Ole Miss gets three commitments, loses one in 24-hour span

Published 11:21 am Monday, January 29, 2018

One day. Three additions. One subtraction.

That’s what Ole Miss’ recruiting class experienced as Sunday night trickled into Monday when the Rebels landed commitments from Arizona Western defensive tackle Noah Jefferson and Chamblee Charter (Atlanta) offensive lineman Hamilton Hall.

Their verbal pledges came hours after Lee High (Alabama) three-star linebacker Kevontae’ Ruggs committed to Ole Miss on Sunday night. All three prospects took official visits to Ole Miss over the weekend.

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Ole Miss also lost a commitment Monday in Meridian three-star defensive end Deuntra Hyman, who flipped to Southern Miss after visiting the Golden Eagles’ campus over the weekend, according to the Hattiesburg American. Hyman had been committed to Ole Miss since May.

Jefferson adds to a deep defensive line class for the Rebels. A former Southern Cal signee, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound Jefferson, ranked a three-star prospect and the nation’s No. 8 junior college tackle in the 247Sports Composite rankings, is the fifth commit or signee expected to play on the defensive interior.

Jefferson and Hall announced their verbal pledges to the Rebels with posts to their Twitter accounts. Hall, ranked a three-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite, chose Ole Miss over Nebraska and Louisville among others. At 6-5 and 315 pounds, he’s projected to play guard in college.

“This decision was extremely hard as all the schools are fantastic institutions,” part of Hall’s post read. “It all comes down the best fit for me and where I can succeed most at. I believe fully with my heart that I have found that place.”

Hall is the first true offensive lineman prospect to join Ole Miss’ class. The Rebels are set to return four starters up front next season with the lone departure being right tackle Rod Taylor. Ole Miss signed Alabama two-way lineman Jalen Cunningham during the early signing period, but head coach Matt Luke said Cunningham will start his career on the defensive side of the ball.

With 19 commits or signees as part of its 2018 class, Ole Miss’ class is ranked 33rd nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. The traditional signing period begins Feb. 7.