Ole Miss announced the eight “early-enrollees” of its football program on Monday morning. The players became official members of the program when they stepped foot in a classroom on Monday.
Here’s a look:
Shea Patterson – Quarterback
Scout: 5-Star
Rivals: 5-Star
247: 5-Star
Patterson has been the cornerstone of Ole Miss’ recruiting effort of the 2015 class. Patterson committed to the Rebels in February of 2015 and has been solid ever since. Patterson played his junior year of football in Shreveport, Louisiana before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his senior year. Patterson is the No. 1 quarterback in the country according to Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports and will look to compete for the back-up job with Ryan Buchanan and Jason Pellerin.
Benito Jones – Defensive Lineman
Scout: 4-Star
Rivals: 4-Star
247: 5-Star
Since committing to Ole Miss the summer before his junior year, Jones has remained loyal. Jones is from Waynesboro and played at Wayne County, home of former Rebel Jerrell Powe. Many have drawn comparisons between Jones and former Rebel Peria Jerry. Jones could provide an immediate impact to the Rebels’ defensive line with Robert Nkemdiche and Woodrow Hamilton departing.
Gabe Angel- Tight End
Scout: 4-Star
Rivals: 3-Star
247: 4-Star
Angel has been committed to the Rebels for over a year. Angel is from Cookeville, Tennessee and appears to be of the Evan Engram mold. Angel could compete for the backup role to Engram with redshirt freshman Willie Hibbler.
Charles Wiley – Defensive End
Scout: 4-Star
Rivals: 4-Star
247: 4-Star
Wiley is a four-star commit from Stockbridge, Georgia. Wiley, coming in at 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, could provide an immediate impact to the Rebel defensive end position. The Rebels return starters senior Fadol Brown and junior Marquis Haynes along with John Youngblood and Victor Evans, but Wiley’s frame gives him an opportunity to compete for immediate playing time.
Greg Eisworth – Defensive Back
Scout: 3-Star
Rivals: 3-Star
247: 3-Star
Eisworth is from Grand Prairie, Texas. He will join a talented crew of Ole Miss secondary members, including returning starters Tony Conner and C.J. Hampton.
Donta Evans – Linebacker
Scout: 3-Star
Rivals: 3-Star
247: 3-Star
Evans is from Lawrenceville, Georgia. Evans will have an opportunity to contribute immediately after the Rebels’ losses at linebacker, including Christian Russell, C.J. Johnson and Denzel Nkemdiche.
Myles Hartsfield – Cornerback
Scout: 4-Star
Rivals: 3-Star
247: 3-Star
Hartsfield is from Massachusetts and chose the Rebels over Boston College. Hartsfield will join the Rebels after spending a year at East Coast Prep. Hartsfield will join returning contributors at cornerback including Kendarius Webster, Tony Bridges, Kailo Moore and Cam Ordway.
Eli Johnson – Offensive Lineman
Scout: 3-Star
Rivals: 3-Star
247: 3-Star
Johnson, from Lafayette High School in Oxford, decided to stay home and join the Rebels. Johnson projects to play inside at the guard or center position and will compete for time with Rod Taylor, Javon Patterson, Jordan Simms, Daronte Bouldin and others.
