Ulysses Bentley isn’t sweating his role in an again-revamped Ole Miss offense. He’s just glad to be healthy.
Ulysses Bentley transferred to Ole Miss from SMU last winter expecting to step in and play a major role for a revamped, portal-heavy offense.
His skill-set was different when compared to Zach Evans — a decorated former recruit and accomplished back from TCU — and Quishon Judkins. Judkins was a true freshman seemingly learning the ropes.
What a difference a season makes.
Judkins went on to lead the backfield and set the single-season Ole Miss record for rushing yards. Evans — when he was healthy — paired with Judkins to form one of the most formidable one-two rushing punches in all of college football.
Bentley appeared in games early on, but ultimately he was shut down for an extended stretch due to injury. When he did round close enough into form to dress for games, he rarely saw the field. His last recorded stats were a carry for a yard against Alabama in November.
“It was definitely frustrating just to get injured and be out,” Bentley said this week. “I wish I was out there with those guys last year. I’m glad just to be healthy and get to the point of knowing the offense better and all that type of stuff.”
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Bentley was supposed to be the change-of-pace back.
He’s a capable pass-catcher, and he’s proven over his career to be elusive — when at his best — in space. He saw action in 11 games for SMU in 2021, including eight starts. In all, Bentley was second on the team with 96 carrels for 610 yards and four touchdowns. He had a pair of 100-yard rushing games, and he caught 19 passes for 90 yards and an additional score.
But the injury — Bentley tore the two main ligaments in his left wrist — kept him from showing at Ole Miss what he feels he’s always been able to do: Change a game in an instant. So, he’s been eager this spring, especially as Ole Miss plays it safe with Judkins, inarguably the most valuable player on the roster.
Bentley’s getting all the carries he could possibly want. The tears required surgery and therapy. However, through two weeks of spring practices, Bentley has shown no lingering effects from the injury.
“My role this year, I just to be a leader for the offense and for the team,” Bentley said. “Go out there and be able to run the ball all day long.”
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In another spring of change for Ole Miss, Bentley is a constant.
He’s one of the few returning skill players the Rebels are expected to rely on. Now-fourth-year head coach Lane Kiffin and staff added 14 total transfers during the off-season, including two quarterbacks (Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard) to compete with returning starter Jaxson Dart.
Bentley has liked what he’s seen so far from the trio. He’s also been impressed by a newcomer on defense.
“All the quarterbacks are great,” Bentley said. “Dart, he looks way better than he did last year. He’s a leader, he’s better prepared. All the quarterbacks are real good. Monty (Montgomery), No. 8 on defense, who we got from Louisville, he’s a pretty fast guy. He likes hitting as well. He’s impressed me a lot.”
Bentley, for his part, has impressed, too. He just has to keep going.
Oh, and stay out of training room.
“I’m just ready and prepared now,” Bentley said. “I’m ready to go this year.”
