Ole Miss Football: Final Official Visits Weekend Produces Some News
As the final weekend of official visits for Ole Miss football recruiting comes to an end we look at some of the recent recruiting news out of Oxford.
With National Signing Day just days away Ole Miss football recruiting is trying to close out strong. Of course, this weekend was very important as the final official visits took place in Oxford. The Rebels had officials from four prospects scheduled for this weekend as well as visits scheduled by early signees Jalen Cunningham and James Williams. Of course, as with any recruiting weekend there was also a few surprises.
As reported by OMSpirit, the Rebels also had visits from Pearl running-back Tylan Knight and line- backer Luke Knox of Brentwood, TN. Of course, despite his size Knight was electric as a player at Pearl. Knox is the younger brother of Rebels TE Dawson Knox. Both prospects recently received offers from Ole Miss. Knight is currently committed to Louisiana-Lafayette. Knox also has offers from Air Force, Navy and Princeton.
Another Linebacker Prospect
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Another player who surprised us with a visit this weekend was inside linebacker Tahj Williams of Homerville, Georgia. An unrated inside line-backer, Williams is listed at 6’1″ 210 lbs. Although not much is known about Williams he caught the eye of defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff and was given an offer.
Williams was a all-state linebacker for Clinch County and is very talented. Naturally he has the size and speed to play at the next level. He is very fast and explodes into his tackles. Williams has instinctive line-backer abilities and makes big plays. You can check out some of his highlights here and judge for yourself.
Because of Ole Miss beginning to run out of scholarships Williams and Luke Knox are both players being affected. Williams was told it would be Monday before it could be determined if a scholarship would indeed be available for him. Knox had mentioned his possibly being a grey shirt situation.
Other Visit Notes
One head-scratcher from the weekend was 3 star corner-back Benjie Franklin out of Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. Franklin held offers from Ole Miss, Auburn, Kansas and Tennessee but is listed as having committed to Texas A&M Commerce Sunday.
3-star rated outside linebacker Jayden McDonald was on campus at Ole Miss this weekend. It is said McDonald enjoyed his visit and loved the Ole Miss campus. McDonald also holds offers from Iowa, Kansas State and Purdue. McDonald will make his decision at some point later this evening.
Huge 4-star tackle Tank Jenkins of Montgomery, Alabama and 3-star defensive end Deuntra Hyman were scheduled to visit. So far there has been little or no information regarding their visits or status. Jenkins is also considering offers from Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Louisville. Hyman is committed to Southern Miss.
On A Sad Note
Early 2018 signee Jalen Cunningham was scheduled to be at Ole Miss this weekend. However Jalen’s father unexpectedly passed away this weekend. Of course, OHT sends our very deepest condolences to Jalen and the Cunningham family. You are in the Ole Miss family’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Expecting To Finish Strong
So far this Ole Miss football recruiting class has really surprised most Ole Miss fans and college football pundits. Just prior to the early signing period Ole Miss was looking at a dismal outcome for the 2018 class. Of course, the early signing period really kicked things into high gear for coach Matt Luke and his staff.
Now with NSD just two days away there is no reason to believe this class can’t or won’t finish out strong. As of now the 2018 recruiting class stands at 18 players. Of course, fourteen players signed in the early signing period on Dec 20th. The other four players are considered hard commits until they sign. Ole Miss currently has the No.33 ranked class in the nation and are ranked at No.9 in the SEC.
Next: National Signing Day Predictions!
National Signing Day will commence this Wednesday with thousands of high school football players inking letters of intent with colleges across the nation. Coach Matt Luke and Ole Miss football have their eye on some top prospects who are believed to make the Rebels their choice. Of course, we are into the final stretch of wait and see mode. OHT will have more updates as the day draws even closer. Hotty Toddy!