Ulysses Bentley IV brings toughness, team-first attitude to Rebels: ‘I know my role on this team…I’m just ready to go’
OXFORD, Miss. — Following one of his best performances in his Ole Miss career, running back Ulysses ‘Doo’ Bentley IV spoke with the media Monday morning following the team’s first practice as they prepare for Alabama.
Have a day, ‘Doo’
With a nickname like that, it’s pretty easy to become a fan favorite in the Vaught. Just like Duece McAllister and ‘Snoop’ Conner, ‘Doo’ Bentley got to hear the crowd cheer his nickname often this past Saturday in the Rebels’ victory over Georgia Tech.
Even with starting running back Quinshon Judkins electing to play through his injury, Bentley knew he would have a major role in the matchup against Tech.
He was asked when, exactly, he found out he’d have a heavier workload for the weekend:
“Right after the Tulane game, and Coach (Lane Kiffin) kind of came up to me it was just like, ‘you know it’s gonna be a time to step up,’ so I prepared that whole week to just step up and we came out victorious.”
Ulysses Bentley IV
Bentley had 6 carries on Saturday night for 61 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10.2 yards a carry. The senior back stepped up when needed most for the Rebels, flashing his elite speed to break off a 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Untouched. 👌@BentleyDoo pic.twitter.com/G8uwZbCkU8
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 17, 2023
A year ago when Bentley arrived in Oxford, the SMU transfer burst on to the scene, rushing for 4 touchdowns through the first three weeks of play. Unfortunately, an injury kept him out for a large portion of the season as he only saw time in two other games prior to his early breakout.
The senior commented on what is was like to finally have another breakout game. “Oh man, it was just all fun. It was fun to just get back out there and just do what I normally do,” he said.
Bentley has 14 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown so far this year. The senior also caught a touchdown in the week one win over Mercer.
Preparing for Bama
If you have been keeping up with college football so far this year, it’s safe to say it has been a strange season. The Crimson Tide has been on the struggle bus early so far, something we have not seen out of a Nick Saban-coached team since he first arrived in Tuscaloosa.
However, Bentley and his teammates are still aware that they are getting ready to play the best college football program of the past decade.
Bentley commented on staying focused this week amidst the noise:
“We watched them throughout the week. We know they have one loss and they’ve been coming a little bit close on other teams. We know we got to prepare to just go hard this week because they’re going to come out hard. I think we’re going to be ready to go.”
Ulysses Bentley on playing Alabama
Teamwork makes the dream work
With Judkins playing this past Saturday despite injury troubles, the expectation is we will see the Preseason All-American ready to go next Saturday.
Bentley was asked if he thought he deserved more touches following his performance against Georgia Tech, and the senior gave an answer every would coach love to hear.
“I know my role on this team. Anytime you know anybody’s down, I just got to step up or anybody else has to step up. I’m just ready to go.”
Ulysses Bentley IV
Last night was fun 😏#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/h934tNGFt1
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 17, 2023
Up next
Bentley and the rest of his Rebel teammates will travel to Tuscaloosa this Saturday, September 23rd to take on the Crimson Tide. Kickoff is set for 2:30 CT, televised on the afternoon CBS slot. Alabama is currently a touchdown favorite over the Rebels.
Kameron Wicker
Kam is a senior at Ole Miss, currently pursuing a degree in Journalism. Even though he's from Delhi, Louisiana, that didn't stop Kam from growing up a diehard Ole Miss fan. He's a sports guru who watches and follows all sports at all times. He lettered four years in football and baseball in high school and is an avid Saints, Pelicans, and Astros fan. In his free time, you can find him watching sports or at the rec participating in them.
