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Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin on JJ Henry's emergence: He didn't take his ball and go home

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber•08/16/22
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Lane Kiffin wins by passing the football. That’s how Ole Miss finished with their best record in six years. By throwing the football early and often. Heading into to 2022, though, Kiffin and co. will have to reload. Given that they lost their star quarterback and top three receivers to the NFL and graduation. They had a ton of experience at QB and wideout a year ago and will be nearly starting from scratch this fall.

So the Rebels need new pieces to step up. And now that the Transfer Portal provides an easy fix at any position, the roster overhaul, on a yearly basis, is far greater for most teams than it used to be.

Though Ole Miss is replacing most of its receiving corps, it’s doing so with internal backups. Guys who are veterans but haven’t had their chance in the spotlight yet. One of which is JJ Henry, who Kiffin spoke about recently as an improving player:

“JJ has really done a great job in taking to another level. So, I like that because it’s an example of a guy that stays. Doesn’t play as much as they like and doesn’t, you know, take his ball and go home. He stayed and worked through some challenges and went out and performed really well.”

Credits Henry not only for improving on the field, but for sticking around and waiting for his chance at Ole Miss rather than darting for another school.

Kiffin also credits Dannis Jackson for staying

Kiffin mentioned also mentioned another veteran Rebels wideout, Dannis Jackson, directly when asked about receivers. Also appreciating someone like him for sticking around when he could have transferred elsewhere.

“So, it’s interesting you mention Dannis, because he’s one of the few players I feel like we have. And has made some plays last year, continues to step up. Just needs to be consistent and he’ll have a good shot to play with us.”

Players like Henry Jackson paid their dues are now likely to start. With Lane Kiffin loading up on transfers throughout their roster, it’s nice to see two Rebel veterans taking over a position where they otherwise lost a lot.