Ole Miss Tight End Dae’Quan Wright Embraces Leadership Role, Aims to Build on Breakout 2024 Season
OXFORD, Miss. – Spring practice continues for the Ole Miss football team as we inch closer to Meet the Rebels Day Saturday. Media recently had a chance to visit with tight end Dae’Quan Wright about the upcoming season.
With the introduction of transfer tight end Luke Hasz (Arkansas), Wright will not be the sole pass catcher at the position. Similar to 2024, you can expect to see a similar offensive scheme as last year, with Wright and Hasz each receiving a comparable target share.
Returning Player Spotlight🦈:
Dae’Quan Wright TE
2024 Stats:
Rec | 27
Yards | 394
TDs | 4 #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/7630Wwsxhi— Kyle (@OleMissFB3) January 17, 2025
Wright says he is looking forward to playing with Hasz.
“Luke is a very good worker. He comes every day with the same mentality… he goes hard. He’s a great leader, and us being out there together is gonna be real good.”
— Dae’Quan Wright on Luke Hasz
Wright was also asked about the early impact he sees of new quarterback Austin Simmons who is set to take over for Jaxson Dart.
“Great guy… also very talented… He picked up where Dart left off… He’s fun to be around and fun to talk to.”
— Wright on Austin Simmons
We’ve heard similar praise from many other team members about Simmons. His positive influence on the team has been apparent, especially after benefitting from two seasons to learn under the tutelage of the veteran Dart. If Simmons continues to play like he did during the first offensive drive against Georgia, the Rebels will be in good hands.
In addition to seeing flashes of Simmon’s future greatness, Wright had a breakout of his own in the second half of 2024, with standout performances against Oklahoma, Florida, and Duke.
Halftime at the Gator Bowl: Dart is exorcising the Blue Devils with 296 total yards, 2 TDs in the first half including this pass to Dae’Quan Wright to give the Rebels a 24-7 lead over Duke. pic.twitter.com/mwCBiSAMct
— SportsTalk Mississippi (@SportsTalkMiss) January 3, 2025
His best game came against Arkansas, when he caught nine passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Recognizing his success, Dae’Quan talked about what he needs to do to build off his breakout season.
“Staying on top of my game, taking care of my body, being a good leader for the guys in my room… and staying focused.”
— Dae’Quan Wright
Wright was also asked about what he has improved upon from last year. He explained with the departure of former Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn, his own leadership presence is crucial for the younger players on the roster.
“Talking more and being around the guys more. I’m doing things off the field as well… last year, I wasn’t doing that much.”
— Wright on how he is working on his leadership
Between his relationship with Austin Simmons, his leadership development, and the experience he possesses in Lane Kiffin’s offense, expect Wright to have another big season in red and blue.
Moving forward, spring practice continues this week and The Rebel Walk will be here providing content, videos, and articles. Stay tuned for all of your Ole Miss sports needs!
Aidan Marshall
Aidan Marshall is a Freshman at Ole Miss majoring in finance with an emphasis on real estate. He’s from Deer Park, Illinois and graduated from Saint Viator High School where he played varsity baseball. He covers Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Golf. You can contact him via email at afmarshall42@gmail.com or DM on X @aidanmarshall42
