Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss are set to have one of nation’s most experienced tight end rooms
OXFORD, Miss. — Lane Kiffin and his staff have assembled a roster with talent of the highest caliber this offseason, including a tight end room that will become a serious threat to opposing defenses. The trio of Caden Prieskorn, Dae’Quan Wright, and Hudson Wolfe will bring seven years of experience to the field this fall, while containing completely different playing styles.
Additionally, the big men will have a chance to work with the brilliant offensive mind of Joe Cox, Ole Miss’ new tight ends coach, who joined the staff from Alabama over the winter. Let’s break down what these three studs will bring to the table over the next year.
Caden Prieskorn
Prieskorn began his SEC career on the injured list after he underwent toe surgery early last fall, but as soon as he returned in week four against Alabama, his potential became obvious for Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. Prieskorn’s capabilities were on display against a defense that was referred to as the “best” in the nation, Penn State. The Nittany Lions had no answer for Caden, resulting in 10 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns from the tight end who was was named Offensive MVP in the Peach Bowl win.
Ole Miss TE Caden Prieskorn in the Peach Bowl:
🔷 10 REC
🔷 136 YDS
🔷 2 TDS pic.twitter.com/QggPWZXKfG— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 30, 2023
In terms of blocking, Kiffin refers to Prieskorn as an “NFL-type tight end.” Quarterback Jaxson Dart has also told the media that having Prieskorn on the field is like having another “offensive lineman” out there. With one year left of eligibility, Caden is due for a massive “last dance” in Oxford.
Dae’Quan WrightÂ
Ole Miss acquired Wright from Virginia Tech through the transfer portal and essentially found another hybrid tight end who will fit superbly in this offense. In two years at Tech, the junior hauled in 47 receptions for 574 yards, averaging 12 yards per catch.
With Prieskorn and Wolfe on the roster, I would expect Wright to be much more involved in the passing attack than the rushing. Regardless, Ole Miss has a physical, versatile tight end who will have the chance to play here for several years if he wishes.
Welcome to the Sip, Dae’quan Wright! pic.twitter.com/412vDF2gY0
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) January 14, 2024
Hudson Wolfe
Despite coming to Ole Miss out of the 2021 high school class, Wolfe has yet to play a full season due to injuries. With that being said, Wolfe appeared in five games last year and was used primarily for his blocking abilities.
Hudson carries an impressive frame, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 230 pounds, and he has spent several years playing under Lane Kiffin and alongside Jaxson Dart. Whether he is blocking or catching touchdowns, you will hear Hudson’s name far more frequently this fall.
Who Else?
Ole Miss lists four other tight ends on the roster: senior Salathiel Hemphill, freshman Wyatt Smalley, redshirt freshman Jayvontay Conner, and freshman Dillon Hipp. Whether it is for depth or a larger role, any of the players listed are more than capable of taking on an important role in 2024.
Hipp to the 'Sip 🎣@dillon_hipp | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/suynnvEzTr
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 20, 2023
It is a young, talented, and exciting group with several names that have incredible potential heading into this spring, summer, and finally fall.Â
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Zach Moreth
Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss and is studying Sports Administration. Outside of watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!
