Ole Miss has produced its fair share of NFL talent over the years. But one franchise that remains distinctively connected to the program is the New York Giants.
Some of the Giants' best success stories under center involve a former Rebel quarterback.
After four seasons in Oxford (1942, 1946-1948), Charlie Conerly helped guide the New York Giants to an NFL Championship title all the way back in 1956. His jersey number (No. 42) is among the retired numbers for the franchise. Then Ole Miss' Eli Manning eventually came along, leading the franchise to two Super Bowl wins on his way to having his number (No. 10) retired by the Giants.
Now, just back in April, the Giants took another swing on an Ole Miss quarterback, trading back into the first round of the NFL Draft to select Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick.
During this weekend's Manning Passing Academy, legendary Ole Miss signal-caller Archie Manning was asked about Dart joining him and his son as the Rebels' only first round quarterbacks
(Photo: New York Giants )
"Jaxson played a lot of games at Ole Miss. A lot of good football and won a lot of games. I was just excited for him to be drafted in the first round, particularly to the New York Giants," Manning said, via WLOX's Matt DeGregorio. "We like the Giants."
Dart attended the MPA the previous two summers as a counselor representing Ole Miss. Just last week Manning and Dart were connected again in New York.
"I was with Jaxson last week in New York. He's a good guy (and) good player. He's very smart. It'd probably serve him well to not get thrown in right away," Manning explained. "Giants aren't world-beaters right now. But I think any indication of what kind of person he was and the way he worked and played at Ole Miss, he can be successful."
Dart made strides as a pro during the Giants' offseason programs and will be heading into training camp to make more later next month. Dart is projected to go into his rookie season as New York's backup behind Russell Wilson.
Dart is expected to play a significant amount of snaps during the team's preseason slate.
During the preseason the Giants are scheduled to play on the road against the Buffalo Bills (Aug. 9), then will host the New York Jets (Aug. 16) and New England Patriots (Aug. 21) to close the month.