WATCH: Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart makes big hit in spring game
In the second quarter of the Ole Miss spring game between the Red team and the Navy team, USC transfer quarterback Jaxson Dart decided to go against the rules and make a hit. With the quarterbacks and other non-contact players in white, he decided that he would rather initiate some contact of his own.
After throwing an interception on a pass over the middle to fellow USC transfer Michael Trigg, Jaxson Dart decided to run down the field into the action and make a big hit on a defender who was blocking for his teammate.
With the rules clearly stating that no one in a white jersey can take a hit, the referee threw a flag. However, after seeing the replay where Dart lowered his shoulder to initiate contact on his own, the call was overturned. The Red team’s sideline coach, former Alabama fullback Michael Nysewander, nearly got ejected for his argument.
In a later interview, head coach Lane Kiffin said the call should have gone against Dart, attributing his decision to frustration after the interception.
Lane Kiffin on quarterback battle
During his second interview of the day, Lane Kiffin spoke abut the quarterback battle, making it clear which of the two players impressed him more in the first half.
“Jaxson is trying to win the battle every play and forcing the ball as you can see,” said Kiffin. “And Luke’s being patient and playing within the offense and playing better as you can see. … That penalty should’ve been on him, not the other way. I’m sure that’s his frustration for forcing the ball into double coverage. He’s competitive, he’s frustrated.”
The penalty Kiffin referenced came on a play where Dart threw an interception and decided to run down field to make a hit, despite his white non-contact jersey. The play also brought another viral moment as a sideline coach nearly got ejected for his argument against the call.
Kiffin could not hold back from the opportunity to joke about senior analyst Michael Nysewander.
“I’m just in awe of Nysewander trying to be Gene Stallings,” said Kiffin. “He had to get attention to get on camera, we raised him that way. You can see that even though Saban trained him, and he played for Saban, he is not following that model. He’s giving the other team bulletin board material.”