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How Should Ole Miss Replace Jordan Wilkins?
Ole Miss Rebels’ junior running back Jordan Wilkins was ruled academically ineligible to compete for the 2016 season.
Wilkins rushed for over 500 yards last season and was a likely candidate to take the bulk of the carries in replacing Jaylen Walton.
1. Akeem Judd
Judd likely won’t be a replacement, per se for Wilkins as they likely would have split carries during the season. Judd came on strong towards the end of the season last year and provides an extremely physical presence to the Ole Miss running back core. Judd is Ole Miss’ biggest back and will likely be relied upon in short yardage situations.
2. Eric Swinney
Swinney is a redshirt freshman who is coming off a stress fracture in his leg during the 2015 season. Swinney may be Ole Miss’ best all-around back, as the Georgia native is extremely quick and can also provide some physicality to the position. With Wilkins out, Swinney is the most likely candidate to get more carries.
3. D’Vaughn Pennamon
Pennamon is a true freshman, but the Texas native has really performed well in the early portion of camp. Pennamon is a bigger back and has set a physical mentality so far in camp. The Rebels this year are loaded with running backs that are over 200 pounds.
4. Eugene Brazley
Brazley has played extremely well in the minimal time that he’s played over the past two years, but he hasn’t had much time in significant moments. The junior running back will likely get more of an opportunity this season, and could provide Ole Miss a home run threat as the Lousiana native is extremely quick.
Collin Brister is a staff writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at collin.brister@hottytoddy.com.
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