The Ole Miss Rebels football team has been on a path of growth and improvement in recent seasons, with head coach Lane Kiffin at the helm. The 2024 season promises to be another significant year for the program, as the Rebels look to continue building on their recent success in the SEC. Among the players leading the charge is junior quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has not only stepped up as a key leader but has also revealed that one particular area of the team’s development is “ahead of schedule.”
While Ole Miss football has garnered attention for its high-octane offense, Dart’s comments shed light on a different aspect of the program’s growth—one that has been a key to the team’s success and will be crucial for their future: the development of the offensive line.
The Role of Jaxson Dart in Ole Miss’ Offense
Before diving into the area of improvement, it’s important to understand Jaxson Dart’s role in the offense. A highly talented and physically gifted quarterback, Dart has been central to Ole Miss’ offensive success since transferring from USC before the 2022 season. His dual-threat capabilities—mixing both arm strength and mobility—have allowed the Rebels to thrive in Kiffin’s high-tempo system.
In 2023, Dart took major strides as a leader, helping to lead Ole Miss to an impressive 10-win season. However, the biggest takeaway for Ole Miss fans was not just Dart’s development as a player, but the team’s overall offensive production. For years, Ole Miss has been known for its fast-paced, pass-heavy offensive schemes, but this year, there’s been more focus on balance—especially when it comes to the offensive line.
Jaxson Dart’s Perspective on the Offensive Line’s Progress
In a recent interview, Dart expressed how impressed he was with the development of the offensive line, particularly in how it has matured ahead of schedule. He specifically mentioned that while the team had some questions to answer on the line after losing several key players to graduation and the NFL, the current group has exceeded expectations. According to Dart, the offensive line’s ability to execute at a high level has been one of the most encouraging aspects of the 2024 season so far.
“These guys have really come together. We knew it was going to take time to develop, but they’re already playing at a high level,” Dart said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how quickly they’ve gelled, and it makes my job easier.”
This statement speaks volumes, considering the inherent difficulty in developing an offensive line that can protect a quarterback while also creating running lanes for the backs. It’s a crucial area that often determines the success of a football team, and for Ole Miss in 2024, it appears to be an area where they’re ahead of schedule in their development.
Why Is the Offensive Line So Important?
The importance of the offensive line cannot be overstated in college football. A quarterback like Dart, who excels when given time in the pocket, relies on the offensive line to provide consistent protection. A strong offensive line not only allows for better pass protection but also creates a balanced offense by opening lanes for the running game. For Ole Miss, which has traditionally been a pass-first offense under Kiffin, a strong offensive line will provide the foundation for success in both facets of the game.
Moreover, a well-developed offensive line allows the coaching staff to execute a more diverse playbook. If the line can protect Dart consistently, it opens up opportunities for more complex passing routes, as well as a more effective run game, which can make Ole Miss’ offense even more dangerous and unpredictable.
The Transition to 2024: From Question Marks to Strengths
Heading into the 2024 season, Ole Miss faced significant questions on the offensive line. The team lost key players such as Nick Broeker, who was drafted into the NFL, and a few other experienced veterans. This left many wondering how quickly the new linemen would be able to step up and gel together. The offensive line, traditionally a unit that requires cohesion and time to develop chemistry, seemed to be an area of uncertainty for the Rebels.
However, as the season has unfolded, it’s become clear that Ole Miss is way ahead of where they thought they would be. The Rebels have been able to build continuity on the offensive line quicker than expected, and the results have been noticeable.
One of the key players driving this development has been senior offensive tackle Jeremy James. James, a leader on the line, has taken on a larger role in mentoring younger players and ensuring that the line performs at its highest level. His leadership has been crucial in providing the stability that has allowed the offensive line to function at a high level, even with some new faces.
Additionally, young players such as freshman guard Tywone Malone and sophomore tackle Isaiah Brevard have stepped into starting roles and performed beyond expectations. Both have shown promise, earning praise from Dart and the coaching staff for their ability to step up when needed.
This quick development has been especially important because the Rebels have played a challenging schedule in the first half of 2024, facing several tough SEC opponents with strong defenses. The fact that the offensive line has been able to hold its own against this competition speaks to the unit’s progress. Dart himself has benefitted from their improvement, with more time in the pocket allowing him to make better decisions and push the ball downfield.
What Does This Mean for Ole Miss in 2024?
With the offensive line ahead of schedule, the 2024 season is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Ole Miss football. The improved protection for Dart means that the Rebels can build on their already potent offense and add more layers to their attack. The ability to protect the quarterback will make it harder for opposing defenses to simply pin their ears back and rush the passer, as they will have to account for both the passing and running game.
Additionally, a strong offensive line opens the door for more effective ball control, allowing Ole Miss to dictate the tempo of the game. This could be critical in SEC play, where controlling the clock and possessing the ball can be the difference in close games.
As Dart has mentioned, the development of the offensive line has made his job easier, and for a quarterback of his caliber, that’s an encouraging sign. He can focus on his playmaking ability without constantly worrying about pressure from the opposing defense. As a result, Dart’s confidence has grown, and he’s playing more freely, which benefits the entire offense.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Ole Miss?
The success of the offensive line is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s one of the most important. As Ole Miss moves forward in the 2024 season, the Rebels will need to continue to build on this foundation. The offensive line will need to stay healthy and continue developing its chemistry to sustain the level of play they’ve shown so far.
For Jaxson Dart, the development of the offensive line could be the key to propelling his game to even greater heights. As the season progresses, expect him to make more dynamic plays and continue leading the offense as the team challenges for a spot in the SEC Championship race.
Overall, the early progress on the offensive line is a positive sign for Ole Miss football in 2024. As Dart has pointed out, the team is ahead of schedule in this crucial area, and that could be the difference-maker as they look to make a serious run in one of the toughest conferences in college football. With the offensive line in a better-than-expected place, Ole Miss has the tools to continue competing with the best in the SEC and beyond.