Quarterback Chad Kelly to Don No. 10 for Rebels

Photo courtesy of EMCC Athletics

As the spring football roster was released today, so too were the numbers each player would be wearing. It was not unexpected to see numbers like 14, previously held by quarterback Bo Wallace, and 25, by safety Cody Prewitt, unclaimed, as players oftentimes elect not to choose a departing leader’s number. One number that did stand out, however, was No. 10, occupied by wide receiver Vince Sanders until this year, is now being worn by incoming quarterback Chad Kelly.

While No. 18 is undoubtedly the number synonymous with the Ole Miss campus for famed quarterback Archie Manning, No. 10 also holds a special place from his son, Eli. No Rebel quarterback has donned the number since Manning graduated in 2004. The number had been occupied by Sanders for the last five seasons on offense, and is currently worn by defensive end C.J. Johnson on the other side of the ball.

Kelly, who previously wore No. 11 during his days at Clemson and East Mississippi Community College, will now have even bigger shoes to fill than replacing Wallace, who led the team to 24 victories in his three years as the starter. Kelly will not be expected to carry on the same career as Manning, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, but seeing No. 10 under center again for the Rebels will certainly be a sight to behold.

Ole Miss begins spring practice tomorrow and the Grove Bowl is scheduled for April 11.

Michael Quirk is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at michael.quirk@hottytoddy.com.