.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football 2018 Position Previews: Running Backs
8/22/2018 | Football
Committee of Backs Set to Replace 1,000-Yard Rusher Jordan Wilkins
This is the sixth of an eight-part position-by-position preview series looking ahead at what the Ole Miss Rebels' depth chart might look like for the 2018 season.
Replacing a 1,000-yard rusher is no easy task, but Derrick Nix just might have the group to do it. The Rebels will use a committee of backs to fill the void left by the graduation of Jordan Wilkins, the program's first runner over the century mark since Dexter McCluster in 2009.
Throughout fall camp, junior college transfer Scottie Phillips led the way, and the top JUCO back in the nation from a year ago is expected to take on the lead role in the running backs room. He's not alone, though, as a bevy of backs are likely to split time.
Eric Swinney, D.K. Buford, KeShun Wells, Tylan Knight, Isaiah Woullard and Armani Linton are among the Rebel backs who could see time in 2018.
Swinney is just getting back to full health after sustaining injuries in his freshman and redshirt freshman seasons. He tallied 195 yards on 41 carries in 2017 but could assume a bigger role now as a junior.
Knight has impressed coaches and teammates alike during fall camp. The 5-foot-6, 171-pound rookie has been pushing for time at running back, as well as in the return game.
Linton brings great athleticism to the position as well after transitioning from defensive back to running back in the spring.
Top Performer: Jordan Wilkins (155 carries, 1,011 rushing yards (6.5 avg.), nine rushing TDs, 26 receptions, 241 receiving yards, one receiving TD)
Returning in 2018: D'Vaughn Pennamon [injured] (Jr., 2L), Eric Swinney (Jr., 2L), D.K. Buford (Sr., 3L), KeShun Wells (Jr., SQ)
Newcomers in 2018: Scottie Phillips (So., Jones County JC, Mid-Year Enrollee), Isaiah Woullard (Fr., Mid-Year Enrollee), Tylan Knight, (Fr., Pearl, Miss.), Jake VanRonzelen (Fr., Jefferson City, Mo.), Armani Linton (Jr., Position Change)
Departures from 2017: Jordan Wilkins (Graduation), Eugene Brazley (Graduation)
To purchase tickets for the 2018 season, visit OleMissTix.com or call 888-REB-TKTS. Follow Ole Miss Football on Twitter (@OleMissFB), Facebook and Instagram.
Replacing a 1,000-yard rusher is no easy task, but Derrick Nix just might have the group to do it. The Rebels will use a committee of backs to fill the void left by the graduation of Jordan Wilkins, the program's first runner over the century mark since Dexter McCluster in 2009.
Throughout fall camp, junior college transfer Scottie Phillips led the way, and the top JUCO back in the nation from a year ago is expected to take on the lead role in the running backs room. He's not alone, though, as a bevy of backs are likely to split time.
Eric Swinney, D.K. Buford, KeShun Wells, Tylan Knight, Isaiah Woullard and Armani Linton are among the Rebel backs who could see time in 2018.
Swinney is just getting back to full health after sustaining injuries in his freshman and redshirt freshman seasons. He tallied 195 yards on 41 carries in 2017 but could assume a bigger role now as a junior.
Knight has impressed coaches and teammates alike during fall camp. The 5-foot-6, 171-pound rookie has been pushing for time at running back, as well as in the return game.
Linton brings great athleticism to the position as well after transitioning from defensive back to running back in the spring.
Top Performer: Jordan Wilkins (155 carries, 1,011 rushing yards (6.5 avg.), nine rushing TDs, 26 receptions, 241 receiving yards, one receiving TD)
Returning in 2018: D'Vaughn Pennamon [injured] (Jr., 2L), Eric Swinney (Jr., 2L), D.K. Buford (Sr., 3L), KeShun Wells (Jr., SQ)
Newcomers in 2018: Scottie Phillips (So., Jones County JC, Mid-Year Enrollee), Isaiah Woullard (Fr., Mid-Year Enrollee), Tylan Knight, (Fr., Pearl, Miss.), Jake VanRonzelen (Fr., Jefferson City, Mo.), Armani Linton (Jr., Position Change)
Departures from 2017: Jordan Wilkins (Graduation), Eugene Brazley (Graduation)
To purchase tickets for the 2018 season, visit OleMissTix.com or call 888-REB-TKTS. Follow Ole Miss Football on Twitter (@OleMissFB), Facebook and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballPRESSER | Caleb Odom (04-16-26)
Thursday, April 16
PRESSER | Izaiah Hartrup (04-16-26)
Thursday, April 16
PRESSER | Antonio Kite (04-16-26)
Thursday, April 16
PRESSER | Pete Golding (04-14-26)
Tuesday, April 14