Lane Kiffin updates wide receiver group following scrimmage

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.

When asked about reshaping his wide receiver room, Kiffin shared a similar sentiment, noting the sheer volume of year-to-year roster movement.

“Yeah, the way you’re used to roster and depth working out obviously has changed, because of the massive turnover,” said Kiffin. “So it used to be, you know, you had three years with guys.”

Now, you’re lucky to get two or three out of a guy who doesn’t immediately start. Since they’ll see opportunities to play more elsewhere if they don’t get on the field at their original school.

However, Ole Miss has a bit of an exception among a few of its returning wideouts. Jonathan Mingo and Dannis Jackson are slated to start for the Rebels this season. Neither were starters last year and are both entering their senior seasons — without a ton to show far for their careers. Yet they stayed the course and will now get a prime playing opportunity in a terrific system as seniors.

Kiffin mentioned Jackson directly when asked about receivers. 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.”

Seniors Mingo and 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.