PJ Wilkins has been a regular with the Ole Miss starting offensive line. But where he ends up come Georgia State is still up in the air.
Ole Miss football on Saturday held a team-wide scrimmage inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The defense, more often than not, got the better of the offense, including a few interceptions returned for touchdowns.
But there were some positives for first-year Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons and Co. Sixth-year head coach Lane Kiffin said the offensive line was up and down, but Charlotte transfer PJ Wilkins believes the front is coming together.
“A little bit up and down,” Kiffin said. “We didn’t have a starting offensive lineman and really when it’s done maybe two starting offensive linemen weren’t there. So it’s always good for other guys to work around and see how they do. Our first defensive line is really good. It presents a lot of problems with the scheme that we play. So it’s always a test.”
“I think as a group we did really good,” Wilkins said after practice on Monday. “Obviously some stuff we’ve got to clean up, but I think we came out there with the right mindset and executed pretty good.”
Wilkins signed with Ole Miss in December.
In doing so he reunited with his former high-school teammate Da’Shawn Womack. Womack is a transfer EDGE from LSU. The Rebels brought in a transfer class ranked No. 3 in the country by On3.
Wilkins was one of three offensive linemen added. The others were Patrick Kutas (Arkansas) and Delano Townsend (UAB).
“I think I’ve had a better camp than I’ve had my recent years,” Wilkins said. “I’m just taking it one day at a time and making sure I do my job every single day. Doing what I’m coached to do.”
Wilkins has been a regular with the starting unit. However, where he’ll end up come the team’s season opener against Georgia State on August 30 is still up in the air.
Wilkins opened at guard but has shifted to right tackle for the last few practices.
Ole Miss is trying to take it easy with veteran Jayden Williams. Williams has dealt with myriad injuries over his Rebel career.
“Definitely my footwork,” Wilkins said of how he’s improved. “I’ve worked on getting my pad level down a lot. Just working on small things like that. I’ve played left, right my whole football career. So, I’m pretty much comfortable anywhere.”
Ole Miss has a pair of true freshmen, Devin Harper and Connor Howes, pushing for playing time already as well.
“Both of those guys are very talented kids,” Wilkins said. “I think they’re going to have a really bright future. Devin Harper, I mean, he comes to work every single day. Connor, he’s another hard worker. They’re both going to be really good for this team in the future and I’m excited for them.”
The 6-foot-5, 340-pound Wilkins redshirted in 2023 but played in 11 games (142 snaps) a year later. He graded out at 62.3 in run-blocking snaps. Wilkins has three years of eligibility remaining.
“I love it here,” Wilkins said. “The transition was smooth. I’m from the city, so it’s kind of different coming out in the country. But I love it. Overall, the people here are nice. Coaches are awesome. I think I fit in pretty well.
“There’s really nothing to do out here. Back home, I could go to the mall, go to a game somewhere. Here I just chill at home with two of my dogs and call it a day.”
Category: General Sports
