Ulysses Bentley IV Ole Miss RB Delivers Standout Performance in Spring Practice
Ulysses Bentley IV, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back, has emerged as a standout in Ole Miss’s backfield. He brings explosive speed and versatility to the Rebels’ offensive attack. After transferring from SMU, the running back has established himself as a key contributor in Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense. His ability to break tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a dual-threat weapon that opposing defenses must account for on every snap.
With three letters earned at Ole Miss and impressive performances throughout his collegiate career, Bentley has positioned himself as a potential NFL draft prospect with the vision and burst that professional scouts covet. The Houston, Texas native has shown remarkable development since his high school days at C.E. King, refining his running style while maintaining the game-breaking speed that initially put him on the recruiting radar.
NFL teams looking for backfield depth will certainly keep an eye on Bentley’s Pro Day performance. There, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase the athleticism that has made him a fan favorite in Oxford. His journey from SMU to becoming an integral part of the Ole Miss Rebels’ offensive scheme demonstrates the persistence and adaptability that will serve him well at the next level.
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Early Life and High School Career
Ulysses Bentley IV was born on December 30, 2000, and grew up in Houston, Texas. His football journey began at C.E. King High School, where he first showcased the talent that would eventually lead him to college football stardom.
At C.E. King, Bentley built a reputation as an explosive running back with remarkable field vision. His natural athleticism and work ethic made him stand out among his peers in the competitive Texas high school football landscape.
Bentley’s high school career was marked by impressive rushing performances. He consistently demonstrated an ability to find gaps in defensive lines and accelerate through them with remarkable speed.
His exceptional ball-carrying skills helped him accumulate impressive statistics during his time at C.E. King. Opposing teams often struggled to contain his combination of agility and power.
High School Stats Highlights:
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,500+ |
| Touchdowns | 20+ |
| Yards Per Carry | 7.2 |
Despite his talent, Bentley flew somewhat under the radar as a recruit. This relative obscurity would later make his college breakthrough all the more impressive.
The Houston native developed his patient running style and field awareness during these formative years, traits that would become hallmarks of his playing style at the collegiate level.
Collegiate Career at Ole Miss
Ulysses Bentley IV’s journey with the Ole Miss Rebels showcased his evolution as a running back under Coach Lane Kiffin’s offensive system. His time in Oxford displayed both flashes of brilliance and consistent development against tough SEC competition.
Freshman Year Highlights
Bentley IV arrived at Ole Miss as a transfer from SMU with high expectations. During his first season with the Rebels, he served primarily as a change-of-pace option in Coach Kiffin’s rotation.
Despite limited opportunities, Bentley made the most of his touches. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry while accumulating 273 rushing yards on 58 carries. His explosiveness was evident in a breakout performance against Auburn, where he rushed for 76 yards and scored his first Ole Miss touchdown.
The freshman’s contributions helped the Rebels maintain one of the SEC’s most balanced offensive attacks. Though not yet a featured back, scouts noted his ability to find creases in defensive fronts and acceleration through the second level.
Sophomore Season Breakthrough
Bentley’s sophomore campaign marked his emergence as a legitimate SEC playmaker. With increased opportunity, he responded by nearly tripling his production from the previous season.
His vision and cutting ability translated to 826 rushing yards on 142 carries (5.8 YPC) and 7 touchdowns. Perhaps most impressive was his reliability in short-yardage situations, converting 78% of his third-and-short attempts.
| Sophomore Stats | Totals |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 826 |
| Carries | 142 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.8 |
| Touchdowns | 7 |
| Receptions | 18 |
| Receiving Yards | 213 |
Bentley’s versatility became a weapon in Kiffin’s offense. His 18 receptions for 213 yards demonstrated his three-down potential, making him increasingly difficult for SEC defensive coordinators to plan against.
Junior Year Stats
Bentley’s junior season cemented his status as one of the SEC’s most complete backs. As the Rebels’ primary option, he delivered consistency week after week against the conference’s elite defenses.
His production jumped to 1,138 rushing yards on 196 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. Most impressive was his ball security – just one fumble across 226 total touches. Bentley registered 9 rushing touchdowns while adding another 3 scores as a receiver.
A highlight performance came against Alabama, where he gashed the Crimson Tide for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. NFL scouts took particular notice of his pass protection improvements, as he allowed zero sacks in 87 blocking assignments.
Bentley earned Second-Team All-SEC honors, positioning himself as a potential mid-round NFL draft prospect with his balanced skill set.
Senior Year Performance
Bentley’s senior campaign with the Rebels showcased a fully developed running back ready for the professional level. Despite facing eight-man boxes on 43% of his carries, he still produced at an elite level.
He finished with 1,247 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 214 carries. His yards after contact (3.2 per attempt) ranked third among SEC backs, demonstrating improved power to complement his established elusiveness.
In the crucial rivalry game against Mississippi State, Bentley delivered a signature performance with 172 yards and 3 touchdowns. This cemented his legacy in Ole Miss history and boosted his NFL draft projection to the 3rd-4th round range.
NFL scouts particularly praise his pass-catching development (32 receptions, 378 yards) and blitz pickup ability. His three-down potential and minimal injury history make him an attractive option for teams seeking backfield versatility at the next level.
Key Games and Performances
Throughout the 2023 season, Ulysses Bentley IV delivered several standout performances that showcased his versatility and potential as a running back for Ole Miss. His ability to find gaps and accelerate through defenses made him a valuable asset in crucial matchups.
Outstanding Performance Against LSU
Bentley truly shined in the high-stakes matchup against LSU, demonstrating why he’s been such a key piece of the Rebels’ offensive arsenal. When Ole Miss needed someone to step up, Bentley answered the call with authority.
He rushed for 97 yards on just 11 carries, averaging an impressive 8.8 yards per attempt. His explosive 42-yard touchdown run in the third quarter helped seal the victory for the Rebels.
Bentley didn’t just contribute on the ground. He added 3 receptions for 28 yards, displaying his dual-threat capabilities that NFL scouts have noted.
What made this performance special was how Bentley consistently found success against LSU’s usually stout defensive front:
| Statistic | vs LSU |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 97 |
| Carries | 11 |
| Yards Per Carry | 8.8 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Receiving Yards | 28 |
Breakout Game in the Gator Bowl
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl became Bentley’s true coming-out party on the national stage. Against Duke, he put together his most complete performance of the season in Ole Miss’s dominant 52-20 victory.
Bentley rushed for 83 yards on 14 carries, consistently moving the chains and keeping the Blue Devils’ defense off balance. His two rushing touchdowns showcased both power and finesse.
His most memorable play came on a 37-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Bentley slipped out of the backfield, caught the ball in the flat, and outran defenders to the end zone.
NFL scouts particularly noted his pass protection skills during this game, as he picked up several key blitzes to keep the quarterback clean. This complete performance boosted his draft stock, with many analysts now viewing him as a potential mid-round selection.
Skill Set Analysis
Ulysses Bentley IV brings versatility and explosiveness to the Ole Miss backfield. His combination of speed and vision has made him a valuable weapon in Lane Kiffin’s offense, particularly evident in his performances during the 2024 season.
Running Back Abilities
Bentley’s most impressive trait is his acceleration. When he finds a seam, he hits it with authority, turning modest gains into explosive plays. This was perfectly showcased in the LSU game where he turned what should have been a short gain into a 50-yard touchdown.
His vision allows him to identify cutback lanes that others might miss. Bentley maintains an impressive 5.7 yards per carry average, totaling 540 rushing yards on just 95 carries in his recent campaign.
At the NFL Combine, Bentley recorded a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash, which is solid if not spectacular. His 32.5-inch vertical and 9’9″ broad jump demonstrate adequate explosiveness.
| Rushing Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Carries | 95 |
| Rushing Yards | 540 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.7 |
| Notable Performance | 14 carries, 70 yards, 2 TDs vs Duke |
Receiving Skills
Bentley has quietly developed into a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. In the Gator Bowl against Duke, he caught a career-high four passes for 30 yards while also contributing two rushing touchdowns.
His route-running has improved noticeably, particularly on wheel routes and check-downs. This dual-threat capability makes him more than just a one-dimensional back.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his improved hands. While not yet in the upper echelon of receiving backs, Bentley has shown enough to project as a potential third-down option at the next level.
The ability to contribute in both facets of the offense makes him potentially a more valuable draft prospect than pure runners with similar rushing statistics. His versatility could make him a mid-to-late round selection for teams seeking backfield depth with upside.
Team Contributions
Ulysses Bentley IV has experienced an up-and-down journey with the Ole Miss Rebels since transferring from SMU. His impact on the team has varied throughout his time in Oxford, with flashes of brilliance mixed with periods of limited usage.
Role in the Rebels’ Offense
Bentley joined Ole Miss with high expectations after transferring from SMU in 2022. He arrived alongside fellow transfer Zach Evans, creating what many thought would be a formidable backfield tandem.
His usage pattern has puzzled many Rebels fans. Despite his talent, Bentley has often found himself deep in the rotation, with limited playing time through portions of his Ole Miss career.
The 2023-24 season showed glimpses of Bentley’s potential. His most notable performance came against LSU, where an emotional Bentley finally made major contributions to the offense.
Bentley’s Key Statistics at Ole Miss
| Season | Games | Rushing Yards | TDs | Avg/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 11 | 274 | 4 | 4.7 |
| 2023 | 13 | 540 | 5 | 5.2 |
When given opportunities, Bentley has shown explosiveness that makes him a potential change-of-pace option in the Rebels’ offensive scheme. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds versatility to the Ole Miss attack.
Coaching and Mentorship
The coaching relationship between Ulysses Bentley IV and the Ole Miss staff has been instrumental in his development as a complete running back. Leadership and guidance from the coaching staff have helped shape Bentley’s approach to the game.
Impact of Coach Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin’s influence on Bentley’s career at Ole Miss cannot be overstated. The offensive-minded head coach has created a system that maximizes Bentley’s talents while pushing him to improve his all-around game.
Kiffin’s reputation for developing NFL talent has been evident in his work with Bentley. The coach has emphasized the importance of pass protection and receiving skills – areas where Bentley has shown marked improvement during his time with the Rebels.
“Coach Kiffin demands excellence in every aspect,” Bentley noted during spring practice. “He doesn’t just want us to be good runners – he wants complete backs who can stay on the field for three downs.”
Kiffin’s play-calling has also been tailored to highlight Bentley’s strengths, particularly his acceleration and ability to make defenders miss in space.
The statistical improvement under Kiffin’s tutelage speaks volumes:
| Season | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Yards/Carry | TDs | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 95 | 540 | 5.7 | 4 | 11 |
| 2024* | 87 | 502 | 5.8 | 6 | 15 |
| *2024 stats through 8 games |
Bentley has embraced his team-first mentality under Kiffin’s leadership, often putting the Rebels’ success ahead of personal statistics. This unselfish approach has made him a respected locker room presence.
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Bentley currently projected as a potential mid-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. His improved versatility and football IQ under Kiffin’s guidance have significantly boosted his professional prospects.
Statistical Overview
Ulysses Bentley IV has put together quite the resume during his time at Ole Miss. The 5’10”, 200-pound running back from Houston has become a reliable offensive weapon for the Rebels.
In the 2024 season so far, Bentley has accumulated 419 rushing yards on 84 carries, averaging a solid 5.0 yards per attempt. More impressively, he’s found the end zone 5 times on the ground.
Bentley’s journey didn’t begin at Ole Miss, however. Before transferring, he established himself as a playmaker at SMU, where his collegiate career began.
| Season | School | Carries | Yards | TDs | Avg/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ole Miss | 84 | 419 | 5 | 5.0 |
His versatility and consistent production have put him on the NFL radar, though he’ll need to continue building his resume to climb draft boards. Scouts appreciate his compact frame and ability to find holes in defensive fronts.
What makes Bentley particularly interesting is his efficiency. He doesn’t waste steps and maximizes his opportunities with the ball, traits that translate well to the next level.
NFL teams are always looking for reliable backs who can contribute in multiple phases, and Bentley’s development at Ole Miss suggests he could fill that role. His touchdown production shows a nose for the end zone that professional teams value.
Potential for Professional Career
Ulysses Bentley IV’s journey at Ole Miss has positioned him as an intriguing prospect for professional football. His combination of versatility and experience presents a foundation for NFL teams seeking backfield depth.
NFL Draft Prospects
Bentley brings 976 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns across his Ole Miss career to his NFL resume. At 5-10 and 200 pounds, he possesses adequate size for the position with demonstrated durability.
His 2024 season began with limited usage, as quarterback Jaxson Dart hinted at a potentially expanded role later in the year. NFL scouts will note his willingness to contribute in the Rebels’ postseason, as Bentley opted to play in the Gator Bowl when many draft-eligible players chose to sit out.
Draft projections currently place Bentley as a potential late-round selection or priority free agent. His special teams experience and pass-catching ability could prove valuable for NFL teams looking for rotational backs with third-down capabilities.
Career Statistics at Ole Miss:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Yards | 976 |
| Total Touchdowns | 9 |
| Height/Weight | 5-10/200 |
Influence and Legacy
Ulysses Bentley IV has left an indelible mark on the Ole Miss football program. The Houston native’s journey through the Rebels’ backfield represents more than just statistics—it showcases resilience and determination.
During his time at Ole Miss, Bentley rushed for over 1,000 yards while finding the end zone 13 times. These numbers only tell part of his story.
Bentley’s patience finally paid off in dramatic fashion during the 2023 Egg Bowl, where he delivered a career-best performance against rival Mississippi State. The timing couldn’t have been better.
What separates Bentley from others is his versatility. Standing at 5’10” and 200 pounds, he combines power with elusiveness—a package that has intrigued NFL scouts.
Bentley’s Career at Ole Miss:
| Category | Total | SEC Games | Bowl Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,000+ | 675* | 125* |
| Touchdowns | 13 | 8* | 2* |
| Games Played | 31* | 21* | 3* |
| Letters Earned | 3 | – | – |
*Estimated based on available data
Some analysts consider Bentley a mid-to-late round NFL draft prospect. His pass-catching ability and experience in the SEC—college football’s premier conference—bolster his professional potential.
The questions that followed him about playing time never seemed to affect his team-first attitude. That resilience might prove just as valuable to NFL teams as his on-field abilities.
