the offensive quality control coach for the Florida Gators in 2011.
After serving as an offensive analyst at Alabama for two seasons and for the Atlanta Falcons for one season, Weis, Jr. was the offensive coordinator on Lane Kiffin’s staff at Florida Atlantic University for two seasons (2018-2019). Before coming to Oxford, he was the offensive coordinator at University of South Florida for two seasons.
This season, he is tasked with helping Lane Kiffin determine who will be the Rebels’ starting quarterback. For Kiffin and Weis Jr., this is nothing new.
“When I was at FAU, we had quarterback competitions both years that I was there with Coach Kiffin. The great thing is, my job as quarterback coach is to get those guys as ready to play as possible. Then, at the end of the day Coach Kiffin will make that decision on which one gives us the best chance to win.”
Ole Miss OC and QB coach Charlie Weis, Jr.
Through the first two days of fall camp, Ole Miss quarterbacks Luke Altmyer and Jaxson Dart continue to compete for the starting job, as they have done since spring practice.
The competition between the two has been good, bringing out the best in each.
“Our job each and every day is to just work on ourselves,” Weis, Jr. says.
“Be the best versions of us that we can be, that is my challenge to both those guys every day. I love the way they work and compete. It’s been really fun.”
Charlie Weis, Jr. on what he tells the Ole Miss QBs
Ole Miss offensive talent abounds
As Ole Miss football indicated via Twitter today, the Rebels’ offense still likes to “score from far.”
It's Fall Camp 2022 and yes, we still like to #ScoreFromFar pic.twitter.com/OMm6yOwZK9
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 4, 2022
Not only does the offense have plenty of talent at the quarterback position, but the running backs room is one of the tops in the nation. As we’ve seen in years past, Coach Kiffin likes to use multiple backs. This season he will have a stable of gifted backs from which to choose, including: Zach Evans, Ulysses Bentley IV, Kentrell Bullock and Quinshon Judkins.
The talent doesn’t stop there. Whoever wins the QB battle will have many weapons at his disposal with a solid receiving corps, most notably, returnee Jonathan Mingo. Dannis Jackson also is a player to watch. He and Mingo are accompanied by three transfers who look to make an impact in Malik Heath, Jaylon Robinson, and Jordan Watkins.
All about how you finish 😤 @MalikHeath2 pic.twitter.com/3jeGgfVrJX
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 4, 2022
The tight end room will not be short-handed either. Both returnee Casey Kelley and transfer Michael Trigg are going to play valuable snaps this season. They have different playing styles but will complement each other nicely.
Watch the Rebs
Ole Miss fans can get their first glimpse of the 2022 Rebels this Saturday in an open practice at Vaught-Hemingway. Practice begins at 11:30 a.m.
🚨 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉 𝙋𝙍𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙀 🚨
🗓 Saturday, Aug. 13
🕦 Tentatively at 11:30 a.m.
🏟 Vaught-Hemingway Stadium— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 4, 2022
Then, the season opener vs. Troy is set for 3:00 p.m. on September 3rd at the Vaught.
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.
Why is nothing ever mentioned about Kincade Dent? After watching the spring scrimmage, he was the most accurate passer of the three.
Really good point. Kinkead looked GREAT in spring. Coach Weis was asked about Dart and Altmyer so I think that’s why they were mentioned in this article. But from all accounts, Kinkead has looked good in fall camp also. Rebels have some talent in the QB room, for sure! Hotty Toddy!