The Ole Miss Rebels have added the newest piece to their roster. Baylor School running back Shekai Mills-Knight made his commitment official on the first day of the early signing period. Listed at 6-1, 217 pounds, Mills-Knight is the eighth-best running back in this year’s class, and the number two player from the state of Tennessee, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
His signing with the Rebels comes after receiving offers from a variety of elite programs. Among those, Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio State were considered as potential landing spots. However, since his verbal commitment in August, he remained steadfast in his desire to play for Lane Kiffin and company.
His signing also couldn’t come at a better time. Following Akylin Dear backing off from his Ole Miss commitment back in June, Mills-Knight has been the sole running back pledge for Kiffin.
What Does Shekai Mills-Knight Bring To Oxford?
Mills-Knight is going to look a bit different than many running backs Rebel fans are used to seeing. For the past decade, most Ole Miss running backs have been smaller, speed-based backs. The newest Rebel doesn’t fit that mold. While it may bring back bad memories, from a stature standpoint, Mills-Knight resembles former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins. He’s got big shoes to fill if he wants to have the impact Judkins had in Oxford, but he does have the build for it. While speed may be a bit of a question, his physicality isn’t. He has a good first step and he won’t be scared to run through tackles. His pass protection is also exceptional.
Then there’s the fact that he comes into a good situation to see playing time almost immediately. Ole Miss is losing running backs Ulysses Bentley IV and Henry Parrish Jr, who are out of eligibility. Rashad Amos has already announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. This leaves Logan Diggs as the only available running back on the roster. And that’s if Diggs decides to return. After missing the entire 2024 season, Diggs is in need of a medical redshirt to have another year of eligibility.
So while there’s a good chance Kiffin hits the portal looking for more running back depth, Mills-Knight is set up to be a key piece of the Rebel offense in 2025.
