
As the Ole Miss Rebels prepare to conclude their 2024 football season, linebacker TJ Dottery has emphasized the importance of finishing “the right way” in the upcoming TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Duke.
Dottery, a redshirt sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama, has been a pivotal figure in the Rebels’ defense throughout the season.
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 225 pounds, Dottery has demonstrated versatility and leadership on the field. In the regular-season finale against Mississippi State on November 29, 2024, he started at linebacker and recorded five tackles over 61 snaps, contributing significantly to the Rebels’ defensive efforts.
The Rebels, holding a 9-3 record, are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl on January 2, 2025. This matchup presents an opportunity for Ole Miss to secure a 10-win season, a milestone that would underscore the team’s growth and resilience. Dottery has expressed a strong commitment to sending the senior class out on a high note, highlighting the bonds formed regardless of the duration of their tenure with the team. He stated, “Finishing the right way with all the guys, especially the senior class… I feel like it’s only right for me to send them out the right way.”
The Rebels’ defense will face a formidable challenge against Duke, known for its aggressive play and ability to create turnovers. Duke’s defense ranks third nationally in tackles for loss and ninth in takeaways, with 26 on the year. Dottery, alongside fellow linebacker Khari Coleman, is expected to play a crucial role in countering Duke’s offensive strategies. With the absence of standout linebacker Chris Paul Jr., who has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Dottery and Coleman will need to step up to maintain the integrity of the Rebels’ defense. Dottery has confidence in Coleman’s abilities, noting, “He’s been very vocal this week with Pooh not being here… He’s been doing great at that.”
Offensively, the Rebels will be led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft following the Gator Bowl. Dart has had an impressive season, setting the school record for career passing yards at 10,213, surpassing Eli Manning’s 10,119. He has also thrown 68 passing touchdowns, second only to Manning’s 81. Dart expressed his excitement for the upcoming game, stating, “I CAN’T WAIT to put on that #2 Ole Miss jersey for one last ride with my guys before beginning preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft.”
The Gator Bowl not only offers a platform for individual players like Dottery and Dart to showcase their talents but also serves as a significant opportunity for the team to achieve a 10-win season. Such an accomplishment would be a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the players and coaching staff. As Dottery and his teammates prepare for this pivotal game, their focus remains on executing their game plan effectively and honoring the commitment they’ve made to each other throughout the season.
In conclusion, TJ Dottery’s determination to end the 2024 season on a high note reflects the collective mindset of the Ole Miss Rebels as they approach the Gator Bowl. With key players like Dottery and Dart leading the charge, the Rebels are poised to deliver a performance that encapsulates their season’s efforts and sets a positive tone for the program’s future.