Top: DaMarkus Lodge Bottom: Austrian Robinson COURTESY 247SPORTS AND SCOUT.COM
With National Signing Day finally upon us, I have decided to make my final predictions on which universities some of the Rebels’ top prospects will decide.
CeCe Jefferson: Ole Miss
Florida is also heavily in the mix for this dynamic five-star defensive end, but I think the Rebels hold on to their lead. Jefferson had a great visit a few weeks ago and can play immediately for the Rebels defense.
DaMarkus Lodge: Ole Miss
There’s been speculation that Lodge might follow fellow high school quarterback Kyle Murray to Texas A&M, but I think Lodge stays with Ole Miss, who has had the lead in the race for his signature for some time. The impressive wideout de-committed from A&M earlier in the season for a reason, and I don’t think Murray is enough to sway him, especially with the chance that Murray might forgo football to play baseball.
Drew Richmond: Tennessee
Richmond de-committed from Ole Miss two days before National Signing Day, leaving the Rebels virtually no time to find a replacement for him at offensive tackle. He seems like a lock to join the Volunteers now.
Van Jefferson: Ole Miss
While Jefferson did make a last-minute visit to the Michigan Wolverines with new head coach Jim Harbaugh, I think there’s way too much ground for Michigan to make up in order to have a chance at flipping the wide receiver. I expect Jefferson to be catching passes for the Rebels next season.
Leo Lewis: LSU
The longtime Ole Miss commit de-committed a few days ago, and later tweeted out emoticons of a tiger and a bulldog, hinting that his college decision is between LSU and Mississippi State. Since he de-committed in Baton Rouge on a visit to LSU, I expect the Tigers to get this linebacker’s signature..
Jeffrey Holland: Auburn
A close friend of CeCe Jefferson, Holland is a great linebacker who is between Auburn, Florida and Ole Miss. Holland has been very interested in Auburn, especially after Will Muschamp was hired as their new defensive coordinator, and I expect him to ink with the Tigers.
Austrian Robinson: Ole Miss
While Maryland has led for much of his recruitment, things seem to have changed as of late. I expect the New York defensive end to sign with Ole Miss and make the long trip to Oxford.
Kevin Scott: USC
Fellow defensive tackle Ross Donnely committing to Ole Miss likely means the Rebels feel they don’t have a good shot at getting Kevin Scott. Ole Miss had seemed to be the leader, but it was rumored that if USC seriously pursued Scott they would land him. It appears they have.
Jaason Lewis: Arizona State University
Although he did visit Ole Miss, Lewis remains committed to ASU, and I don’t expect that to change. Florida was also fighting but recently got another commitment at running back, likely making this battle between the Sun Devils, Ole Miss and Tennessee, but there’s no indication he goes anywhere but to ASU.
Jalen Julius: Ole Miss
It’s not determined what position Julius will play at the next level, as he’s been projected as either a cornerback or a wide receiver. Regardless, Julius can be a dangerous weapon on either side and in the return game. I expect Ole Miss to beat out Miami and Louisville for his signature.
Be sure to watch Newswatch 99 for additional National Signing Day coverage and pick up a copy of The Daily Mississippian tomorrow.
