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| Mark Dodson is transferring to Memphis. |
With Jaylen Walton, I'Tavius Mathers and Jordan Wilkins all set to return next season, Akeem Judd added to that mix and highly regarded 4-star commit Eric Swinney headed to Oxford, Dodson was either told or guessed there wouldn't be many opportunities to carry the rock 2015.
Either way, Dodson, who ran for 249 yards as a sophomore, is making what looks like a smart move for a player of his ability and transferring to Memphis. The former Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year should get plenty of carries at Memphis in 2016 (Dodson must sit out 2015 per NCAA transfer rules).
Even after Dodson leaves though, the backfield at Ole Miss will still be crowded.
The question is whether that crowd will contain a difference-maker?
Jaylen Walton showed what he could do with that incredible pin-ball-like 91-yard scamper in the Egg Bowl, and led the Rebels with 586 yards rushing (5.5 yards per carry). Wilkins posted 419 yards (8.1 yard per carry), and I'Tavius Mathers finished the season with 290 yards. But other than a big play here and there, the running game was never dependable for Ole Miss this season.
That the Rebels went to Laquon Treadwell on wide receiver screens in most critical short-yardage situations tells you how effective the running game was. And after Treadwell was injured and that threat went away, the running game seemed to suffer all the more.
Much of the blame of course rests with the offensive line. More often than not the running backs struggled with the lack of protection and the inability to get around their own guards while trying to escape the backfield. That glaring issue must be resolved before any Ole Miss running back will be successful, no matter how big, fast or how many stars are in front of his name.
Ole Miss averaged 4.2 yards per rush and 167 yards per game in 2014. That was good enough for 10th in the SEC.
If the Rebels want to take the next step in 2015, they've got to get better on the ground.