Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart reveals that he was initially recruited to play a completely different position

Ever since the Archie Manning days, Ole Miss quarterbacks have always embodied toughness behind center. The Rebels' starting quarterback Jaxson Dart is certainly no different, but the Ole Miss gunslinger recently explained why he plays the position with such a physicality.

Dart has never been afraid to lower his shoulder and pick up a first down in his 32 games with the Rebels. While nobody will ever put his competitive spirit into question, Dart says he comes from a background that prioritized this hard-nosed approach he brings to the gridiron.

"I think some people didn't know this about me, but I initially got recruited at linebacker before I was a quarterback," Dart told On3's J.D. Pickell . "My physicality stems from that side of things. My dad played defense at Utah, so he's always been somebody who's very passionate about physicality. It's just something that I love. But I'll definitely slide a lot more this year."

At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Dart is well equipped to lay the lumber on defenders. But what makes him such a force on the ground comes from his history of laying the boom as a linebacker.

Dart's father, Brandon, recorded 193 total tackles, 12 pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble as a defensive back for the Utah Utes from 1994-1996 and 1999-2000. Just by watching Dart play, it's clear to see that this physicality trait was engrained in him from an early age.

So far, it's worked out for Dart. With that being said, Dart's health is of the utmost importance for the Rebels' chances to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

Entering his senior season in Oxford, Dart plans to take precaution when he tucks it and runs. "Definitely depends on the situation, but my mom's always on top of me about (sliding)," Dart said with a smile.