2015 National Signing Day: The latest signees of the 2015 Ole Miss recruiting class
By Dave Bevan
OXFORD — The 2015 National Signing Day is well underway, and the Ole Miss Rebels have already landed several new prospects. Nationally, it has been announced Bryon Cowart (the nation’s overall No. 1 prospect) has signed with Auburn. Five-star offensive tackle and former Ole Miss commit Drew Richmond has officially signed with Tennessee.
Yes, the loss of Richmond has taken a tole on Ole Miss’ national rankings in the 2015 class, but the Rebels are still in the mix to land some other big name prospects. Here are the latest signees on National Signing Day that we have not yet covered.
Eric Swinney (Running Back): Four-Star Prospect
Hometown: Tyrone, Georgia High School: Sandy Creek
Height: 5ft. – 10in. Weight: 197 lbs.
Swinney had been a long time Ole Miss commit (March of 2014) and never wavered. He is a speedy back that has reportedly built on some more weight (197), and is looking to compete for the starting role at running back for the Rebels. Last season, Ole Miss had their issues at running back last season, and with Mark Dodson and I’Tavius Mathers transferring, the Rebels will be looking to fill in the gaps. Swinney adds to the depth with senior Jaylen Walton, redshirt freshman Akeem Judd, and sophomores Eugene Brazley and Jordan Wilkins.
Alex Givens (Offensive Tackle): Four-Star Prospect
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee High School: Nashville Christian High School
Height: 6ft. – 6in. Weight: 280 lbs.
So, Ole Miss will not get Drew Richmond, but have built up some stock with on the offensive line with Javon Patterson, Michael Howard, and now Alex Givens. Givens is rated as the No. 30 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports.com, and the No. 11 prospect in the state of Tennessee. He has great overall blocking skills that will come in need to for the Rebels offensive line.
Next: OT Michael Howard and QB Jason Pellerin sign with Ole Miss
Rasool Clemons (Defensive End): Four-Star Prospect
Hometown: Aiken, South Carolina High School: South Aiken High School
Height: 6ft. – 6in. Weight: 212 lbs.
Clemons will need some time build weight (possible redshirt), but has amazing strength and athleticism that shows promise for the future of Kiffin’s Landshark defensive line.
Joe Anderson (Defensive End): Three-Star Prospect
Hometown: Reserve, Louisiana High School: Riverside Academy
Height: 6ft. – 4in. Weight: 240 lbs.
Anderson adds more depth to the defensive line as he is the third signee for Rebels’ defensive line on National Signing Day. 247Sports.com has him rated as the No. 25 defensive end in the country. However, this is not consider a bigger deal at the moment, because Anderson is consider likely heading to the junior college level from academics.
Ross Donelly (Defensive Tackle): Three-Star Prospect
Hometown: Cypress, Texas High School: Cy-Fair High
Height: 6ft. – 2in Weight: 300 lbs.
Donelly had five sacks as a senior in high school and could fit in at nose tackle or the three-technique for the Landshark defense.
Next: 3-Star LB Shawn Curtis signs with Ole Miss
Armani Linton (Safety): Four-Star Prospect
Hometown: Walnut, Mississippi High School: Walnut Attendance Center
Height: 6ft. – 3in. Weight: 195 lbs.
Armani Linton was a former Mississippi State commit, later flipping to Ole Miss last year and never turned back. He is probably one of biggest editions to this recruiting class thus far. Linton will be competing for the starting safety role against players like senior Trae Elston and sophomore C.J. Hampton. Linton is rated as the No. 6 safety and No. 4 in the state by 247Sports.com.
Cameron Ordway (Cornerback): Three-Star Prospect
Hometown: Pulaski, Tennessee High School: Giles County High
Height: 6ft. Weight: 170 lbs.
Ordway is listed as a cornerback by most sites, but is a natural athlete who can play on both sides of the ball. In high school, he caught 45 passes and 14 touchdowns, while producing 69 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defended, a fumble recovery, and four forced fumbles on defense. It will be interesting to see where he will fit in the Rebels’ scheme.
Next: 3-Star LB Zedrick Woods is the first to commit today
Willie Hibbler (Athlete): Three-Star Prospect
Hometown: Sardis, Mississippi High School: North Panola
Height: 6ft. – 5in. Weight: 255 lbs.
Hibbler has been a long time Ole Miss commit, and the Rebels currently have him listed as a tight end, but I could see this kid playing all over the field.
Stay tuned to Ole Hotty Toddy for more of the latest on National Signing Day. There are still hopes for upcoming signing announcements for Ole Miss with Leo Lewis, DaMarkus Lodge, Van Jefferson, and CeCe Jefferson.