'I handle it well': Quinshon Judkins is now the guy in the Ole Miss running backs room
NASHVILLE — There is very little argument that Quinshon Judkins is now the face of the Ole Miss running backs room and one of the faces of the entire offense.
Despite entering his sophomore season and only 19 years old Judkins is approaching year two with a veteran mentality. With the experience gained during his freshman campaign en route to the Southeastern Conference rushing title it is an expected development.
While making the rounds at his first SEC Media Days Judkins was soaking in everything as the youngest player representative of all 14 teams this year.
Teammates Cedric Johnson and Deante Prince rounded out the Ole Miss contingency. Johnson tried to prepare Judkins for what this day entails and the whirlwind that is Media Days over the course of a half day.
Both admitted the preparation could have been better.
“I enjoy being around the media,” Judkins told local Ole Miss reporters. “I got asked a lot of questions not based on football. About me, personally. A lot of people getting to know me and things like that. I think it’s been a great experience. Ced, he prepared me good enough.
“He could’ve prepared me a little better,” Judkins ended with a laugh.
The college football world is getting to know Judkins after he crashed the party last year and introduced himself with the actions on the field. This week it was a little more formal of an introduction as Judkins hit station to station and interview after interview.
Still, Judkins looked calm and collected while at the player stage in the main room, answering questions as if he was year-five player.
This all comes with being the guy and Judkins is now that in the Ole Miss running backs group.
With Zach Evans now earning his stripes in the NFL Judkins returns as the leader in the room despite not being the oldest. Senior Ulysses Bentley IV is also back for a second season in Oxford and true freshman Kedrick Reescano arrived this summer.
All of those situations does not have Judkins fazed in the slightest nor has his eyes wide with the realization the Ole Miss offense is now on his shoulders.
“I handle it well. I think I handle it well,” Judkins said. “With the younger guys in the room and even older people in the room like Ulysses that’s way older than me. So it’s just like, you just handle it well and continue to inspire those guys and just lead by example.”
Judkins might be leading by making it a group effort in the room he is still going to be the workhorse for the Ole Miss ground attack.
Last season he had 274 carries — 130 more than Evans — to lead the team with 1,565 yards and 16 touchdowns. The load is expected to be status quo if not higher for this season.
“I think we saw that, which is pretty amazing for a true freshman to be able to carry as much as anybody in the SEC,” said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. “So, we’ve kind of done that. Not to the extent of (former Alabama running back) Derrick (Henry’s) SEC leading carries that season. But, I think if we have to he can do it.”
