Ole Miss RB Ulysses Bentley IV talks about overcoming adversity: ‘Whenever my name is called, I just go out there and make plays’
OXFORD, Miss. – After former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins entered the transfer portal in January, it seemed all but guaranteed that Ulysses Bentley IV would be the starting back on this year’s team. But fast forward to last week before the LSU game and “Doo,” as he is known, had received just 16 carries on the entire year, including zero touches against Kentucky and South Carolina.
However, this past weekend in Baton Rouge, the senior finally got the chance to play, proving that his skill level hasn’t missed a beat. When speaking to the media, Ulysses talked about his mentality thus far during the season and how he was able to find success against LSU.
“I’ve just been preparing hard each and every week. Preparing with the o-line, preparing with Jaxson, and all the other guys just to make sure I’m on top of things, being able to go out there and make plays.”
Bentley on what made him ready to play at LSU
The Houston, Texas native concluded the game in Tiger Stadium with 107 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. Bentley IV notched more rushing yards than the entire LSU rushing attack combined, led by a 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He spoke briefly on the joy of that play.
“It felt great, man. Just to be back out there with those guys, I definitely showed a lot of emotion. I was definitely excited. It was good though, it felt good.“
– Bentley IV on his touchdown
Happy to see Ulysses Bentley no longer in witness protection
pic.twitter.com/TqT04OwOma— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 13, 2024
After watching Bentley IV make a statement in Death Valley, his fans remain curious about why it took so long for the stud to be put in the game against SEC opponents. According to Bentley IV, there wasn’t a lot of discussion around the decision.
“I wasn’t told anything, just kind of like I said, I’ve been going through the season controlling what I can control, and whenever my name is called, I just go out there and make plays.“
– Bentley on his lack of playing time
Even with limited communication, Bentley IV says facing a challenge of this magnitude has benefited his mental growth and attitude.
“Kiffin talks about it all the time: going through adversity, you can’t lay down and be low all the time. Just always being positive and figuring out a way how to get better each and every day to be great.“
– Bentley IV on persevering through adversity
After seizing his opportunity against LSU, Bentley credits Lane Kiffin, who made sure to acknowledge his performance in a meeting between the two held on Monday morning.
“It was a good conversation. He just always talks to me and keeps it positive with me at all times. He definitely was proud of me, everybody was proud of me to see me go back out there and just make plays and do what I normally do.“
– Bentley IV on his meeting with Lane Kiffin
Final stat line:
RB Ulysses Bentley: 11-carries for 107-yards.
He averaged 9.7 yards per carry and ran incredibly hard all night.
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) October 13, 2024
Now that Bentley IV feels the support from coaches, he says he gives a lot of credit to the fans for constantly showing their appreciation towards him.
“It means a lot, it shows a lot of support. Even when I go out, the crowd is screaming ‘Doo,’ so it’s definitely fun to see those fans showing that type of support. I was just glad to be out there making plays.“
– Bentley IV on the support from the fans
Next Up
Ole Miss has a bye week and then will have a chance to get back on track against Oklahoma on October 26th at 11 a.m. Until then, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports updates!
