Deantre Prince: Jaxson Dart has 'A-plus' leadership

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Lane Kiffin has proven he is not afraid to find a quarterback through the NCAA transfer portal. Even after Jaxson Dart came to Ole Miss and spent the 2022 season as the starter, Kiffin decided to add more to the room. Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU) are fresh faces in Oxford, still competing to be the main man in 2023.

This time last season, Dart was competing against Luke Altmyer. Dart ultimately won out, with his ability to win over the team being a huge reason why. Defensive back Deantre Prince had high praise for the USC transfer’s leadership, especially after not spending too much time on campus.

Dart has made sure it’s translated to the competition this offseason as well.

“I just feel like his leadership was A plus, was definitely something that we needed for that season,” Prince said on Thursday at SEC Media Days. “I think he’s a great leader still. Just a great quarterback.”

Prince being the one to praise Dart is more impressive coming from the defensive side of the ball. Had an offensive player praised the quarterback, you would almost expect it. Dart worked with the entire offense on a daily basis, making sure Ole Miss was ready to play on Saturday.

But hearing a defensive back describe Dart’s leadership as “A plus” proves he really connected to the entire team. Last season’s 8-5 record may have been a disappointment for the whole of the program. However, improvement is expected and Dart can be a key factor.

First things first, Dart has to win the quarterback competition. Kiffin has said the battle is still ongoing as Ole Miss starts fall practice in the near future. The decision will likely come down to Dart and Sanders, somebody who has a ton of experience during his time at Oklahoma State.

No timeline has been provided either. Ole Miss does not start out with the toughest game in the world, hosting Mercer this first weekend of September. If Kiffin wants to extend the competition into the season and let all three get game action, he may have the ability to do so.

If/when Dart does finally win out, he will be able to display his leadership skills on full display once again. There will likely be no reason to win the team back over again, as Prince is a great example of the belief in Dart already being there.