SECMD23: Local product Judkins makes quick name for himself in first year at Ole Miss

Pike Road High School alum Quinshon Judkins was in the spotlight on Thursday at SEC Media Days, representing the Ole Miss Rebels. (Courtesy Unv. Mississippi Athletics)

BY GRAHAM DUNN

NASHVILLE - Former Pike Road High School prep star Quinshon Judkins remembers vividly the night the Patriots won the Class 5A state championship in Birmingham and looking up in the end zone and seeing his future college coach, Lane Kiffin, sitting alone.

“He was getting mobbed in the stands so he had to find a place to be by himself and we all saw the picture of him in the stadium,” Judkins said.

There was little doubt Judkins would end up playing for Kiffin, even if rumors had him wanted to go to a school closer to home.

That choice has been almost perfect.

Judkins, now a sophomore, set offensive records in several categories at Ole Miss including rushing yards (1,567) and touchdowns (16). He was selected by many publications as the SEC Freshman of the Year and was a unanimous All-SEC performer.

On Thursday, he became one of the youngest players to be included in SEC Media Days activities, something he says was an enjoyable experience.

“Yeah, this is special,” he said. “It means a lot. The trust is special. I’m excited to be here and represent my school.”

Kiffin heavily leaned on his freshman last season and got the most out of him when it mattered most. His high water mark was a 214-yard performance against Texas A&M in the 11th game of the season.

“Quinshon is really special,” Kiffin said. “Think about what he did as a freshman to come in and have that workload. I think he led the SEC in carries and yards and touchdowns as a freshman. And like any freshman, you can get a lot better in year two.

“We think he can get better and usually see that in the second year. We are really excited to see that development.”

Judkins didn’t shy away from crediting his time with Pike Road and coach Patrick Browning. His management skills were a big part of his success.

“The college schedule sort of resembles my high school schedule as far as the day. It helped me to adjust better,” Judkins said.

“I think you have to prepare well. That’s the biggest thing. Coming out of high school it’s really hard to do that.”

The term “sophomore jinx” was thrown around the Grand Hyatt when his name came up. But Kiffin isn’t worried. Actually he expects more from his running back.

“It is amazing as a freshman to do that - lead the conference in carries, yards and touchdowns,” Kiffin said. “He has an elite mindset late in the game and still running strong.”

A big part of Judkins’ decision to attend Ole Miss (he had offers from Auburn and other SEC schools), a mindset his head coach has regarding how to use running backs, particularly in the passing game. Judkins caught 15 passes that included a touchdown. He expects more of the same in 2023.

“It’s not common for a running back to be used in the passing game like that,” Judkins said. “So I think to be in this offense and show my skill set, it’s awesome.

“It’s hard to find the right situation. (Kiffin) could use me in the passing game and run game and not be a basic running back. (The thought is to) expand my game and show what I can do for the NFL.”

He was asked more than a few times about facing home-state opponents Auburn and Alabama. He didn’t bite on making it personal.

“I don’t think (playing either Alabama or Auburn) makes the game more special,” he said. “Come into any game I have the same goal, which is to win.”