In a major win for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, the program has secured a commitment from highly touted Missouri transfer running back Kewan Lacy. The 2024 four-star recruit, who had an impressive high school career, is set to bring his talent to Oxford after a short stint at Missouri. This addition marks a significant boost to Ole Miss’s running back room and adds another exciting weapon to Kiffin’s high-powered offense.
Lacy’s decision to join the Rebels is a strategic move that fills a major need for Ole Miss, which has been looking to bolster its backfield for the 2024 season. With his skills and potential, Lacy has the opportunity to make an immediate impact, possibly becoming a cornerstone of the offense for years to come. Let’s dive into who Kewan Lacy is, what he brings to the table, and how his commitment impacts the future of Ole Miss football.
The Rise of Kewan Lacy: A Four-Star Recruit
Lacy was a star on the high school circuit, entering the 2024 recruiting cycle as one of the most highly sought-after running backs in the country. Coming out of Carver High School in Atlanta, Georgia, he was a standout performer with a combination of speed, vision, and power that set him apart from other backs in his class. He finished his high school career with impressive stats and earned recognition as a four-star recruit according to multiple recruiting services, including Rivals and 247Sports.
During his time at Carver High, Lacy showcased his versatility as a running back, excelling both in between the tackles and in the open field. His speed was a major asset, often outrunning defenders on long touchdown runs. Lacy was also praised for his ability to break tackles and keep his legs churning after contact, making him a dangerous weapon in any offensive scheme. His playmaking ability earned him a place in the top tier of recruits in the 2024 cycle, and it’s clear why he became a priority for several top programs.
Why Missouri?
Despite receiving offers from numerous prestigious programs, Lacy ultimately chose to commit to the University of Missouri. His freshman season with the Tigers was promising but limited. As a true freshman, Lacy didn’t see the field as much as he would have liked, which is not uncommon for young running backs adjusting to the college game. However, he showed enough potential during his time with the team to make him a highly valuable transfer prospect.
Missouri’s offense, under the guidance of head coach Eli Drinkwitz, had a solid rushing attack, but the program struggled at times to develop depth in its backfield. For Lacy, the move to Missouri may have felt like the right fit initially, but after spending some time in Columbia, it became clear that he was ready for a fresh start in a new environment.
With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly important tool for college football players looking for better opportunities, Lacy’s decision to transfer wasn’t surprising. What makes his transfer to Ole Miss such an exciting development for the Rebels is the program’s ability to recruit and develop running backs in recent years under Kiffin’s tutelage. Ole Miss has become known for its explosive offense, and adding Lacy to that mix could provide another dynamic element to the attack.
What Does Kewan Lacy Bring to Ole Miss?
At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Lacy has the ideal physical build for a running back in today’s college football landscape. He possesses the size to push the pile when needed but also the agility and speed to break away from defenders in open space. His blend of power and quickness should make him a formidable weapon in Lane Kiffin’s offensive scheme.
One of Lacy’s most notable attributes is his vision. He has the natural ability to read blocks and find lanes in a defense, which will be crucial as he transitions into the fast-paced, spread offense that Kiffin is known for. Additionally, Lacy’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield will add a versatile dimension to Ole Miss’ attack, as Kiffin often utilizes running backs as receiving threats in his offensive system.
Lacy’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver gives him the chance to thrive in multiple roles. Whether as the lead back in traditional running situations or as a dual-threat in third-down packages, his versatility should make him an essential piece of the Rebels’ offensive puzzle.
Ole Miss’ Running Back Room Gets a Major Upgrade
With Lacy’s commitment, Ole Miss now has a potent addition to an already strong running back group. The Rebels have built one of the more talented backfields in the SEC in recent years, with players like Quinshon Judkins leading the charge. Judkins, who had a breakout season in 2023, has established himself as one of the top running backs in college football, but the addition of Lacy provides Kiffin with a one-two punch in the backfield. The combination of Judkins’ power and Lacy’s speed and elusiveness could prove to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In addition to Judkins, Ole Miss also has players like Kentrell Lacy and other young backs who are developing and could benefit from the presence of Lacy, who has already been tested at the Power Five level. The competition within the backfield will only make all the players involved better, as they push each other to improve.
Impact on Ole Miss Recruiting
Kewan Lacy’s commitment is also a significant development for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss coaching staff in terms of recruiting. The Rebels have been a force in the SEC under Kiffin, but this commitment serves as a powerful statement to future recruits that Ole Miss is a place where players can succeed and develop at a high level. Adding a player of Lacy’s caliber from the transfer portal shows that Ole Miss is a major player in college football and is capable of attracting top talent from across the country.
Moreover, the fact that Lacy was a four-star recruit coming out of high school further bolsters the reputation of Ole Miss as a destination for top-tier prospects looking to play at the highest level. This commitment could help the Rebels land more high-profile recruits in the future, both from the high school ranks and the transfer portal.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ole Miss Football
Kewan Lacy’s decision to commit to Ole Miss not only improves the Rebels’ 2024 roster but also solidifies the program’s continued upward trajectory under Lane Kiffin. With the addition of Lacy, Ole Miss now boasts one of the most dynamic running back rooms in the SEC. The Rebels are poised to continue competing at a high level in the SEC and will be looking to build on their recent successes with the help of Lacy’s talents.
Lacy’s presence will likely allow Ole Miss to continue running one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in college football, giving Kiffin the flexibility to attack defenses in various ways. Whether on the ground or through the air, Lacy’s ability to make plays will add a new dimension to a potent offense that has already shown it can compete with the best in the nation.
As Ole Miss gears up for the 2024 season, the commitment of Kewan Lacy marks a key step in the program’s continued rise to prominence in the SEC. With a mix of experienced players and emerging stars like Lacy, the Rebels’ future looks very bright indeed.