Lane Kiffin provides strong evaluation of quarterback Walker Howard

Lane Kiffin is quite high on Ole Miss quarterback Walker Howard. However, the head coach has yet to make a starting quarterback decision.

Kiffin’s evaluation of Howard was one of high praise, however. The LSU transfer is still young but got some extra time due to the injury limitations of Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders.

Walker might not steal the job from incumbent starter Jaxson Dart, but he’s a player to keep an eye on.

“Yeah I think that Walker has really, with Spencer (Sanders) missing time with you know our plan with him getting limited reps, Walker’s got a lot of opportunities,” Kiffin said. “And a lot of situations and he’s done really well. I love his leadership skills and his energy and you know, during workouts he was calling players out. Just highly unusual for any new player, let alone a guy that just finished his freshman year, so I think he has some unique intangibles.”

Howard transferred to Ole Miss after the 2022 season finished, and at the conclusion of spring ball he reflected on how went from an outsider to part of the team. And he credited some wicked workouts for accelerating the process, as Kiffin mentioned

“We go through fourth quarter, which is brutal workouts,” Howard said. “And I feel like you get really close. You just kind of lean on each other when things get and you build that chemistry with the team really quickly. And it was awesome to do that before spring. And then obviously, during spring, you get to know guys. Get to know them better. And get to compete.”

Competition is at the top of everyone’s mind. While Kiffin elevated Howard, the quarterback appreciated the help of Dart of Sanders.

“Both those two older quarterbacks, they’ve done a great job helping me,” Howard said. “We got all the analysts coaching there. We got a bunch of guys helping me out every single day. I work with Coach Gilbert up there after every day of film and we get better every single day. Those two guys are pushing me every day.”

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As a member of the Class of 2022, Howard was a four-star recruit out of Lafayette (La.) St. Thomas Moore, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 6 quarterback in the class and the No. 45 overall prospect in the class.