Football is a team sport, and the Ole Miss Rebels are currently one of the hottest teams in the nation after their victory over the Georgia Bulldogs last Saturday. As the team excels, individual players are also gaining recognition for their contributions.
On Tuesday, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., and defensive lineman Walter Nolen were acknowledged for their impressive performances this season.
Jaxson Dart was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which honors the top collegiate player in the country, and he also received semifinalist recognition for the Davey O’Brien Award, awarded to the nation’s top quarterback.
Dart is one of 16 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, placing him among exceptional talent. He leads the country in total yards per game with an impressive 371.3 and ranks highly in several categories, including second in passing yards, third in yards per completion, fourth in passing yards per game, sixth in touchdown passes, and seventh in completion percentage. Additionally, he has become the winningest quarterback in Ole Miss history with a 26-9 record.
Walter Nolen and Pooh Paul anchor a formidable defensive unit in Oxford. Paul leads the team with tackles and has accumulated 10 tackles for loss alongside 2.5 sacks from his inside linebacker position. Although Nolen’s statistics may not be eye-catching, he plays a pivotal role in allowing his teammates to excel by taking on double teams. Nolen has contributed 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two fumble recoveries, including a key recovery against the Bulldogs in the second half last week.
While the Rebels’ ultimate goal is to pursue a National Championship, individual players could achieve significant milestones along the way. Ole Miss has a bye this week before facing the Florida Gators on November 23.
