OXFORD | Often Tommy John surgeries aren’t just season-enders but also detriments to the following year.

So when Sean Johnson had the UCL in his right elbow repaired last March, availability for the start of the 2016 season was unknown. However, with two weeks to go before Ole Miss’ opener against FIU, the right-hander stands out as one of the Rebels’ best arms.

“When you’re in the stands he won’t look like he had surgery 10 months ago,” Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said. “The thing that’s impressive is his command, and that’s usually the last thing to come.”

Johnson pitched simulated scrimmages three straight weekends at the conclusion of fall practice, touching 93 MPH and showing solid control only eight months after surgery. That progression has continued this spring.

The 6-foot-7, Durango, Colorado, native, who was expected to be Ole Miss’ Saturday starter in 2015 prior to the injury, has been up to 50 pitches during bullpen work and will throw 50 live pitches during a Saturday intrasquad at noon.

“Coaches said they've never seen someone come back from Tommy John surgery like that,” Johnson said. “I was really happy with myself and it showed how hard I worked during the process. It was good to come out and have my stuff back.

“Honestly I think I’m better than what I used to be. My location is a lot better. My offspeed is better. Everything feels good and natural coming out of my hand.”

Johnson’s role to begin the season is undetermined, as Ole Miss will mix veteran Brady Bramlett in with talented but untested options to fill the rotation. Johnson’s progression these next 14 days will determine his initial spot on the staff.

His pitch count will elevate to 70 pitches during an intrasquad next weekend, and the Rebels will see how he bounces back after multiple outings.

“It’s all about how he recovers after a lengthy day and then the command has to stay sharp,” Bianco said.

Junior college transfer Chad Smith is the favorite to join Bramlett in the rotation, and then the third spot is to be determined. Johnson and James McArthur are top candidates once the injuries are settled away. McArthur, a freshman 6-foot-7 power pitcher from New Braunfels, Texas, is expected to be medically cleared from a foot injury on Monday.

McArthur throws his first bullpen today and is expected to pitch in an intrasquad on February 14.

Johnson threw one inning in the season opener last season before shutting things down due to the UCL tear. He went 10-1 with 88 strikeouts and 16 walks with Iowa Western in 2014.

“I’m just ready to win games,” Johnson said. “It’s all back, so it’s time to help this team.”