Zach Berry (OMSpirit.com) and Grayson Weir (Bro Bible) return for another round of ‘The Flagship,’ powered by College Corner, to discuss the very-real Heisman hype for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, as well as the deep-run potential for the Rebels in the expanded College Football Playoff.
“He threw for 3,364 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions last year,” Weir said of Dart. “That’s the baseline for this year. That number should be equal or greater than he was a year ago. Last year had a talented team, but this year is even more so. This offense is locked and loaded. The offensive line should be able to protect him better.”
Dart’s started all but one game over two seasons and led the Rebels to 19 wins. Pro Football Focus released its highest-graded returning SEC quarterbacks last month. Dart (91.2) came in at No. 2 behind only Carson Beck (Georgia; 91.5).
Dart is recovering from off-season clean-up work on his ankle.
However, he said this spring he’s rounding into form. Dart steered Ole Miss to a program-record 11 wins last season. Along with his passing stats, he rushed for 404 yards and eight additional touchdowns.
Dart was one of the many Rebel veterans who, in the off-season, considered leaving early for the NFL Draft. However, like his star wide receivers, Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, and a host of others, including tight end Caden Prieskorn, Dart opted instead to return.
He made the announcement on New Year’s Day.
“When you look at the pieces around Jaxson Dart, he’s in a better position for success than he was a year ago,” Weir said. “He’s also bigger and stronger. There’s all these little things he’s been working on for the last six months or so with the top quarterback coaches in the country. Not only is he set up for success with the weapons around him, he’s fine-tuned himself.
“I think everybody puts him on the dark-horse Heisman watch. I think that’s a good place to be. But can he take that next-level step? I think so. All the pieces are here for him to succeed.”
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