Ole Miss O-lineman Patrick Kutas discusses growth, a new offensive line, and belief in Pete Golding
OXFORD, Miss. — On Tuesday in the Manning Center, Ole Miss offensive lineman Patrick Kutas stepped in front of the media for the first time this spring and gave some pretty interesting remarks regarding his growth, the offensive line unit as a whole, and touched on the fact that other teams had contacted him — even though he was not in the portal.
Growth as a leader
When asked what aspects of his game he worked on most in the offseason, instead of talking about his talents, Kutas talked about culture and how he is working to get the new players accustomed to that culture.
“Honestly, it’s a whole new room, there are a lot of new guys in the room, so just culture. Trying to get all the guys on the same page and work together, that was my biggest goal.”
Offensive lineman Patrick Kutas
When asked to describe how he approaches leadership, he pointed to a more action-driven style. Rather than being overly vocal, he sets the standard through his preparation and consistency, giving the new offensive linemen a clear model to follow from one of the unit’s most reliable players.
“I’m a big lead-by-example guy. Me, Brycen (Sanders), Delano (Townsend), and other guys that are coming back and showing them (new players) that this is the standard, this is what we do and how we do it, and we are not accepting anything less than that.“
Patrick Kutas on his leadership style
Kutas also talked about his mental growth and how he has been preparing in the offseason..
“Just diving into the playbook, finding the niche things inside it, because if I do that, my play will excel.“
Patrick Kutas
Kutas has high praise for the new offensive linemen, saying they can all play, in his opinion.
“We got Carius (Curne), Enoch (Wangoy), and Tommy (Kinsler IV), super talented dudes that can all play here. Just seeing their growth everyday has been so awesome,” Kutas said.
He was also asked about returning starting center, Sanders, who has been a limited participant due to a surgical procedure.
“Brycen has done a great job. Obviously he can’t be there for the team periods, but he’s back there coaching us up.”
All-in with Coach Golding
If Kutas is an adequate voice for the team, it seems as if the entire team has bought into Pete Golding and his system.
“Everyone who is here wants to be here. Everyone’s bought into Coach Golding’s vision, so now we just have to go out and execute it.“
Patrick Kutas on Pete Golding
Tampering with Kutas?
Kutas made it clear he stayed after Pete Golding was named head coach because he believes what’s happening here.
“I just couldn’t see myself leaving, we have built such a good culture, and we had such an awesome season last year and I know we can build on top of that.”
Patrick Kutas
Kutas was contacted by other teams during last season — and it’s important to note he never entered the transfer portal.
“It was just a lot of distractions, it was kind of annoying,” Kutas explained.
The most interesting tidbit is the fact of when Kutas said teams started contacting him.
“Really before the playoffs,” he answered.
That is a bit of a bombshell, but not entirely shocking considering the current state of college football. This essentially confirms that teams were indeed tampering with Ole Miss’ roster.
Kutas on the defensive line
Kutas is in a prime position to get a good look at the Rebels’ defensive line. He was asked about the other side of the trenches, and he had high praise.
“It’s a physical group, twitchy, they’re explosive. I’m really excited to see what they can do.”
Next Up
Ole Miss continues spring practices this week. Our next media opportunity comes Friday when we will interview players and offensive coordinator John David Baker. Our next chance to watch practice comes next Tuesday, April 14.
Luke Dunavant
Luke Dunavant is a junior at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Journalism, with an emphasis in Sports Media and a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Hernando, Mississippi, and graduated high school from Magnolia Heights. His favorite sports are basketball, football, and soccer. Growing up, he played baseball, football, and soccer at different points, immersing himself in the world of sports. He tries to always bring the same passion he had playing sports into covering them.
