The Ole Miss running back room has the right pieces for success even without Quinshon Judkins

For two years, Ole Miss has had a workhorse back in Quinshon Judkins who averaged 21 carries a game and gained over 2700 yards.

Two years ago, the Rebels also had Zach Evans for another 144 carries. Judkins and Evans probably would have split carries if Zach had stayed healthy, but an injury opened the door for Judkins to be the bell cow.

This year, the Ole Miss will look more like 2021 when Jerrion Ealy , Snoop Conner and Henry Parrish, Jr. split reps.

It appears running back will be manned this promising 2024 campaign, according to Rebel offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr.

“I think it’s certainly the case that we will rotate backs a lot more than we did when Quinshon was here,” said Weis recently. “It’s going to be a little bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t happy with our running back room.

“In fact, we are fired up about them.”

Weis said the Rebels have “great players” in the running back room and what he likes about them is that they all have slightly different skill sets.

“Coach (Kevin) Smith does a great job with his room. Knowing who to go with at certain times in the game and getting them all ready to play,” Weis continued. “He’s got the tough of knowing who to go to in different points of the contest.”

Charlie said Ole Miss has backs with the wow factor.

“We have guys who are home run threats and guys who have power and guys who can make things happen in the passing game,” he said.

Ulysses Bentley IV and Parrish, back from two seasons with Miami, are his home run backs. Bentley has always been known for his speed, but Parrish can go the distance at any time as well.

“Everyone has seen Bentley’s speed and ability to make people miss. He’s also hard to bring down because you don’t get a clean shot on him due to his quickness,” Weis assessed. “Henry hits the hole hard and plays downhill. He’s got really good hands and is a great asset in the passing game. We continue to see him being natural in the passing game.”

Miami (Ohio) transfer Rashad Amos , at 232 pounds, qualifies for the power back and reliable junior Matt Jones can be sudden and have breakout runs as well.

“Amos is a bigger back who packs a punch. He can run through people. He can be very beneficial for us in a few ways,” Charlie said. “ Matt Jones was with us last year and has a really good skill set. He’s able to get small, get through holes and small windows. He’s very savvy and a willing blocker.

“All those guys have a little bit different thing they can do, but they are all talented and we are going to need them all.”

Judkins is gone, but the running back room is far from empty.

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