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Ole Miss Football: Keeping Haynes Is A Recruiting Victory

By K. L. Williams

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (10) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (10) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ole Miss defensive end Marquis Haynes has decided to return for his senior year. His return feels like a huge recruiting victory for the Rebels.

On the day Junior College football players can sign letter of intents with the Division 1 football team of their choice, the biggest recruiting news may have come from within the team. Pass rusher Marquis Haynes has decided to forgo the 2017 draft and return for his senior year.

Haynes deciding to come back brings stability to a line that is losing several key members. Fadol Brown, D.J. Jones and Issac Gross have all graduated. Therefore, there is a lack of veteran leadership. So having Haynes return is a huge deal.

Haynes’ statistics speaks for themselves. He has 127 career tackles. The Jacksonville, Florida native is third all-time for Ole Miss in tackles for loss with 36.5. He is also third all-time with 24.5 sacks.

Many assumed that he would enter into the draft this year. Especially after such a disappointing season for the Rebels. However, after taking time off after the season ended, he and his family decided it was in his best interest to return.

His tenacity at the defensive end position makes him one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC. He has the kind of speed that many believe would be more suited for a linebacker in a 3-4 defense. However, he has given fits to some of the best offensive tackles in the country.

Also his return will make him a great candidate for the 2017 Chucky Mullins Award. If that happens, he will be wearing 38 next year. No matter the number he wears, opposing teams will know where he is on the field.

Related Story: Ole Miss Football: Mocking Where Rebels Will Go In the NFL Draft

Haynes’ return is also good news for whichever defensive coordinator that comes into the program. This will also allow some of the younger, less experience players to be eased into the rotation. So, though this isn’t officially recruiting news, it feels as if Ole Miss landed a big time player.

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