Ole Miss Offensive Lineman PJ Wilkins Gives Insight into His and Teammates’ Development
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss is now just over two weeks into fall camp, having completed its first scrimmage on Saturday. On Monday, head coach Lane Kiffin, cornerback Antonio Kite, and offensive lineman PJ Wilkins were available to the media.
Although the defense has been the side of the team receiving the majority of the praise during camp, sophomore Charlotte transfer PJ Wilkins has plenty of good things to say regarding his and some of the other players’ performances and development so far.
His perspective on OL performance in scrimmage
“I think as a group we did really good, I mean it’s obvious there’s some stuff we got to clean up. But I think we came out there with the right mindset, and we executed pretty good.“
PJ Wilkins on the offensive line
The offense has been in the shadow of the defense since the scrimmage, and arguably since fall camp began. However, with Wilkins and others on the line to protect QB Austin Simmons, the Rebels have a lot of experience up front.
The offensive line aims to leave no room for questions surrounding their ability to protect the quarterback. Wilkins is one of many attempting to make their case as to why they should earn the starting role.
He continues to improve and is doing so alongside other transfers in Delano Townsend, Terez Davis, Patrick Kutas, and Percy Lewis, as well as returnees Diego Pounds, Jayden Williams and Brycen Sanders, in a journey to help Ole Miss attain a playoff-worthy offensive line. Freshmen offensive linemen Connor Howes and Devin Harper are also vying for time.
How he’s improving
Wilkins on Monday talked about how he is improving.
“Definitely my foot work, I’ve worked a lot on getting my pad level down a lot,” Wilkins said. “Just the small things.”
With Wilkins receiving a new level of coaching since his arrival in Oxford, he has the potential to be a star in the SEC. He is only a sophomore, and at 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds he has all the tools he needs.
He also has the versatility to meet the needs of the team, regardless of whatever situation they put him in. After starting camp at guard and now being moved around to tackle, he was asked about his ability to play many roles on the line.
“I’ve played left, right, my whole football career,” Wilkins said. “So I’m pretty much comfortable anywhere.”
With the build that he has, if he can clean up on some of the mechanics and continue working on the small things, Wilkins could be a dominant force on the offensive line for Ole Miss in the seasons to come.
What he’s seen from Devin Harper and Connor Howes
Wilkins was asked what he has seen from Harper and Howes, two freshman who have turned heads in fall camp.
“I feel like both of those guys are very talented kids, and I think they both have a really bright future. Devin Harper, I mean, he comes to work every single day. Connor he’s a hard worker. I think they’re both going to be really good.“
PJ Wilkins on Harper and Howes
This is great news for Rebel fans, knowing they have strong potential in not only Wilkins but also in these freshmen offensive linemen. Harper is entering at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, while Howes arrives in Oxford listed as an inch taller, but five pounds lighter. Harper was also ranked as a top-15 OL in the class.
The offensive line is a key component of a strong offense, and Ole Miss is building a very talented unit. Wilkins, Harper and Howes, combined, weigh 965 pounds. Weight doesn’t mean everything, but the three young players have great physical potential given their builds, something that will be tapped into with diets and the weight room, and they could form the cornerstone of a strong unit in coming seasons.
You can watch the Rebels’ offensive line in action when the season begins on August 30 at Vaught-Hemingway as Ole Miss hosts Georgia State.
Noah Scoggins
Noah is from Killeen, Texas, and graduated from Early College High School. He grew up in the Birmingham, Alabama, area and is now a second-year senior at the University of Alabama and will graduate in the spring. He is currently majoring in news media with a focus in sports media, as well as a minor in criminal justice. Noah has always loved and been passionate about college athletics and wants to share his love for sports.
