Could D.K. Buford be this year's Cody Core?
Core came out of nowhere to snag a starting receiver position in 2014 and had a terrific season-opener with two touchdown catches against Boise State. The coaches said Core beat out the competition in practice, but they kept it under the vest all the way up until close to game time. Core's performance in that Chick-fil-a Kickoff game was unexpected by everyone other than the coaches.
Every year it seems there's that surprise player that nobody really thought about when August camp starts.
Who that might be this season we can only guess, but I'll take a shot: D.K. Buford.
Hugh Freeze announced the Lafayette County High School product was moving from defensive back to running back at Monday's opening press conference. Buford's move to the offensive backfield probably comes as a result of the stress fracture suffered by freshman Eric Swinney, who many thought would contribute immediately, and the depth available on defense.
Buford's Ole Miss Bio shows he's put on 20-plus pounds since arriving at Ole Miss. At 5-11, 220 pounds, and with bona fide track-star speed, the redshirt freshman very well could be the beefy back the Rebels have been seeking. The former 4-star running back certainly has the resume that makes him worthy of a look.
The options currently in front of Buford are Jaylen Walton, Jordan Wilkins, Akeem Judd and Eugene Brazley. Walton has an undeniable burst, but "dirty runs" aren't really his thing. Wilkins and Brazley haven't yet proved they are they guy. Judd was redshirted last season, maybe for a reason. Any one of those guys could emerge as a dominant back behind a better offensive line this season.
But keep an eye on Buford for that September surprise.
WHO DO YOU THINK THE SURPRISE PLAYER MAY BE? CLICK HERE
WHO DO YOU THINK THE SURPRISE PLAYER MAY BE? CLICK HERE