Dayton Wade Stepping Up As Vocal Leader In Rebels' Receiving Room
For those who study Lane Kiffin's offense, it's not as pass-heavy as some would make it out to be. Since arriving at Ole Miss in 2020, the Rebels have ranked top-25 nationally in rushing.
That doesn't mean the Rebels won't sling it around the yard when given the chance, and receiver play is vital to any offense working in a high-tempo system.
So when Dayton Wade made a splash as the No. 3 receiver opposite Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath last season, it was a sign that perhaps Ole Miss would extend its passing attack in the coming years. Wade's role should also expand now that Mingo is off to the NFL.
“This spring I’m just focusing on becoming a role model,” Wade said.
Leading by example comes natural to Wade. At least it should follow his risk in 2022. Despite playing on scholarship at Western Kentucky, Wade wanted to test the waters of SEC culture and walked on to the program after spending two seasons in Bowling Green.
The decision paid off as Wade finished fourth in receptions (27) and receiving yards (301). He credited Mingo for showing him the ropes of offense early in fall camp, not just in routes and matching up coverages, but also how to lead a locker room by example.
"Mingo really just showed me the way," Wade said. "Showed all of us the way. Like, ‘Okay, this is how it’s done.' Last year, I just got a taste. Now it’s time to get the whole thing.”
Wade showed his potential in the Egg Bowl with an 88-yard, eight-catch performance against Mississippi State. His reps expanded in the bowl against Texas Tech in Houston. This spring, his focus is on honing his craft as a more fluent route-runner.
It's also on being a reliable teammate both on and off the field for the younger talents that will take control of the program once he leaves following the 2023 season.
"Really for me, I just want to become a better leader," Wade said. "Know the offense more so that I can call the plays at some point. I can line everyone up and say ‘Okay, this is what we need to do here.'”
Wade thinks the more talent found in a room will bring the best out of production. No more could that be found than at quarterback with Jaxson Dart, former Oklahoma State starter Spencer Sanders and former five-star LSU commit Walker Howard.
Dart is currently the presumed starter until further notice. Wade said that he's worked on building a rapport with the former USC signal caller both on the field and in the film to make his job more manageable. Last season, the two connected for three TDs.
"He's really grown a lot in a span of a few months," Wade said of Dart's progress. "The season just ended, and we still have a long way to go. It’s only more growth he’s going to do, and I’m excited to see him getting closer to his ceiling."
Dart isn't the only player who's caught Wade's eye this spring, pointing out the growth of Jalen Knox. While Knox continues to develop on the field as a playmaker, his off-field leadership has been a staple of the team's chemistry.
Earlier this week, Knox organized a team meeting with the receivers to go to Walmart and buy supplies for those affected by the tornadoes ravishing the Magnolia State over the past several weeks. The Rebels' athletic department plans to hold an on-campus tornado relief drive through Friday.
"[It was] a nice, little fun experience,” Wade said. “For me, from my standpoint, I wish somebody would help me if I was in a bad position. That’s why I was like, ‘Okay, I’m willing to help others.'”
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