Lane Kiffin explains how Quinshon Judkins will take the next step in second season

Quinshon Judkins was as good as it gets when it comes to a true freshman putting up offensive numbers. Even so, Lane Kiffin knows that his young running back can potentially be worth even more to Ole Miss’ offense as a sophomore.

Kiffin spoke about Judkins’ development at a press conference yesterday from fall camp with the Rebels. He said a jump forward by the sophomore should be expected anyways because of his experience. With how the Rebels are planning on utilizing him, though, his statistics should only improve as they extend to both the ground as well as the air.

“I think, in year two with players, you take a next step. Everybody says that. The player has got to get better, these little things,” Kiffin explained. “But you can also take the next step in doing more things, whether that’s a quarterback or a running back.”

“You can use a guy more in the passing game,” said Kiffin. “Things that, in my opinion, when you first get him? You don’t want to do all that because you never really get at being just a normal running back.”

Judkins was the SEC’s leader in rushing yards (1,567) and rushing touchdowns (16) in 289 plays from scrimmage. However, he wasn’t nearly as involved as some of the conference’s other top backs as far as being a pass catcher. In total, he finished with just 15 on the year for 132 yards and a touchdown.

We all know what Judkins is going to be as a rusher again this fall. He put it all on display last season and is already receiving preseason praise for this year because of it. With that said, Kiffin sees Judkins as a back that, with his size, will definitely make a natural leap with Ole Miss finding ways to put the ball in his very productive hands even more.

“We are looking at some things with him,” said Kiffin. “He’s uniquely gifted for a bigger, stocky guy that he can play in the passing game, which, a lot of times, is not the case.”

Judkins: Ole Miss must ‘stay focused’ in 2023

Quinshon Judkins recognizes how Ole Miss will reach new heights in 2023.

At SEC Media Days in Nashville, the bright, young running back elaborated on how the Rebels can become a major player in the conference this season. To him, it’s evident that it all starts with the team’s mindset in his eyes.

“I would say, this year, the thing that will help us the most with keeping the main thing the main thing and not losing certain games. At one point we were 7-0. I think the biggest thing for us is just stay focused and not get distracted by certain things that we can’t control,” Judkins explained.