Ole Miss WR Cayden Lee continues on his path to more production, playing time

Last year, highly-touted wide receiver Ayden Williams came to Ole Miss as ballyhooed as any newcomer in recent memory.

Four-star ranking by every recruiting service. Offers from a multitude of big-name programs. 6-foot-3 190 pounds. Home grown Mississippi talent.

But Ole Miss also signed a 4-star prospect from Georgia who also had big time offers in Cayden Lee , a 5-foot-11, 175-pounder who came in without nearly as much fanfare despite his credentials and prep success in 7A ball in the Peach State.

When all was said and done in 2023, however, Lee had comparable results as Williams. Lee caught 5 passes for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns in 10 games while Williams caught 4 aerials for 80 yards in 11 appearances.

Neither got substantial action due to the veterans in front of them, but former Ole Miss wide receiver coach Derrick Nix believed in both the rookies before he took the offensive coordinator job at Auburn.

This spring, Lee and Williams are battling for more significant roles as they continue to mature.

“Last season was a great season to just be able to come in and gel with the guys,” said Lee. “Year two, I’m just working for a more significant role and find ways to help the team either in the slot or on the outside – I’m doing both in practice.”

Lee had a quality relationship with Nix, but he’s already bonded with new Ole Miss wide receiver coach George McDonald.

“We went out to eat, had some sushi and just talked ball. We bonded quickly,” he continued. “Coach has put guys in the NFL and he knows his stuff. I’m excited to work with him.”

Lee not only learned from Nix and now learning from McDonald, he said the older receivers – Jordan Watkin s and Tre Harris – continue to mentor him as well.

“Those guys know everything – releases, how to define your routes, reading coverages – it’s great learning from them,” he noted. “The transition to college is all about the speed of the game. Guys are smarter. You have to change your releases often because everyone watches film and you can’t do the same things over and over. You have to do new things to get open.

“The older guys told me I looked good early last year and that really boosted my confidence and helped the light come on to be accepted by my peers.”

The goals of the speedy Lee are simple.

“It’s all about learning, developing and being a complete player. I strive for that every day,” Lee explained. “The moment is going to shine for everyone who wants it and works hard for it. When the opportunity comes, you have to be ready and take advantage of it.

“I have a great relationship with coach (lane) Kiffin and coach (Charlie) Weis, so it made it easy for me to remain here in this day of the transfer portal. Also, we had three receivers over 700 yards last year, so I know they are going to spread the ball around and everyone is going to get a chance to show what they have.”

Ole Miss still has Watkins and Harris and have added veteran Juice Wells to the roster via the portal, but Cayden Lee continues to show he is a competent and exciting option on a daily basis.

Don’t be surprised if Lee and Williams make an impact this year and are certainly cornerstone receivers for the future.

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