Reb Talk Recap: Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart soaking in life as an SEC quarterback
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is halfway into his first season as a Southeastern Conference quarterback and so far is settling in nicely.
The Utah native is still getting adjusted to his new Mississippi surroundings but Saturdays in Oxford are suiting him just fine already.
Making his first appearance on Reb Talk on Thursday, Dart talked about what it is like playing in a full Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for a SEC matchup.
“It’s an experience I’ve never experienced before,” Dart said. “Coming from the West Coast you don’t get a lot of these big games. The atmosphere’s aren’t the same. It’s just really exciting each and every week.”
Through his first two SEC games Dart has helped lead No. 9 Ole Miss to its second 6-0 start in the last 50 years.
Last weekend’s game at Vanderbilt was Dart’s first SEC road game and also his best performance as a Rebel, throwing for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Of course there were the pair of interceptions that were hard to ignore.
Especially for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who made sure to remind Dart.
“Well Jaxson’s really improved. I mean we talked before he got here on the show about the two bad plays last week. Just getting those out of the way,” Kiffin said jokingly. “He’s really done a great job. To think we’re just halfway through a year and splitting time early and not having a whole camp as a starter, it’s been really neat to see. He’s done a really good job and really showed up on game days.”
Dart’s adjustment has been made easy by the supporting cast of the Ole Miss offense.
The play of Jonathan Mingo, Malik Heath and Jordan Watkins out wide has slowly improved through each week. With Dart now the de-facto starter the chemistry between him and his receivers is noticeable.
Of course the play of the run game anchored by Zach Evans and Quinshon Judkins is also a nice safety net with the passing game working through some wrinkles in the early part of the season.
“I think that’s just something that makes our team really good is the ability to have so many options inside the offense,” Dart said. “It gives a lot of support and takes stress off my shoulders as the quarterback. Especially at times when I can hand it off and watch them run.
“Then the receivers we have, the playmakers. The abilities that they have, like I said, to make a five yard catch into a 70-yard touchdown. Being able to get the ball in a 50-50 situation and it seems like they come down with it everytime. It’s really fun to have those players around.”
Dart has also done the age-old football tradition of the quarterback treating his offensive line out to dinner.
Ole Miss’ offensive front, which has undergone a few mid-season facelifts, leads the SEC in allowing only two sacks through six games. The pass protection has also steadily improved, which Dart has been appreciative of.
“I think just being able to break bread with your brothers is always great and just bonding,” Dart said. “They’re such great dudes on and off the field. It’s really easy to have the friendship we have.”
What is Dart’s favorite food he has eaten since he has relocated to Mississippi and the South?
“I’d have to say the catfish,” Dart answered.
