The Sugar Bowl was Jerrion Ealy's last game as an Ole Miss Rebel

On3 imageby:Jake Thompson01/02/22

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NEW ORLEANS — The Ole Miss roster saw its first domino fall as the 2021 season ended and the page now turns to next year.

Running back Jerrion Ealy announced following the Sugar Bowl that Saturday’s game was his final as a Rebel, making him the first in the running back room to depart.

“That’s why I wanted to go out with a bang,” Ealy said.

Unfortunately, Saturday’s performance was not how Ealy wanted to end his Ole Miss career. He rushed for 65 yards on 12 carries and caught two passes for four yards.

Beyond stating Saturday, a 21-7 loss to Baylor, was his final game in an Ole Miss uniform, Ealy did not expound on if that meant he was transferring to another school or if he was going to bolt for the NFL and prepare for the upcoming draft in April.

Sources indicate he’s going pro, which Ealy later confirmed in a post on Instagram. Regardless, Ealy’s decision was not one that surprised many, as the Ole Miss Spirit has been reporting Ealy, a two-sport who also plays baseball at Ole Miss, would be departing once the season ended.

The former Jackson Prep standout did not play baseball last year due to opting for surgery to repair a shoulder injury. It was not expected Ealy would rejoin the team this spring, though nothing has been officially announced about his roster status.

With Ealy’s future known, attention turns to what another Rebel running back will do in the offseason.

Snoop Connor also has a decision to make, though the possibility of him returning for another season in Oxford is a high possibility, per sources, and Ole Miss has momentum in its pursuit of TCU transfer Zach Evans. Evans was ranked as the No. 1 high school running back in the country in the 2020 recruiting cycle.

Just like Ealy, Connor has the option to leave for the NFL or to hit the portal.

Following Saturday’s game, where Conner rushed for 42 yards on 11 carries, the time to entertain or discuss his future was not on his mind.

“That’s for another day,” Conner said.

Linebacker Chance Campbell was also asked about his future but declined to give any answer. Campbell, instead, said he was still processing the Sugar Bowl loss.

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