Lane Kiffin Reveals Current Evaluation of Ole Miss Rebels Quarterback Room
OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels have one of the most unique quarterback rooms in college football, and Lane Kiffin has the job of sorting out the talent before September.
The Rebels have returning starter Jaxson Dart competing for the quarterback position with transfers Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard. After Dart won a quarterback battle with Luke Altmyer last season, how has he responded to being thrust into another battle here in 2023?
According to head coach Lane Kiffin, the returns have been positive this spring.
"I think it's been great for him," Kiffin said. "I think it's natural for us to not want competition be around, but I think it's been really great for him. He's looked great. It's strange to say for a returning starter, but he's probably one of our most improved players so far."
Spencer Sanders, the transfer signal-caller from the Oklahoma State Cowboys, was limited entering spring ball due to a shoulder injury. Although he is back to throwing the ball, the Rebels are still taking his progress slowly.
To Kiffin, however, that's not a problem. He knows what the quarterback is capable of.
"We've limited what Spencer has been able to do from a medical standpoint," Kiffin said, "so we're looking at the long-term there. I think he's done a really good job learning a new system, and the physical stuff will come. Obviously, he's talented."
The wild card in this race is the LSU Tigers transfer Walker Howard. A highly-touted recruit out of high school, Howard's ability is unquestioned, but he is the most inexperienced body in the quarterback room.
What has surprised his coaches, however, is just how quickly he has fit in and helped lead some of his teammates.
"I think that, with Spencer missing time in our plan with him, Walker's got a lot of opportunities," Kiffin said. "He's done really well. I love his leadership skills and energy. During workouts, he was calling players out which is highly unusual for any new player, let along a guy who just finished his freshman year."
Kiffin has often been touted as a "quarterback whisperer" in college football, but with so many positive returns early in spring practice, he may have his work cut out for him prior to the fall.
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