Ole Miss running backs coach Derrick Nix believes he has more depth than past seasons, and he's trying to fit all the players into their correct niches as the season is fewer than two weeks away. Check out the Q&A below, as Nix discusses his depth chart and where his players are at this point.
On running downhill
"It’s something we’ve always preached but it’s become more of a mindset though. It comes with time and more maturity and watching film and getting more reps at it and it’s sprinkling down to our whole offense — not just the running backs."
Schematically different to be more downhill?
"There are a few things to create more space and get more one-on-one opportunities so they can show that ability and be a physical athlete. All in all, it’s really close to what we’ve been doing."
On working Jordan Wilkins the remainder of camp
"Our plan is is that he’s 100 percent we’ll put him through a normal routine and not hold him back. Training camp ends and there’s a lot less tackling to the ground and things like that, but he will put in his time and work and be game ready when the time comes."
On depth behind Wilkins
"It’s nice to have that. After the first quarter against Florida State when we had Eric Swinney go down and all of a sudden we’re at the bottom of our deck on the depth chart it’s a lot better this year. They are competing at a high level and pushing each other. It all started back with the spring and carried over to now. They are all friendly, but they are pushing each other to be the very best."
Status of Swinney with his recent concussion and what you’ve seen from him this fall
"With Swinney it’s nothing that will keep him out. We’re just listening to the trainers. He’s done really well. In the spring we held him out of team stuff and he did individual. He’s shown flashes of what he’s been before. As camp and the season goes on he’ll get his legs back under him and you’ll see the guy that he was a year ago."
How many backs do you trust to play today?
"Right now the top four I trust assignment wise and ability wise. They’ve proven that they can take care of the football and protect the quarterback in different scenarios. I’m pleased with them and I challenge them to be at that level and be consistent."
Who would be then top four?
"In no order, of course Jordan, Eugene Brazley, D’Vaughn Pennamon and right now with Eric limited I’d say DK Buford. Whether we have a No. 2 behind Jordan depends on the situation. All the backs bring something different to the table so depends on what we need at the time."
Can Jordan Wilkins be an every-down, 20-plus carry back?
"I think he could, but he is prepared to do what’s necessary for our offense. The good thing about what we do offensively is it’s about a certain number of handoffs and passes. It’s about what is given to us. If it’s called on him to take 25 carries then he could do it. If it’s 15 touches that’s good, too. He’s trained and in a great position to do that now."
A surprise this fall camp?
"Probably DK Buford. He’s done really well. I call him Mr. Consistent. You know what you’re going to get everyday. He works hard and never complains. He lines up and will block for you and catch the ball for you. He runs it for you and does well on special teams. He’s tried to increase his role."
