Lane Kiffin: Michael Trigg can be a 'dynamic mismatch issue' for defenses

Lane Kiffin continues to add to his tremendous haul in the transfer portal this offseason. Among the talented athletes he’s added to Ole Miss, former USC tight end Michael Trigg may be the most interesting.

Throughout his career, Trigg has earned a reputation of being an athletic freak. However, it hasn’t translated into the stat-sheet — whether it’s because of the offense he was in at USC, or other factors.

In his 2022 National Signing Day press conference, Kiffin stated Trigg could evole into a “dynamic mismatch issue” for defenses.

“Well he is as good a prospect as you can find,” started Kiffin. “Playing receiver, tight end, mismatch issues. So, that’s awesome. Unique skillset. Basketball player.

“So, now we got to translate that and put it all together for him to be that type of player. But, that skillset is there for a dynamic mismatch issue that we’ve seen around the country at times at certain places. Only certain people, unless you have unique receiver skills, are able to do at that position.”

Evidently, Kiffin believes he can get more out of Trigg than we’ve seen in the past. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound freshman played in just four games this past season, totaling seven catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Moreover, Trigg joined USC as a four-star recruit and the No. 4 tight end according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Additionally, he held offers from several big-time programs including Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.

The tight end was ranked as the No. 38 overall prospect in the portal, per On3’s transfer portal rankings. He was also the second-ranked tight end available.

At Ole Miss, Michael Trigg will look to use his raw skillset to turn into a star for the Rebels.

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Furthermore, Michael Trigg isn’t the only athlete brimming with potential looking to break out for Ole Miss. The first big move Lane Kiffin and company made this offseason was convincing former TCU star running back Zach Evans to come to play for the Rebels.

A former four-star recruit, Evans had a bevy of suitors after leaving the Horned Frogs. As he readies for his first season with the Rebels, Kiffin spoke about how excited Ole Miss is about the addition of Evans.

“We have some guys here that we’re excited about,” started Kiffin. “Adding Zach [Evans] to that room is good because the top three carriers from last year are not here. So, you know, it’ll be exciting to get everybody in there, and get some people chances they haven’t had a lot.

“This transfer thing is not over. You know you’re going to see a whole another — until they figure out how to do this better — you’re going to see a whole another group after spring ball that leaves places. So, this is an ongoing thing.”

Over his time at TCU, Evans carried the football 146 times for 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 18 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. At Ole Miss, he’ll have his chance to ascend into one of the SEC’s best running backs.

Still, Kiffin doesn’t believe transfer season is over. Even though the Rebels already made their dent, the Ole Miss coach believe there are more high-quality players who will look for a new program as the season gets closer.

Either way, Lane Kiffin will remain keen on getting the best players he can to come to Oxford — like Michael Trigg and Zach Evans.