There are eight running backs listed on the Ole Miss roster this spring, led by returning star Kewan Lacy. The 5-11, 205-pounder carried the football over 300 times last season, rushing for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Lacy, like his quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, is also a reasonable suggestion to compete for this year’s Heisman Trophy.
Behind Lacy are some new names. including Southern Utah transfer Joshua Dye (5-10, 200), LSU transfer JT Lindsey (5-11, 190) and Michigan State transfer Makhi Frazier (5-10, 225).
Then there are the exciting freshmen such as Shekai Mills-Knight (6-2, 220) JaMichael Jones (5-10, 200) and Demarius Yates (5-10, 195).
In short, the Ole Miss running backs room is new.
“They are a team-first group,” said Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding, “that’s led by Coach (Frank) Wilson. They’ve worked extremely hard.
“…We wanted to bring in guys with experience. Obviously bringing in JT, which we think has an extreme upside…really explosive. He’s got top-end speed.”
Lacy has been limited in spring ball due to an injury. That has created opportunity for the newcomers.
“I really like how that group is going to work. Obviously with Kewan, coming back from the injury, has allowed those guys to get a lot of the reps and (for) us to rotate those guys, including Shekai (Mills-Knight).
“I just really appreciate their work ethic and coming here everyday like a pro. I think that’s led by Coach (Frank) Wilson.”
Golding is excited about the dpeth at the positon.
“I feel like, regardless, you’re going the one, two, three or four, you fell like ‘Man, this kid’s got a chance.’ So you don’t see that drop off we’ve had before. (The running backs room) is in a pretty good spot.”