For Ole Miss RB Kentrel Bullock, it’s all about the competition in spring
When Snoop Conner, Jarion Ealy and Henry Parrish – last season’s dynamic running back trio for Ole Miss – moved on, Kentrel Bullock, who had been waiting patiently in the wings, felt like 2022 would be “his turn” to show his wares.
It may be, he is an experienced quality back, but due to the transfer portal with two backs and a freshman signee, Bullock is finding himself again in a dogfight for playing time during spring training.
“It’s real competitive. With all the new backs we have and the returning backs, everyone has a different skill set and we are all battling for playing time,” Bullock, who is sponsored by Empire Express trucking company out of Memphis (901- 942-3300), noted. “You never get a break – you have to compete every day and that makes us all better.”
The transfers are Zach Evans and Ulysses Bentley, IV, who Kentrel has a lot of respect for.
“The competition they bring makes me better and when I get my chances, I feel I make them bring more juice too,” he continued. “We bring each other juice and it’s good.
“I’m just putting in the work every day and whatever it brings, it brings.”
Playing behind last year’s trio was tough at times, but Kentrel kept a positive attitude about it.
“I had some hard days, but overall, I felt I learned a lot watching them. I learned to be a better pass protector and the routine of being in the rotation for playing time,” he explained. “They showed a lot and taught me a lot.
“I got my feet wet a little bit. I was still learning so it was OK. It was pretty good actually from a learning standpoint.”
The running back room has a new coach this year, Marquel Blackwell. Bullock was asked about his experience with his new mentor so far.
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“He’s a great coach. He brings things to the table that other coaches don’t. He has a great mindset. He has all the tools we need to bring out the best in us and to be a great coach,” Kentrel added.
When asked about the quarterback situation, Kentrel likened that competition to the running back room and competition.
“It’s the same at the RB room. It’s all about competition, the same as the running back competition,” he stated. “Luke (Altmyer) is a great quarterback and (Jaxson) Dart is a great quarterback. It’s all about competition right now at every position.”
Bullock likes the “newness” of the team – from the new coaches to the new players.
“It’s hard to explain, but I like what new players and coaches can bring to the team. We can learn new things from them on how they did things where they were and incorporate them with what we do,” he closed. “I like it.”
Will Bullock emerge as one of the top backs on the 2022 team?
At this juncture, nobody knows for sure. The only thing known is that the running back room has plenty of talent and there will be opportunity for all of them to prove themselves.
