Jackson, Mississippi: Eyes on Jaxson Dart as C-Spire Conerly Trophy Nominee
In the bustling world of college football, Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart is shining brighter than ever, grabbing headlines not just in Oxford but all around the state of Mississippi. On Tuesday, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame revealed its nominees for the coveted 2024 C-Spire Conerly Trophy, and guess who’s at the forefront? You guessed it—Dart! This prestigious honor recognizes the top college football player in the state, and Jaxson has earned his spot among the elite contenders.
The Nominees: Who’s In the Running?
The list of nominees features talented players from ten different institutions across the Magnolia State. Here they are:
- Alcorn State – QB Xzavier Vaughn
- Belhaven University – LB Wyatt Beck
- Delta State – RB Kelvin Smith
- Jackson State – RB Irv Mulligan
- Millsaps College – LB Nehemiah Coalson
- Mississippi College – DL Brennan Blake
- Mississippi State – S Isaac Smith
- Mississippi Valley State – WR Nathan Rembert
- Ole Miss – QB Jaxson Dart
- Southern Miss – P Bryce Lofton
What makes this recognition even more special is that the winner will be announced on December 3rd at the Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel. Talk about a reason to celebrate!
Dart’s Stellar Season
For those who may not be familiar with Dart’s journey, he’s been making considerable waves in the college football scene this year. Originally hailing from Kaysville, Utah, Dart joined the Rebels two years ago after transferring from USC. Since then, he has turned into a powerhouse on the field, boasting an impressive 26-9 record as a starting quarterback. In fact, he holds the title for the most wins by any Ole Miss starting quarterback in the modern era since the legendary Archie Manning took the field in 1968.
This season has been nothing short of spectacular for him. With a completion rate of 70.8 percent, he has thrown for a whopping 3,409 yards, making 22 touchdowns while only giving away four interceptions. Not to be overshadowed, Dart is also a fantastic rusher with 304 yards on the ground and three touchdowns under his belt. His total offensive average stands at an eye-popping 371.3 yards per game, a feat that leads the NCAA FBS!
Dart’s National Recognition
But wait, there’s more! Jaxson isn’t just basking in the local limelight. He’s making a name for himself nationally, too! Right now, he’s a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He also earned semifinalist spots for the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien Awards. With such an impressive list, it’s easy to see why fans are excited about his future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Rebels?
As the 2024 football season approaches its crescendo, Dart and the Rebels are gunning for another 10-win regular season and a shot at the College Football Playoff. Their next challenge? An away game at Florida this Saturday, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT on ABC. Fans are crossing their fingers that Dart continues to lead the team as they aim for glory!
As excitement swirls around Jaxson Dart and the Rebels, it’s clear that the spirit of football is alive and well in Mississippi. So, mark your calendars for December 3rd and cheer on your favorite local team and their star quarterback!
