A year ago, Ole Miss’ receiver corps often seemed to be comprised of Elijah Moore and a lot of guys who were failing to live up to hype. Dannis Jackson heard that criticism last fall. We didn’t take it personally, Jackson said. We know what we have in our room. We let the outside do the outside talking.
Jackson, a sophomore from Sumrall, Miss., caught just seven passes for 80 yards in nine games, becoming a footnote in a miserable 4-8 campaign that ended with Matt Luke being fired days after the Egg Bowl loss at Mississippi State.
A year later, with Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby installing a new offense that relies far more on the passing game, Jackson is confident he and his wide receiver mates will not only take some pressure off Moore but also surprise opponents and critics alike.
Players aren’t being specific regarding the Rebels’ new offense as Ole Miss prepares for the Sept. 26 opener against Florida, but there are some hints emerging from the wide receiver room. Sanders struggled with a nagging hamstring injury last season, catching just 10 passes for 192 yards. A year later, Sanders said he’s finally healthy and looking forward to surprising some Southeastern Conference foes this fall.
Of course, opponents are likely to key on Moore until someone else forces them to take some of that focus off the shifty junior wide receiver and put it on someone else. That just gives everybody else an opportunity to make a play, Sanders said. We will be ready on Sept. 26. The coaches have been doing a great job of getting us prepared and preparing as well, having the right mindset. I can’t wait until the 26th to show what we’re capable of.
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