Tre Harris took the headlines, but Jordan Watkins had a banner day as well in Ole Miss’ opener

Ole Miss Wide Receiver Tre Harris had a historic day for the Rebels in the 73-7 win over Mercer last Saturday, catching 4 touchdown passes in the game, the most ever by a Rebel receiver in a single game.

His day was special, but so was the game put in by senior Wideout Jordan Watkins, who, like Tre, caught 6 passes and also broke the century mark with Tre gaining 133 yards to Watkins’ 111.

Watkins also returned a punt 70 yards for a score, the first punt returned by an Ole Miss player since 2013 when RB Jeff Scott did it. For that effort, Jordan was named Co-Special Teams Player of the Week in the SEC.

“It really felt good to break one. It’s a relief, really, because being a punt returner is one of the most pressurized positions on the field other than quarterback,” Watkins said earlier this week. “It’s stressful, but it’s something I enjoy doing. To be able to turn that into a big play is awesome.”

Watkins missed a lot of fall camp.

Still, there was never really any doubt he wouldn’t play in the opener or wouldn’t be a big part of the passing game.

“Even though I missed time, I kept my head into all the preparation so it felt great to get out there and play against someone other than my teammates,” said Jordan. “When your juices get flowing and your adrenaline gets going, you just get out there and play your game.

“I take pride in knowing what to do and being sort of a safety blanket for the quarterback in directing the younger receivers on what to do. I’m kind of like the QB of the receivers, so to speak. I’m a very big stickler on details and it’s important to know what you are doing at all times because we go really fast on offense. Things start flying and you have to be locked in. I take pride in being the guy who helps everyone be where they are supposed to be so the play can function properly.”

Against Mercer, Jordan said he felt the offense somewhat surprised him.

“I think we all surprised each other. We all knew we could be special on offense, but actually seeing it work was really fun. We surprised ourselves how efficient we were. It’s going to be a really fun season on offense this year,” Jordan assessed. “I know I surprised myself. I was the third option last year but to see my stat line Saturday was kind of a wow moment.”

RELATED: Practice Report: Rebels ramp up for first road test at Top 25 Tulane on Saturday

Watkins caught a touchdown pass … unofficially.

The score was nullified due to a holding call on veteran OG Jeremy James.

“I gave him a nudge and a look in film study,” Jordan laughed. “He said ‘my bad,’ but it’s not a big thing. We all make mistakes, that’s for sure. Those guys up front played a great game. Jaxson was clean the whole game, but yeah, I gave him a little smirk.”

And what were his thoughts about Harris’ big day?

“Tre is an unbelievable athlete. It’s awesome to see him do what he did his first game as a Rebel – he made history,” Watkins explained. “I was a part of history and it could not have happened to a better guy. He comes to work every day, works his butt off and you are just happy to see that happen to him.”

One of the youngsters, Cade Lee, caught a 34-yard TD pass and that drew a smile from Watkins when asked about it.

“Caden has grown tremendously in the last month,” he noted. “Being a freshman can be nerve-racking. He handled it well. Around the building they call him my little brother and I was proud to see him get that chance and make that play. He just has to make sure he stays focused and he will be fine.”

QB Jaxson Dart had a big day as well, but Watkins said he was not surprised.

“Jaxson has grown a lot since last year and the game the other day was just a testament to that growth,” he explained. “I see him going through his reads, checking down at times and not forcing the ball. I think he will improve throughout the season.”

Mercer was Mercer, but now comes a Top 25 opponent in Tulane in their stadium.

“They have a really good defense and a really good team,” said Watkins. “Their scheme is good. Their coaches know what they are doing. We have to come with our ‘A” game. They are good offensively and defensively.

“We have to come to play and we have to be ready for a tough game.”