Better than Ever | A Look at the Additions to Ole Miss Football’s Revamped Running Back Room

OXFORD, Miss. –  Heading into Ole Miss football’s spring practice, it was clear there were questions to be asked about the current state of the running back room. Quinshon Judkins had transferred to Ohio State, and Ulysses Bentley IV and Logan Diggs were taking time to recover from lower body injuries. Sophomore Kedrick Reescano and several other candidates took control of most practice reps.

While there wasn’t necessarily concern, there was undoubtedly room for some additions to deepen the RB room. Fortunately enough, the spring transfer portal window opened on April 16th, and within six days, head coach Lane Kiffin and Kevin Smith had received the commitment of two experienced yet talented backs from New Mexico and Miami — Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Henry Parrish, Jr.  

Lets take a look at what Croskey-Merritt and Parrish will bring to the backfield of Ole Miss.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

The first thing you’ll notice about Croskey-Merritt is his ability to keep plays alive. Even when defensive linemen meet him at the line of scrimmage, his footwork and agility allow him to make a man miss while picking up two or three additional yards.

As a result, Croskey-Merritt became a force at the goal line and finished with 17 touchdowns, the fifth most in the country among running backs in 2023.

What a run by Jacory Croskey-Merritt! 😮

TD @UNMLoboFB 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gzgtjBaqRw

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 19, 2023

In addition, Jacory does a fantastic job pass blocking. Whether it’s a linebacker blitzing or a defensive lineman looking for the sack, Croskey-Merritt always seems to give his quarterback a few extra seconds to make a decision with the ball.

One final note worth discussing on Croskey-Merritt is his ability to produce every single game. Out of New Mexico’s 12 games in 2023, there was only one game when he did not carry the ball 10 or more times, and he still managed to score two touchdowns in that contest.

It’s clear that Croskey-Merritt’s skills will allow him to be the perfect candidate for Lane Kiffin’s offense this fall.

Henry Parrish Jr.

Henry Parrish will fit like a puzzle piece into the Ole Miss offense for many reasons, beyond the simple fact that he played here in 2020 and 2021. Last year at Miami, the Hurricanes managed to play four running backs who all had 70 carries or more by the end of the season. Parrish collected the second most of the group with 100, but led the team in rushing yards with 625.

I make this point because we could be experiencing something very similar in Oxford. Between Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Ulysses Bentley, Kedrick Reescano, Logan Diggs, Parrish, and others, there are going to be games when a number of players finish with more than five carries per person. With Henry essentially doing the same thing that he did at Miami, I believe the former Reb will adjust in no time.

In terms of his film, Parrish does a good job of breaking tackles and gaining extra yards in plays where he is stuck in a pile. Despite being listed at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he plays as if he possesses a 6-foot-2, 220 pound frame. He shows aggression and phenomenal speed the second the ball gets in his hands.

Welcome BACK to the Sip, Henry Parrish Jr! pic.twitter.com/fsHf7kcoDb

— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) April 22, 2024

As I stated earlier, the rotation and versatility in this running back room are going to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your football coverage and more as we slowly approach summer camp. Until then, Hotty Toddy!