Caden Prieskorn, an Ole Miss double senior tight end, was a key member of the Rebels’ offense during their record-setting 2023 season.
After spending the majority of August in fall camp, Prieskorn required toe surgery. The rehabilitation period would force Ole Miss’ premier tight end to miss the opening several games of the season.
He returned in Week 4 against Alabama, but was still struggling to establish his footing in the system. However, it did not take long.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end ended his first season at Oxford with 30 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns. Most of his stats reflect Prieskorn’s performance in the second half of the season, but following the game against Alabama, Ole Miss’ ground attack returned.
Prieskorn was a consistent X-factor in Ole Miss’ run game and did a lot of dirty work in the middle of the season. Finally, in the final three games of the season, Prieskorn had the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in the passing game.
Prieskorn’s final three games against ULM, Mississippi State, and Penn State accounted for 243 of his 449 total receiving yards this season.
He saved the best for last.
Against the Nittany Lions’ highly touted defense in the New Year’s Six bowl game, Prieskorn torched Penn State for 136 yards on 10 receptions to go along with two touchdowns. Had there not been a fluke penalty, he would’ve had three that day too. Either way Ole Miss’ first-year tight end took home the offensive MVP honors that afternoon.
After considering his choices after the Peach Bowl, Prieskorn decided to stay at Oxford for another season, making him one of college football’s most sought-after returning tight ends.
Pro Football Focus appears to agree, listing Prieskorn as one of their best returning tight ends for the 2024 season. No brainer.
PFF Top-10 Returning TEs in CFB
1. Colston Loveland (Michigan)
2. Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame)
3. Brant Kuithe (Utah)
4. Benjamin Yurosek (Georgia)
5. Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina)
6. Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse)
7. Caden Prieskorn (Ole Miss)
8. Jack Velling (Michigan State)
9. Jalin Conyers (Texas Tech)
10. Luke Lachey (Iowa)
Prieskorn’s ranking feels a little low, especially if he can reproduce the performance and targets he achieved near the end of the season. Previous offensive skill players have fared well in Lane Kiffin’s playbook after just one season and a full offseason to improve.
Why can’t the same be said for Prieskorn, an unquestioned starter?
