Kewan Lacy’s inaugural season with Ole Miss is already proving to be groundbreaking, as the sophomore running back shows potential to achieve even more in the upcoming games. Hailing from Missouri, Lacy has become a pivotal force in the Rebels’ offense, which ranks fifth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an impressive 2,076 rushing yards and leads the conference in rushing touchdowns at 31.
Lacy himself has contributed significantly, amassing 1,136 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, thus positioning him as the second-leading rusher in the SEC, just trailing Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy, who has 1,403 yards. Lacy holds the highest run grade from Pro Football Focus among all SEC running backs, boasting an impressive score of 88.4.
As the season approaches its climax, the race for the SEC regular season rushing title has become a two-horse contest between Lacy and Hardy, although Hardy has a comfortable lead over Lacy by 267 yards. Nonetheless, Lacy’s upcoming matchup against a Mississippi State defense, currently rated as the worst in the league—having recently conceded 300 rushing yards—opens the door for a potential surge in his numbers. With Hardy likely sidelined for Missouri’s season finale against Arkansas, Lacy’s opportunity to close the gap widens significantly.
Reflecting on his journey, Lacy attributes much of his success to the support of his coaches and the hard work he puts into preparation. “It comes with having a support system like my coaches just trusting and believing in me,” he noted. His drive and consistency on the field showcase not only his talent but also his dedication to achieving excellence.
Lacy has already set multiple records for Ole Miss, including breaking the previous single-season touchdown record of 16, held by Quinshon Judkins, with his current tally of 19. He is also on track to surpass Judkins’ all-purpose touchdown record and could become the holder of the most rushing attempts in a season. With 231 carries through 11 games, he is just 43 attempts shy of breaking Judkins’ record, which he seems poised to achieve as the season continues.
The potential for Lacy to surpass Judkins’ record of 1,567 rushing yards set last year is also a possibility, as he only needs 434 additional yards in at least two more games. Additionally, he is on course to eclipse the long-standing record for most rushing plays per game, currently at 21, set 58 years ago.
While statistics such as most yards per game and average yards per carry may remain untouched this season, Lacy’s determination and performance indicate a bright future. Currently averaging 103.3 rushing yards per game, he continues to make strides towards anchoring his name in the annals of Ole Miss football history. Kewan Lacy’s remarkable first season not only highlights his individual abilities but also contributes significantly to the Rebels’ quest for success in the SEC.