Jaxson Dart comfortable with where he is now as Ole Miss’ returning starter at QB
OXFORD, Miss. — Jaxson Dart is entering year two as an Ole Miss Rebel. This time last season, he was a new addition to head coach Lane Kiffin’s roster after transferring from USC. He is looking to make a big leap in his second year at the helm much like his predecessor, Matt Corral.
Last season Dart threw for 2,974 yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He completed 62% of his passes while averaging 229 passing yards per game. He was also a threat on the ground, rushing for 614 yards on 128 attempts.
New kids in town
This offseason Lane Kiffin added two quarterbacks via the transfer portal, former Oklahoma State signal caller Spencer Sanders and former five-star recruit in Walker Howard, a transfer from LSU. Both are talented players who will compete to be the starting quarterback this coming fall.
Coach Kiffin spoke with the media following Tuesday’s practice and said this about Dart:
“I think (the competition) has been great for him. I think it’s natural for us not to want competition around, I certainly understand that, but I think it’s been really good for him. He’s looked great, which is strange to say for a returning starter. He’s probably one of our most improved players out there. He looks better physically, mentally, everything. We’ve been very excited for him so far.”
Coach Kiffin on Jaxson Dart
Dart has the advantage over the two in terms of time spent in Oxford operating the offense. Dart also spoke with the media this week about how his confidence in the system has helped him and what he is striving for in his second year in Oxford.
“I’ve talked to Coach Kiffin about this a lot, as well as Coach Weis, and you kind of look how Matt (Corral) was from year one to year two, and his comfortability in the system and how he was able to just operate things, For me, that’s what I’m striving for. I’m striving to have a big year like he did. I’m really comfortable with where I’m at, so I think a lot of that has contributed to my performance.“
Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
By no means will it be a walk in the park for Dart to retain his role as the starting quarterback as Sanders and Howard are talented in their own right.
Sanders comes to Oxford having played in 33 games at Oklahoma State. Walker Howard redshirted last year at LSU but the former five-star recruit has been turning heads with his performance so far this spring.
Dart is in a bit of a similar situation as he was last spring with some competition at the quarterback position. The only difference, however, this year is it’s his job to lose now and that is exactly as he sees it.
“I see myself as the starter. I had year one and I kind of established myself. Have year two and just getting more bonds with the guys on the team, being a leader. I feel like i’ve taken ownership of that. I’m ready to do my job and I’m loving where I’m at right now. I just expect myself to have a great spring and keep performing the way that I’m performing. I’m excited to help this team win.”
Jaxson Dart
Regardless of what happens, Ole Miss is in good hands at the quarterback position.
Grove Bowl and Spring Practices
Ole Miss will continue with its spring practice Thursday, culminating with the annual Grove Bowl, presented by Mississippi HomeCare, on Saturday, April 15. Kickoff of the intrasquad scrimmage is set for 2 p.m. CT and will be televised by SEC Network+.
The Rebels’ Saturday spring practices (April 1, April 8) will be open to the public and will be held inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Gates for the open practice will open at 10:15 a.m., with the practice set to begin approximately at 10:45 a.m. Seating will be available in the south grandstand.
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.
