Ole Miss Recruiting: Huge weekend could make a huge impact on the class

We are less than two weeks away from the Superbowl of recruiting, National Signing Day. For many universities this is a huge day in which the future of their teams are shaped for the upcoming season(s). Many of the top prospects throughout the country have already pledged their commitments to a school, but for some of the nation’s best talent, they have yet announced their decisions, and some are waiting for NSD to make their announcement.

Ole Miss will likely not fulfill 25 new scholarships in 2015, but the Rebels will haul in much needed talent to their depth charts. Currently, the team has 12 hard commits from high school prospects, and with NSD upon us, there is still an opportunity for the Rebels to make a huge impression to uncommitted talent.

Today will begin a series of visits on campus for some of the nation’s top prospects. This weekend will place host to a large reception for recruits and their family members. Some of these prospects have already committed to Ole Miss and some are heavy targets. For some, this will be their official visit, so a lot is on the line for making a huge impression.

Here are some of the recruits that are expected to be in town…

CeCe Jefferson (Defensive End); Four-Star Prospect

From: Glen Saint Mary, FL High School: Baker County

Height: 6ft. – 2in. Weight: 275 lbs.

Highlight Video: MaxPreps

CeCe Jefferson would be a huge addition to the Landshark defensive line. Imagine him lining up next to Robert Nkemdiche, and opposite to C.J. Johnson. Jefferson’s amazing speed and athleticism would add fuel to the already explosive defensive line.

Jefferson has recently named Ole Miss his leader, over Florida and Auburn. Coach Hugh Freeze and his staff have expressed their interests in Jefferson, by recently traveling to Florida for an in-home visit.

Van Jefferson (Wide-Receiver); Four-Star Prospect

From: Brentwood, TN High School: Ravenwood

Height: 6ft. – 2in. Weight: 183 lbs.

Kim Sutlive, 247Sports

Highlight Video: Hudl

The best thing that could have happened for Coach Freeze and the Rebels’ staff was Van Jefferson’s recent decommitment from Georgia. Jefferson committed to Georgia back in August, and has shown interests in Ole Miss even after his pledge to the Bulldogs. For the past several months, it has been a constant battle over Jefferson between Ole Miss and Georgia. After a recent official visit to Stoopville, the Sooners of Oklahoma has steamrolled into in the picture.

It took some persuasion from Bob Stoops for� Jefferson to decommit from Georgia and not to commit to Oklahoma. Just think of what Freeze can bring to the table given the opportunity. Tennessee’s third ranked prospect will join the other Jefferson (of no relations) this weekend in Oxford for the Rebels’ Super Recruiting Weekend.

This weekend will be a huge opportunity for the Ole Miss staff to impress one of nation’s best route-runners. Jefferson is not known for his speed, but has great hands and amazing ability to cause mismatches. After season ending injuries to their top two receivers last season, the Rebels struggled to find that play maker in the loss to TCU. Added talent to the receiver core would add leverage for the future starting quarterback next season.

Damarkus Lodge (Wide-Receiver); Four-Star Prospect

From: Cedar Hill, TX High School: Cedar Hill

Height: 6ft. – 2in. Weight: 190 lbs.

Highlight Video: MaxPreps

The good news for Rebel fans is that Laquon Treadwell will recover from his injury and ready to play by next fall. The bad news is that the 2015 season will likely be the last time Treadwell will be in a Rebel uniform, because his skills has early NFL Draft pick written all over it. Damarkus Lodge is aware of that, and wants to be that guy to replace Treadwell.

Bold statement? Watch his highlight video and then answer that question. His highlight videos show almost identical playing style as Treadwell. Lodge is schedule for an official visit to the Ole Miss campus this weekend. The Cedar Hill star racked up nearly 3,750 receiving yards and 72 touchdowns in his high school career. The fact that he is a close friend and former high school teammate of Rebel receiver Quincy Adeboyejo may also contribute to his decision to choose Ole Miss.

Also visiting this weekend…

Drew Richmond (Offensive Tackle); Four-Star Prospect; Ole Miss Commit

Drew will be a huge asset to the offensive line, and he shows only interests in becoming an Ole Miss Rebel.

Rasool Clemons (Defensive End); Three-Star Prospect

Has Ole Miss as his favorite over LSU.

Montrell Custis (Cornerback); Three-Star Prospect; Alabama Commit

Custis committed to Alabama last April, but still seems to be weighing his options. He just wrapped up a visit at Kentucky, and plans to visit Florida next week.

Armani Linton (Safety); Four-Star Prospect; Ole Miss Commit

He recently acquired his fourth star, and is all Rebel.

Austrian Robinson (Defensive End); Three-Star Prospect

He is making his official visit on campus all the way from his hometown of Pawling, New York, and he doesn’t mind the distance. Robinson is rated the No. 2 player in his state. He has Ole Miss inside his top three alongside Ohio State and Maryland.

Cameron Ordway (Cornerback); Three-Star Prospect; Ole Miss Commit

Ordway committed to Ole Miss back in September and has shown he is all Rebel.

Alex Givens (Offensive Tackle); Three-Star Prospect; Ole Miss Commit

He is all Rebel.

Fletcher Adams (Linebacker); Four-Star Prospect; Mississippi State Commit

Adams has been committed to the Bulldogs for the a long time, but has recently said he is “85 percent” committed to them now. History has shown that Lil Flip only needs fifteen percent to change the mind of a prospect. This will be Adams official visit to Oxford.

Roquan Smith (Outside Linebacker); Four-Star Prospect

Smith is the nation’s No. 4 rated outside linebacker and for a long time has been a heavy Georgia favorite. However, he was impressed with the Ole Miss campus during his unofficial visit of last football season.

Leo Lewis (Inside Linebacker); Four-Star Prospect; Ole Miss Commit

This weekend will be the official visit of Lewis. It will need to be a huge impression for him, as the TCU blowout made him look into options of Mississippi State and LSU. He plans to make visits to both of those schools too before NSD.

***

For more recruiting coverage leading up to National Signing Day, check out the ways to stay connected through us below.