Brian Kelly: Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins 'didn't seem as interested' prior to LSU
The follow up season to Quinshon Judkins breakout freshman campaign in 2022 got off to a slow start but since Ole Miss entered Southeastern Conference play things have picked up for the running back.
Against Alabama Judkins did not put up a big stat line, rushing for 56 yards — which at the time was his second highest single-game total of the season — but he looked more like himself.
That was followed up with the best performance Judkins has had since the Arkansas game last November. This past Saturday against LSU the sophomore had his season-best outing, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown in the Ole Miss 55-49 win over the Tigers.
Putting up those numbers against the Tigers defense caught the attention of LSU head coach Brian Kelly. The second-year coach made an interesting observation about Judkins during his appearance on this week’s SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday.
“(Judkins) showed he was a guy who was intentional and willing to give it everything he had,” Kelly said. “Didn’t seem as interested in the first few games but he was certainly interested in this game and he played up to his capabilities. We knew what kind of player he was so it didn’t take us by surprise in any shape or fashion. …We were expecting him to have a really big game and he did.”
Judkins nearly ran for his season total against the Tigers appeared to be back to his form Ole Miss was expecting out of him to start the year.
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Following Ole Miss winning the shootout with LSU Judkins spoke about the start to his season and his performance on Saturday.
The effort this past weekend was 117 yards more than his season best in game after rushing for 60 yards against Mercer in the opener.
In the following games Judkins rushing total decreased with 48 against Tulane and 37 against Georgia Tech — though he was dealing with an injury in the game against the Yellow Jackets.
In the moments after Saturday’s game Judkins reinforced the confidence he has in the offense and in himself.
“Like I said, I came and did an interview for you guys last week, and I told you I believe in my O-line,” Judkins said. “I believe in my coaches. I know they will put me in the best position to win and be successful. So that was never a worry for me. When I go on the field, I know the player I am: the best player in the country. Just proved it today.”
