The University of Mississippi Athletics
A Closer Look: Quarterbacks
1/9/2018 | Football, Blog
This is the second of a 10-part position-by-position series looking back at the 2017 season, as well as previewing what lies ahead for Ole Miss football in 2018.
Top Performer: Jordan Ta'amu (115-of-173, 1,682 yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions)
Returning in 2018: Ta'amu (Sr., 1L), Jason Pellerin (Jr., 2L), Alex Faniel (Fr., RS), Grant Restmeyer (So, SQ), Graham Lindman (Sr., SQ)
Newcomers in 2018: Matt Corral (Fr., Long Beach Poly, Calif.)
Losing from 2017 Team: Shea Patterson (Transfer)
Looking back at 2017: With all the adversity hurled in its path last season, one of the more remarkable things Ole Miss was able to do was make a seamless transition at signal caller halfway through the season. When Shea Patterson's knee buckled in the first half against LSU, a play that would result in him missing the remainder of the season with a torn PCL, Ole Miss coaches called upon junior college transfer Jordan Ta'amu to right the ship.
The junior quarterback stepped in and led Ole Miss down the field to kick a field goal before halftime, and later led a scoring drive in the fourth quarter in a loss to the Tigers. It was the beginning of a transition that saw Ta'amu add a spark to the Ole Miss offense. He completed 66 percent of his passes, tossed 11 touchdowns and threw just four interceptions over a five-game stretch that saw him compile 1,682 yards. Phil Longo's offense became more cohesive upon Ta'amu's insertion. He was a direct runner and consistently made good reads in a system that hinges on run-pass options. His uncanny composure surfaced when he led a game-winning drive against Kentucky in Lexington. Ta'amu led the Rebels to a 3-2 record that culminated with an Egg Bowl win. More so than anything, he provided a sense of security in a season and offseason littered with uncertainty.
Looking ahead to 2018: This is Ta'amu's offense going into next year. His five-game audition showed he is a good fit in Longo's offense and has a knack for making the big play when his team needs one. He will have another offseason to progress as a passer and returns a plethora of talent at wide receiver. Ta'amu will also go into the spring and summer with the advantage of knowing he is the guy.
One of Matt Luke's first splashes as permanent head coach came by signing four-star quarterback Matt Corral. The Army All-American is a tremendous arm talent and gives Ole Miss something to build around in the future. He'll arrive on campus this month and participate in spring practice. He'll be a viable option should Ta'amu get injured, but it is certainly the latter's offense to control in 2018.Â
A Closer Look:- Running Backs (Jan. 8)
- Quarterbacks (Jan. 9)
- Wide Receivers (Jan. 10)
- Tight Ends (Jan. 11)
- Offensive Line (Jan. 15)
- Defensive Line (Jan. 16)
- Linebackers (Jan. 17)
- Cornerbacks (Jan. 18)
- Safeties (Jan. 19)
- Special Teams (Jan. 22)
