Quinshon Judkins is approaching Auburn ‘like any other game,’ and his hometown mayor is behind him: ‘He has always represented his family, friends and hometown in a way that makes us proud’
OXFORD, Miss. — According to the Ole Miss athletic website, fans are encouraged to wear red at this week’s game at Auburn. Chances are much of that attire might be red jerseys adorned with the number 4 of preseason All American Quinshon Judkins.
For the first time in his college career, Judkins will be playing less than 45 minutes from where he starred at Pike Road, (Ala.) High School.
Although he is from the proximity of Auburn and not that far up Interstate 65 and a turn or two from Tuscaloosa, Judkins recognizes those natural rivals, but he is now an Ole Miss Rebel.
“Just being from Alabama, you know those (Alabama and Auburn) are two big rivalry schools,” Judkins said.
“Being an in-state player that is always something you look at those two because they are so close to home. But me being here at Ole Miss, you know that there isn’t anything I’m thinking about there (in Alabama). But that is a big thing where I come from.”
Quinshon Judkins on Auburn and Alabama
The folks in his hometown realize they have state allegiances, but they are still proud of their native son. One of those proud Pike Road people is Mayor Gordon Stone.
“Quinshon Judkins, by virtue of playing in a Pike Road uniform, has always exhibited exceptional athletic ability, but more important he has always represented his family, friends, and hometown in a way that makes us proud.”
Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone on Quinshon Judkins
Even though the mayor could likely be pulling for a team other than Ole Miss, it’s clear he is also rooting for Quinshon.
“While there are many different collegiate allegiances throughout the residents of the town of Pike Road, I don’t think there is anyone who isn’t pulling for Quinshon, and we are hopeful that he will continue to succeed in his endeavors both on and off the field.”
Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone
After leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing as a freshman last season, Judkins has gained 443 yards on the ground this season despite battling a nagging injury. He talked earlier this week about the recent improvement in the Rebels’ ground game.
“I think just the mentality and just going back to the simplicity of our offense and how we were successful last season. We’re doing those things. It’s got to get even better than it is right now, so we’re just continuing to be better and have those details.”
Quinshon Judkins
The pride the Pike Road community feels for Judkins is understandable, and a look at the area likewise inspires pride in the community.
The first school in the area was founded by former slave Georgia Washington after she graduated from Hampton (Va.) University. Her first school was a one-room building that taught just four boys. By 1916, the enrollment was 225. After Washington’s death, the school was named in her honor.
After a fire destroyed the complex, it went through a variety of iterations before finally settling on Pike Road High School. Washington is, in fact, buried on the original school grounds.
That is part of Pike Road’s legacy. And the Patriots’ football program was left in able hands after the legacy Judkins left as he moved his skills on to Ole Miss.
This season Pike Road High School is currently 4-2 and on a four-game winning streak. Last week, the Patriots beat Russell County 63-27. JaMichael Jones did his best Judkins impression by running for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Braylon Outlaw — apart from his ten tackles and a sack — intercepted two passes and ran one back 95 yards for a touchdown. Jordan Holmes picked off a pass and ran it back 54 yards for a score. Trey Carter also had an interception for the Patriots. Yes, Pike Road’s football team that plays Friday against Stanhope Elmore at home seems to have a bright future.
But Judkins just keeps looking at his future one day at a time. That includes Auburn Saturday.
“I think my mentality is just the same as any other game, that’s how I look at it. (I) prepare well just like any other week, come out and practice and game plan.”
Quinshon Judkins
That attitude was evident during the Rebels’ preparations throughout the bye week. After last season’s open date, Ole Miss lost its final four games. Quinshon doesn’t see that happening with this year’s team.
“With the mentality that we have and how locked in and dialed in everyone is, you can already tell nobody’s relaxed or anything like that. They know what the goal is here and guys are back focused.”
Quinshon Judkins
That attitude comes from a place like Pike Road, Ala., and it is being nurtured in Oxford, Miss.
Game info
Ole Miss and Auburn kick off at Jordan-Hare stadium at 6:00 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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.
