When starting QB Shea Patterson went down with an injury during the LSU game this past fall, the Rebels turned to Jordan Ta’amu.

Ta’amu turned out to be a star, too, putting up 1,682 yards, 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions in his seven games. Entering the 2018 season, the starting job is his, as Patterson transferred to Michigan this offseason.

At the SEC meetings in Destin, Florida, on Tuesday, coach Matt Luke revealed what impressed him the most about Ta’amu’s rise to stardom (via 247Sports):

“I think they helped a bunch,” Luke said of the receivers. “Having a veteran O-line and having veteran receivers definitely helped.

“I think everybody body knew Jordan was a good athlete. Every scrimmage he’d break a long run and you saw that he had a good arm. I was impressed with his leadership capability. His first seven drives were scoring drives against LSU and Arkansas. That just showed you something right there and the team kinda followed him. He picked up right where he left off in the spring. Just very impressed with how he’s been able to lead. I knew he was talented, but his ability lead is what I was most impressed with.”

It’ll be Ta’amu’s show in 2018, and the Rebels’ offense returns plenty of talent to the field, including star WR A.J. Brown.

Even if the Ole Miss defense doesn’t improve, the offense will be something to watch each and every week under Ta’amu’s leadership.