OXFORD ― Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin pledged to attack the running back position in the transfer portal this spring. His first commitment is an impact player at that position.

Former New Mexico and Alabama State running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt announced on Instagram on Friday his intent to play for the Rebels for the 2024 season.

"The bigger the challenge, the greater the reward," he wrote. "Let's do it."

Croskey-Merritt, who had committed to Arizona in February, ran for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on a middling Mountain West offense and was named second-team all-conference.

Before that, Croskey-Merritt rushed for 1,164 yards during three seasons at Alabama State. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound native of Montgomery, Alabama, prepped at Sidney Lanier High School.

Croskey-Merritt fills a distinct need for the Rebels, who closed spring practice with both of their proven running backs laid up. Ulysses Bentley IV did not partake in the spring game due to an injury. LSU transfer Logan Diggs could contribute at some point this season, Kiffin said, but he is unlikely to be a factor from the start after sustaining an injury in LSU's bowl game last season.

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With Quinshon Judkins now at Ohio State, Croskey-Merritt is a necessary addition as Ole Miss looks to build its depth. Kiffin's high-tempo, run-heavy offenses often rely on more than one running back. Bentley saw plenty of action as Judkins' understudy last season, carrying the ball 95 times.

David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football lands transfer running back Jacory Croskey-Merlritt