Jaxson Dart, a senior quarterback for Ole Miss and now in his third year as a starter, has recently been named to the preseason watchlist for the prestigious Maxwell Award. This honor, which has been recognizing the College Player of the Year since 1937, saw Dart among the 80 college football players highlighted for their anticipated impact in the upcoming season.
In total, 15 players from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), of which Ole Miss is a member, were chosen for this watchlist. The Maxwell Award is a significant accolade in college football, awarded at the end of each season to the most outstanding player.
Dart’s performance last season was remarkable, representing the best of his career to date. He was instrumental in leading the Ole Miss Rebels to their inaugural 11-win season, a milestone that highlights his effectiveness and contribution to the team’s success. Furthermore, his exceptional play earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, another prestigious honor given to the top quarterback in college football.
During the previous season, Dart completed 233 of his 358 pass attempts, translating to a completion rate of over 65 percent. He amassed a total of 3,364 passing yards and threw 23 touchdown passes. His accuracy was notably high, as he threw only five interceptions, which ties him for the record of the fewest interceptions in a single season at Ole Miss among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. Additionally, Dart demonstrated his versatility by rushing for 389 yards and scoring eight touchdowns on 119 carries.
Commenting on Dart’s prospects, On3 national college football analyst JD PicKell expressed confidence in Dart’s continued development. PicKell noted that Dart is expected to benefit from another year in the offensive system and to perform even more effectively. According to PicKell, the anticipation surrounding Dart’s potential is high, suggesting that the upcoming season will be one of significant achievement for the quarterback.
The process for the Maxwell Award involves several key dates throughout the season. The semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 12. Following that, the three finalists will be revealed on November 26, and the winner of the Maxwell Award will be declared on December 12.
In terms of statistical achievements, Dart’s performance last season placed him in the top 20 nationally in several categories. He was ranked eighth in yards per attempt with an average of 9.4 yards, tenth in yards per completion at 14.4 yards, and sixteenth in total offense with an average of 288.7 yards per game. Additionally, he finished twentieth in total passing yards with 3,364 yards. Dart’s impressive 2023 statistics also included high rankings in several specific areas: he was second all-time at Ole Miss in passing efficiency with a rating of 162.4 and in yards per attempt with 9.4 yards. He also ranked third in completion percentage (65.1%), third in yards per completion (14.4 yards), and fourth in total touchdowns responsible for with 31. Dart was tied for fourth in the number of 300-yard passing games (5), fifth in passing yards (3,364), fifth in total offense (3,753), and sixth in passing touchdowns (23).
Currently, Dart holds notable positions in Ole Miss’s historical statistics. He is ranked third in school history for passing efficiency with a rating of 153.0, yards per attempt with an average of 8.8 yards, and yards per completion with 13.8 yards. He is fourth in completion percentage at 63.8%, fifth in passing yards with 6,338, and fifth in total offense with 7,341 yards. Additionally, Dart is tied for sixth in both passing touchdowns with 43 and in 300-yard passing games with seven. He is also tied for sixth in total touchdowns responsible for with 52, seventh in completions with 459, and tenth in attempts with 720.
Overall, Dart’s achievements and statistical contributions underscore his significance as a key player for Ole Miss and highlight why he is a strong candidate for the upcoming season’s Maxwell Award. His continued development and performance will be closely watched as the season progresses, with many expecting him to build on his impressive past performances.
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