Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart not shying away from high expectations
Jaxson Dart has had to prove the last three fall camps (including two at Ole Miss) he’s the best quarterback on his team.
That’s not a problem for him when his expectations are what they are. You see, in his mind, he’s got higher goals than the starting QB on his squad.
“My mindset is trying to be the best quarterback in the country, so I push myself to that goal every single day and when you have great competition, it can only help,” Dart explained in a brief interview recently.
At the same time, you know Jaxson feels Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders, a four-year starter at a Power 5 school, breathing down his neck, hence the “great competition” part of his statement.
“I just prepare the same way I have been since I have been here,” he added. “That’s my mindset.”
As of Tuesday after practice, Dart says he has not been told what his role is for Saturday’s opener.
The Rebels kick off the season against Mercer at 1 p.m. in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
But in our practice observations, he has been the QB for the number one offense roughly 90% of the time.
If anyone (Sanders) starts in front of Dart against the incoming Bears, it will be at the very least a surprise, if not a shock.
Dart is coming off a sophomore campaign of throwing for 2,974 yards on 62.4% accuracy (226-362) with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, 3 of those in the bowl game loss to Texas Tech.
Since last season, Dart has made it clear what his main goal is heading into his junior season.
He wants to limit the turnovers.
“It’s not just the number of turnovers,” he mentioned in an earlier interview, “it’s when you make them. I had some key turnovers last year and I have to stop that this year.”
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Since spring, Dart has been efficient in reaching that goal, even though of late he has thrown a couple of picks in scrimmages and in practice. He didn’t throw any in the spring.
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Dart seems to have a mastery over the playbook now.
He’s entering his second year at the controls – we believe – of the Rebel offense.
“I feel good about knowing the system and am looking forward to this season,” Jaxson said. “I’m more comfortable and can play loose now. I understand my reads and my drops to each concept. So, I should be able to just go out there and perform relaxed.”
Finally, Jaxson was asked if not being named the starter yet has put a chip on his shoulder. He didn’t back away from the question.
“I think so – absolutely,” he allowed.
It was obvious in the brief interview Tuesday that Jaxson Dart is driven to the goal of being the best QB he can be and is getting tired of all the questions. His answer were courteous, but brief and to the point without much elaboration.
From this perspective, it sounds as if he’s ready for all the chatter to be gone and let his play on the field do the talking.
