Ole Miss' Spencer Sanders Chosen Over Jaxson Dart in Latest QB Rankings
OXFORD, Miss. -- Quarterback is the most important position on the gridiron. Having a difference-maker under center can make or break a team's season, and Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin understands that.
Kiffin made sure his roster went into spring practices with a loaded quarterback room after landing former transfers Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State Cowboys) and Walker Howard (LSU Tigers) via the portal in January.
Sanders and Howard joined a room occupied by returning starter Jaxson Dart and a quarterback battle ensued in Oxford. All three quarterbacks got the opportunity to play in the 2023 Grove Bowl and each flashed high-level potential, but Dart came away with the best stat line as a passer. Dart finished spring practices with only one recorded interception, positing improved pocket presence and decision-making.
While many experts believe Kiffin will once again choose Dart to be his signal caller in the fall, some outlets are not as convinced. 247Sports released rankings for the Top 25 starting quarterbacks in college football on Saturday and selected Sanders to be named Ole Miss' starter in his final year of eligibility. Sanders was rated as the No. 23 quarterback entering the 2023 season.
23. Spencer Sanders, Ole Miss
Sanders is locked into a three-man quarterback battle in Oxford but is the most experienced of Ole Miss’ talented trio. The longtime Oklahoma State starter did not leave his old program to become a backup.
In four seasons with Oklahoma State, Sanders threw for 9,553 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions. Sanders has never eclipsed 2,900 passing yards in a season but the dual-threat quarterback is a proven threat on the ground. Sanders rushed for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns averaging 4.0 yards per carry in his time with the Cowboys. Sanders has explosiveness as a runner - something Kiffin values in his quarterbacks - but 40 interceptions over four seasons is a big reason why I believe Kiffin will stick with Dart.
Kiffin has not named a starting quarterback yet and will use fall practices as a final benchmark for the three-way race.
You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.
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