Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Ready for Season to Begin: ‘I’m really excited to face adversity’
OXFORD, Miss. – Monday afternoon, Ole Miss quarterback and Heisman hopeful Jaxson Dart stepped to the podium for the Rebels’ weekly press conferences as his team begins the first game week of the 2024 season. Here is what the Rebel signal-caller had to say:
Leading and improving
When Dart took the podium Monday, it seemed clear from the start that he was ‘locked in’ to game one of the 2024 season. A main emphasis during the press conference was the quarterback’s display of leadership. There is no doubt Dart made the ‘leap’ in year two under Lane Kiffin, but the leadership and mentality going into his final season of eligibility is, frankly, on another level.
QB Jaxson Dart up next. It’s game week!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wwhgRh7R0w
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 26, 2024
Dart was asked what he’s looking forward to with the season beginning and his answer was quite interesting.
“I’m really excited to face adversity. I think that’s something that I’m actually really looking forward to and seeing how our team handles it. I felt like last year that’s what made our team what it was — of us being able to block out the noises, block out the storms and just weather it all. I think that was what really set us apart last year, so I’m excited to face adversity this year and see how our team responds. I think the ceiling for our team is so high…in those times it’s really going to tell what kind of team we are.“
Jaxson Dart on what he’s looking forward to with the start of ’24
Then, one of the first things the signal-caller mentioned is the improvements from the young wide receivers on the roster, especially with older guys nursing injuries throughout camp.
“I think guys like Cayden Lee, Ayden (Williams), Noreel (White), Josh Aka, those guys have had great camps. They are just getting better every day, they have been super impressive guys to watch and to throw the ball to. We got a lot of weapons…I am just happy with the progression they have made and the standard of excellence they want to go out and play with.”
~ Dart on the young WRs progression
With all of the hype around the Ole Miss football program throughout the offseason and preseason, the Rebel locker room seems to be having the time of their lives. With so many new players on the team, it’s not always easy to get everyone on the same page; however, Dart commented on how the locker room has stayed ‘level-headed’ throughout a long fall camp.
“I think when you get in the ‘dog days’ of camp towards the end, people tend to get a little drowsy. So, when you are able to come to meetings and be excited to be here, I think that says a lot. That goes credit to our coaches and being able to build a fun atmosphere, an atmosphere that people really want to be a part of…Football is tough, man, it’s a grind. When you are able to have a lot of fun doing it, it makes things easier, and at the same time it brings us all closer.”
~ Dart on bringing the team together
Again, Dart was asked a similar question, this time about the chemistry of the team.
“I think if you go room by room and ask that question to guys that have been here, I think we can all say that this is the closest we’ve all felt like our team has been as a whole. I feel like the bonds we have created are super strong. Our coaches did a good job of bringing in the right people, whether it is coaches or players, it’s really the way you fit in the program and just buy in. It’s been really good to see the transition from everybody and create those relationships.“
~ Dart on the chemistry of the team currently
Dart has heard plenty of questions during the offseason directed towards his improvements and what it means going into year three of an offensive system. Monday, the Rebel signal-caller elaborated a bit more on what his expectations and the evaluation of his game.
“I am really excited about this season, first of all. I am really excited about the opportunities it can bring. I have worked as hard as I can this offseason to put myself in the best situation and I know what level I need to play at for us to reach those goals. I’m going to push to be the best that I can be and do whatever it takes to put our team in the best situations. I am very fortunate to have the receivers, the offensive line and just the gadgets around me to be a point guard out there and get those guys the ball.”
~ Dart on his self-expectations and evaluation
Gearing up for 2024
A major change in the game of college football for 2024 is the in-helmet communication technology added to programs that allow coaches to communicate to players with the earpiece pre-snap. All offseason long, Dart and others have claimed that the technology is a ‘cheat code’ for the Rebels, especially on the offensive side of the football.
Monday, Dart commented again on how working with the in-helmet technology has been for him this offseason.
“I think it is going to be super beneficial for us (in-helmet technology). I am really lucky to have Coach Weis and Coach Kiffin who are brilliant minds of their own. Being able to have that little voice in my ear at times is going to be really nice. Being able to make little checks here and there has been good to work through. Just trying to get it as smooth as possible before the season.“
~ Dart on working with in-helmet communication
Another big topic regarding the Ole Miss roster is the number of playmakers surrounding just one football. In many cases, football watchers have seen the ‘super teams’ not quite work out, but Dart does not think that is the case here. The Rebel quarterback commented on the maturity of the 2024 squad.
“I think we have a super mature team. I think that everybody has come in here and had the idea to win a lot of football games and take it all the way. When you have that mindset, instead of having a selfish mindset of just thinking about yourself, it just says a lot about the maturity we have on this team. I think that is what is going to drive us throughout this year, being able to root each other on.”
Dart on the maturity and selflessness of the Rebel team
Going more into the football side of things, Dart was asked about the run game in Oxford and how that position group has transpired throughout fall camp.
“When you bring in a new running back room, entirely pretty much, it’s fun to see what those guys can do. With what we lost; it brought in a lot of opportunities for guys to step up. I think they have done an amazing job. It’s actually been some production I am thrilled to have. When you’re a quarterback, having a strong run game makes things so much easier…I am excited for that room, and I think it is the most underrated part of our team this year.“
~ Dart on the new look running back room
To end the press conference, Dart was asked about the dominance of the Rebel defensive front during fall camp. The Rebel starter gave praise where it was deserved and explained he is thrilled to finally face an opposing defense.
“We feel like we are playing against the best each and every day. Our defensive line is extremely deep, and they are very talented. When you are able to go up against that in practice it really makes the whole team better because you play against the best every day. They definitely stole the show for the first two scrimmages…I am happy to go play against another defense because it has been tough going up against them.”
~ Dart on the Rebel defensive line
Up Next
Jaxson Dart and his Rebel teammates will continue their week of game prep as it all leads up to this Saturday, August 31st inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium when the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels take on an FCS opponent, the Furman Paladins, at 6 pm CT. Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for ongoing coverage of the 2024 college football season.
Kameron Wicker
Kam is an undergraduate 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.
