Ole Miss Football: 3 Second-Year Players Poised for Stardom in 2023
Ole Miss football enjoyed a largely successful season in 2022, but it wasn't quite as noteworthy as Matt Corral's final season with the team in 2021.
Despite not challenging for an SEC championship, the Rebels ended the regular season with an 8-4 record and showed promise. Talent-wise, they advanced in the SEC, and Lane Kiffin may have a memorable season in 2023. Several of the players in Kiffin's No. 15 recruiting class for 2022 could help Ole Miss win the SEC.
These three second-year athletes have a chance to be stars this year.
#3. Zxavian Harris, Defensive Line
Zxavian Harris was the top-ranked commit in Ole Miss' 2022 recruiting class, but as a true freshman, he barely saw the field. Although he only had three total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss at the end of the season, his second year in the program should result in more snaps and more output.
Harris is awaiting JJ Pegues' decision, but if he chooses to turn pro, there's a chance he may take over as the starting nose tackle in 2023. Harris is a headache for opposition teams next season because of his size; he is 6-foot-8 and 335 pounds.
Harris entered the 2022 recruiting cycle as the No. 136 overall player and 20th-best defensive tackle, and he's going to live up to that high ranking this season by putting up some impressive stats on the SEC stage.
#2. Taylor Groves, Safety
Due to Otis Reese's departure, a spot at safety has become available for someone like Taylor Groves to step into the two-deep depth chart for 2023.
Groves is a skilled defensive back who may try to earn some starting safety duty next season or simply gain some experience as a backup. In either case, I believe he will develop into one of the SEC's top young defensive backs and a potential star by his second season.
The former four-star had just one tackle in one game as a freshman, allowing him to keep his redshirt. Groves, who stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds, has a strong physique and is expected to play free safety for the Ole Miss defense. Pete Golding is a great role model for him.
#1. Jeremiah Dillon, Wide Receiver
Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath, two of Ole Miss' top receivers from 2022, are both moving on, so other players will have to step up. Why not count on Ole Miss' top recruit in the 2022 class at receiver?
The top two receivers, Jordan Watkins and Dayton Wade, are both back. Jeremiah Dillon may emerge as a contender to serve as Jaxson Dart's third option in the pass game.
Dillon, a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, came in at No. 311 overall and as the composite's 47th-best wideout. He appears to be the type of receiver who might improve the offense with his quickness and great hands at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds.
