Lane Kiffin discusses Rebels’ roster, culture-building, addition of Zach Arnett and health of Jaxson Dart
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin met with media Wednesday morning following the Rebels’ first day of spring practice. Among other things, Kiffin talked about the new roster and the importance of culture-building, the addition of former State head coach Zach Arnett to the staff, and the health of quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Kiffin acknowledged that while Ole Miss a very strong roster returning, he does not take the importance of building their culture for granted.
“But like I told our guys, I think that, well, I know this, we have a really good roster. I understand there’s a lot of kind of preseason hype around it, all that stuff. But that doesn’t mean we’re a good team just because we have a good roster. Our roster would certainly look like the best one since we’ve been here, probably by far, because you have so many returning pieces from last year. And then these additions of other pieces that a number of them have been starters at other places and been really good players. So it’s a really good roster, which you guys will talk a lot about. But that does not mean we’re a good team. It’s a lot of work. There’s a lot of culture building for that to happen. Because you guys have all seen in this sport or different sports, these really good rosters put together in the off season, whether that’s the NBA or NFL, and does not always translate to wins.“
Lane Kiffin on Ole Miss roster
There is no doubt a buzz around this upcoming 2024 season as Ole Miss is projected to start the season in the Top 5 in the country.
Kiffin talked about what that means for the team, again stressing that having a good roster doesn’t assure a team of success as so much more goes into that.
“…You do have the first year here, really, where you have this combination of influx of talent plus a lot of really good returners, I don’t think we’ve really had that. And there’s not a lot of holes to replace. Normally you’ve got between the NFL draft, senior eligibility and the people leaving in the portal, you have a lot of starters to replace and a lot of significant players to replace. We don’t have that. There’s only a few combined between the NFL…and then really basically losing Q (Quinshon Judkins) in the portal as the only significant player. So that’s not a lot of spots to fill. So yeah, there was excitement out there. Again, it looks really good as a roster, but we have a lot of work to do.“
Lane Kiffin
With so many newcomers from the transfer portal and incoming freshmen, Coach Kiffin quickly acknowledged the importance of setting the culture and how much time they spend on it as a staff and team.
“We spent a ton of time on it bringing people in, talking about culture, labeling culture, having different levels of culture, you know, using culture-one hoodies, maybe, that few people in the building have. We spent a lot of time on this because it’s always been important. But talent, you know, you guys know I’m realistic. And what I say is, talent can override culture. I don’t care what people say. You get a super talented, great, elite, talented team, and they can they can beat lesser players that have culture. But culture is very important, especially when it’s close. And now it’s more important to redo your culture every year because your roster is turning over, half your roster is turning over. So, I just think it’s really important. And even though we have so many pieces coming back and really good leadership, we’re not banking on that and we’re just restarting. And this team is zero and zero. And everybody in this program from myself to quarterback is zero and zero. So that’s how we’ve restarted this thing.”
Lane Kiffin on culture
Speaking of the quarterback, Kiffin also discussed the health of Jaxson Dart who reportedly had a procedure done in the offseason.
“Jaxson threw seven on seven today and some routes on air. But he did have an offseason procedure and he’s very limited movement wise.”
Lane Kiffin on Jaxson Dart
When asked when Jaxson will be able to return at full speed, the Rebel head coach was not sure, but did indicate he is able to throw and that there are some benefits arising from the circumstances.
“I don’t know exactly. It’s a lower body issue so he can still throw. And like I said, the seven on seven. So I think he’ll continue to get back. But, you know, every cost has a benefit. And, that benefit is the other people getting getting reps and being able to play a lot. And in that absence, I think, Walker (Howard) and Austin (Simmons) — even coming back from playing baseball, coming over here — have done a great job.“
Lane Kiffin
Kiffin was asked about the hiring of former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett and what he beings to the team.
“I’ve had a lot of respect for Zach and thought they did a great job, over there in Starkville during his time on defense and caused people problems… Actually today, I think is his first day…So, this was a really good fit that way. He (Arnett) came down, met with myself, met with Coach Golding and, you know, excited to put him in the defensive room and especially with his conference knowledge. And, so should be really good.“
Lane Kiffin on Zach Arnett
Ole Miss will hold one more practice before spring break and then resume practices. The Rebel Walk will be there for all the practices open to the media and will keep you updated on the latest.
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Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
