'I View Myself as the Best': Rebels' Quinshon Judkins Extremely Confident Entering 2023 Season

Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins spoke with the media on Monday about preparing for Week 1 and how he feels regarding the quarterback situation.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The hype surrounding Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins is real entering the 2023 season as the superstar has received numerous preseason accolades. Many believe Judkins is already the best tailback in college football after being the SEC's No. 1 rusher as a true freshman in 2022.

Judkins was made available to speak with the media on Monday and was asked if he considers himself to be the best running back in college football, and he gave a confident answer with evidence to back up his claim.

"I definitely view myself as the best running back," Judkins told reporters. "What separates me overall is my game. My speed, change of direction, and how I can be used all over the field. I'll run around you but I can also through you as well. I can do everything at my position."

The Pike Road, Ala., native was named the 2022 SEC Newcomer and Freshman of the Year after he set the Rebels' single-season records in both rushing yards (1,567) and touchdowns (16). Judkins led all SEC tailbacks last season with 76 missed tackles forced.

Judkins explained what he has improved upon during the offseason and fall camp.

"If you go back and look at my freshman film and compare it to what I've done so far this past fall camp, I think I've just gotten tremendously better overall," Judkins said. "Just improving the typical mistakes you make coming into college."

Ole Miss opens its 2023 campaign with a Week 1 home game versus the Mercer Bears on Sept. 2, and while the Rebels are taking on an FCS opponent, Judkins is still preparing as if he was taking on one of the best teams in the SEC.

"I think that's what separates our team," Judkins said. "Going into any matchup, we don't [underestimate] a team just because of the logo on their chest or their record. We prepare well and I think coach Kiffin prepares us the right way going into each matchup."

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin also spoke with the media on Monday and has still not named a starting quarterback for his roster. Judkins gave his thoughts on the competition not being resolved with less than a week until the home opener.

"I'm confident in each and every one of those guys and it hasn't had an effect on me," Judkins said. "No matter who is in, they're great at what they do and they're confident in their game. Whoever is put out there, I know they'll perform."

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You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.

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