There are plenty of sophomores who could continue their ascension in college football. From LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr to Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr, there is no shortage of talent.
In Bleacher Reports’ top sophomores at every position, they highlighted Ole Miss Rebels feature back Quinshon Judkins. The Alabama product was among the best running backs in the country and even more remarkable that he did it as a true freshman.
What Bleacher Report said…
Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins didn’t look like a true freshman last season. He finished seventh nationally in rushing yards with 1,565 and had 16 rushing touchdowns. He led the SEC with an average of 120.4 rushing yards per game, too.
He took home the conference’s Freshman of the Year Award, in addition to breaking Ole Miss’ single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns. He surpassed former Rebels running back Kayo Dottley, who finished with 1,312 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1949.
Judkins shared backfield duties with former TCU transfer Zach Evans, but he is off to the NFL after three years at the collegiate level. Judkins emergence gives head coach Lane Kiffin one less decision to make when it comes to offense. The Rebels could have a new starting quarterback in 2023 as incumbent starter Jaxson Dart is in a position battle with Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders. Don’t rule out former LSU quarterback Walker Howard, who joined the team this offseason through the portal.
One area that Judkins needs more opportunities would be in the passing game. He caught just 15 passes but he has all the tools to be an all-around weapon out of the backfield.
Ole Miss will kickoff its 2023 college football season on Sept. 2 against Mercer before facing last year’s Cotton Bowl champion, Tulane on Sept. 9 in the Big Easy.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=15]
[mm-video type=video id=01gwqdn54wjc7pkgy2e9 playlist_id=01gq2fszf7mxxc88k4 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gwqdn54wjc7pkgy2e9/01gwqdn54wjc7pkgy2e9-4e70442d4fe4cc7a53636ea762052e85.jpg]
Contact/Follow us at the College Wire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of College Sports news, notes, and opinions.
You can continue the conversation with Patrick on Twitter (@PatrickConnCFB) or on Facebook (Patrick Conn-CSW)