The State of Mississippi has always had some of the best talent in the country. Keeping them instate and bringing them to Oxford is a top priority.
The Ole Miss Rebels football team receiving a verbal commitment from highly ranked Starkville linebacker Willie Gay has been the highlight of a successful recent stint in recruiting.
Gay fills a need the Rebels have at the linebacker position. His commitment is not only important because the Rebels need him, but also because he is an instate player that has been recruited nationally.
Keeping the great instate talent home has been a major area of focus for Coach Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff. So far, the 2017 recruiting class is littered with Mississippi high school players.
Along with Gay, Ole Miss has received verbal commitments from D.D. Bowie from Morton, Devin Rockette out of Oxford and Ben Brown from Vicksburg. Plus they have gotten commitments from Markel Winters in Ellisville and Lavante Epson in Greenville.
But Ole Miss is in hot pursuit of two huge targets that are still left uncommitted. Cam Akers from Clinton and C.J. Avery from Grenada are the two biggest prizes remaining in the state of Mississippi.
If Freeze can add these two pieces to the 2017 class, the Rebels would be well on their way to possibly securing another top 20 recruiting class.
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Cam Akers could come in and dominate at the running back position for the Rebels. A position the Rebels have needed to bolster in the past.
The five-star, 5’11 212 pound back out of Clinton has the look of an SEC prototypical running back. Although he played quarterback last year, it is his skill as a runner that have impressed scouts. He racked up 1418 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground last year.
Akers shows great breakaway ability as he combines power with his 4.44 speed. His innate ability to hit the hole quickly demonstrates that he possesses great vision and hole awareness. Adding Akers to the stable of young running backs along with Eric Swinney and D’Vaughn Pennamon would solidify the future for the Rebels.
When you first see tape on C.J. Avery the first thing that comes to mind is Rebel Husky Tony Conner. The four-star defensive back out of Grenada has the same missile like precision when zeroing in on an offensive target.
At 6’1 he is a little taller than Conner, but has a similar ability to hone in on the ball carrier and deliver a solid hit. From his safety position, Avery collected 76 tackles with 5 interceptions and a defensive touchdown from a fumble recovery.
Ole Miss is in need of DB help for the 2017 season so getting Avery to sign is paramount. Conner is heading to the NFL and Coach Freeze would love to plug the safety from Grenada into that void.
Avery is expected to be graduating in December so he will be an early enrollee. This would give him time to learn the position. Therefore, he can immediately help in the upcoming season.
Just like Willie Gay, who verbally committed last week, both Avery and Akers have the ability to come in and contribute immediately. All three have a body frame that could add more muscle. Spending time with Strength and Conditioning Coach Paul Jackson would quickly add that weight.
Next: Ole Miss recruiting breakdown: DE Rasool Clemons
Both these players are being heavily recruited by teams from every conference in the country. Bringing them to Oxford will not only keep homegrown talent from leaving the state, but also keeping the Rebel program growing in the right direction.