OXFORD, MS — After a successful season at Ole Miss last season with quarterback Jaxson Dart, who went on to be drafted by the New York Giants, head coach Lane Kiffin turned his attention to a new quarterback that he believes will lead the way to a higher level of success this season. Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is setting his sights on leading the Rebels’ offense and establishing his unique mark on the program. Simmons recently discussed his efforts to build chemistry with his receivers and offensive line, as well as his approach to filling the quarterback role.
Simmons highlighted the importance of building connections with his wide receiving core in order perfect timing and precession on the field.
“Great group of guys, honestly,” Simmons told the media. “And I built some chemistry over the summer with them, flying them down to my hometown just to get some training in, just getting to be around them as people as well. Just hanging out with them, getting to know them better as people. On top of that, just seeing how everyone really excelled from spring football to now, there’s more savviness to them. There’s more attributes of savviness. And on top of that, I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do.”
Simmons is building a strong relationship with his offensive line to maximize success this season.
“That went amazing. Yeah, it was a great night, honestly, just being around them,” he said, referring to a recent team dinner. “There’s a whole lot of laughs, too, because of Joe Corey just making jokes left and right. But it was just a great night being around them and treating them to dinner. A lot of experience has gone off that offensive line from last year. But this year, some transferred in, [Delano] Townsend, [Patrick] Kutas, and you have Bryce Sanders back. I’m really confident in this group of guys. They do a lot for me. They do a lot for the whole offense.“
Simmons is cognizant of the challenges of adapting to the Rebels’ offensive style.
“Seeing how, like, how much they’ve progressed, you know, especially, like, learning the new offense, of course, and really just getting adjusted to a whole, like, different playing style, like, of our tempo.”
Simmons is focused on personal growth and contributing to the team, despite being asked about following in the footsteps of Jaxson Dart.
“I’m not focused on, like, filling shoes, you know, really just focusing on, like, you know, doing as much as I really can, you know, like being the best player I can be day in, day out, and just progressing overall as a player but also as a human being off the field. And just being the best quarterback can be for this program.”
Simmons has made it abundantly clear he is his own man with his own legacy he wants to leave when it’s all said and done. In the meantime, he and the offense will continue to improve their skills as Fall Camp for the Rebels continues, and the regular season nears, to accomplish their mission of consistently competing and capturing an opportunity to play for the SEC championship this season.
