Lane Kiffin Discusses Quarterback Room on First Day of Spring Practice
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OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels have one of the most interesting quarterback situations this offseason, and their first opportunity to hit the ground running came when spring practice opened on Tuesday.
The Rebels added transfer quarterbacks Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU) to the mix along with incumbent starter Jaxson Dart this offseason. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was made available to the media on Tuesday after practice to discuss the current state of the room.
"All three guys practiced today and rotated in there," Kiffin said. "All looked good. Feel like there's a lot of similarities to last year. We have a lot of new pieces this year and a brand new defensive scheme to work them into as well."
The news that all three quarterbacks threw on Tuesday was an interesting news tidbit considering that Sanders' ability had been hampered due to an injury in recent weeks. Now, Kiffin has an opportunity to evaluate all three arms as the new season approaches.
"I see it being very competitive," Kiffin said. "With Jaxson, we've been allowed to throw with him, which is a newer rule in the last year or two. I think Jaxson is throwing really well. He's gotten stronger and looks really good and much improved.
"Spencer was limited in throwing originally with the previous injury, but he was out there today taking reps. Excited for all three guys. Much different than last year as far as depth in the room."
Although the eyes of fans and analysts alike will be under center, Kiffin is in no rush to make a call on the starter at quarterback.
"We've got a long time in spring and fall to figure it out," Kiffin said. "The goal is to improve depth in every room, and that's how you become a really good team. I certainly think that room has improved from where it was a year ago.
"Basically to have two returning starting quarterbacks and a high-profile recruit that redshirted last year is really good."
The Rebels will have more media availability after practice on Thursday.
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