Football Recruiting
Ole Miss coaches have hit the road recruiting this weekend, checking out everything from junior college prospects in Mississippi to five-star targets in Florida. The consensus, from talking to people inside and outside of the program, is the Rebels are being received extremely well.
I'll start with a dose of negative news. Multiple sources tell me Ole Miss is simply not making up enough ground with Fulton, Miss., ATH Ashton Shumpert. Mississippi State, thanks to family ties/family pressure, has a clear lead for Shumpert. Shumpert's mother is open to him going elsewhere, but all signs point toward Shumpert eventually choosing the Bulldogs. --NM
Ole Miss, meanwhile, appears to be in much better shape for four-star defensive back Antonio Conner. The Rebels and Alabama possess a big lead over Mississippi State, according to several sources. --NM
The Rebels, meanwhile, aren't in as good of shape for Holmes (Miss.) Community College wide receiver Jonathan Rumph. The Rebels would love to land Rumph, but it appears both Tennessee and Mississippi State lead the Rebels for his signature. Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze attended Rumph's game Thursday night, but the gap to close is a wide one. --NM
This has been an uphill climb for Ole Miss from the beginning. Some progress has been made, but the Rebels were late to make an impact with Rumph, and Tennessee has been the rumored favorite. For whatever reason, Rumph seemed cold to the Rebels early in the process. --CP
Ole Miss expects to return Nick Brassell to the program in January. One of his junior college teammates, Justin Cox, is giving the Rebels a long look. While I still expect Cox to re-sign with Mississippi State, multiple sources indicate the Rebels feel Cox will give Ole Miss a long, hard look before making a decision. Cox, like Brassell, would give the Rebels' secondary an immediate boost. --NM
Another EMCC player Ole Miss remains interested in is defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Florida State was on him first, and he has stayed in touch with the Seminoles throughout, but Ole Miss has piqued his interest. Texas is also kicking the tires on Smith. If Texas decides to pursue, the Longhorns have an in, as UT player Brandon Moore was Smith's roommate last year. Smith is scheduled to be in College Station this weekend. --CP
Several sources close to the Ole Miss program continue to feel good about the Rebels' chances to land a pair of highly sought after defensive ends, Robert Nkemdiche and Elijah Daniel. Multiple sources believe that while Nkemdiche really likes Clemson and hasn't ruled the Tigers out, the lure of playing with his brother at Ole Miss and pleasing his parent by choosing Ole Miss will ultimately overcome his feelings for Dabo Swinney and Co. Several sources believe Nkemdiche has a blessing from both parents to make a switch, one that likely won't happen until after the season is over.--NM
If Nkemdiche switches to Ole Miss, look for Daniel to give the Rebels a long look. He's committed to Clemson as well, but there are multiple contacts close to recruiting circles who believe Daniel would switch to Ole Miss if Nkemdiche flips to the Rebels. --NM
Bolivar, Miss., running back/Miss. State commitment Kailo Moore could still very well switch to Ole Miss, but it's not the sure-thing lock that some are making it out to be. The pressure on Moore to State locally is enormous. If a switch happens, it won't happen until much closer to National Signing Day. --NM
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze was in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, visiting Callaway High School and looking at juniors OT Rod Taylor. DE Breeland Speaks and DB Ronald Walker. Taylor is leaning heavily to Alabama, while the other two are looking hard at Ole Miss early. --NM
Ole Miss doesn't appear to have a strong shot for Richmond, Va., five-star running back Derrick Green. The Rebels have a better shot for four-star wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, though it appears Michigan is the favorite for both.--NM
Michigan was thought to be the favorite for Treadwell for months, and while they're definitely still in it, the Wolverines have come back to the pack a bit. That's great news for Ole Miss, as the Rebels have made quite the impression. Still a lot of work to be done, but Ole Miss is in it more than most thought possible. --CP
Defensive end Jason Carr could be in play if Tennessee makes a change in its program as it pertains to Derek Dooley, per sources. Ole Miss is staying in contact with Memphis defensive end/LSU commitment Frank Herren.--NM
Speaking of Tennessee prospects, basketball remains a primary focus for Ensworth athlete Corn Elder. Ole Miss hasn't done anything to slip, but with UCLA and others starting to pick up interest, the high-billed basketball programs are thought to have an advantage. He's all about basketball, and that plays a role. Everything I've heard is that Ole Miss will allow him to play both, but it seems programs with more history have the opening if they want him.--CP
We told you earlier this week about Ole Miss getting an unofficial visit from Montevallo, Ala., tight end Korey Cunningham. A couple of sources have indicated they expect Ole Miss to offer Cunningham soon and for the big tight end to accept that offer quickly.--NM
There is conflicting information, all from normally reliable sources, regarding junior college defensive tackle Marquel Combs. Several sources believe Combs will not be eligible to sign anywhere in December, which would put Ole Miss back at the top of his list in February. It's clear, however, that Combs desperately wants to get away from Pierce (Calif.) Community College. If he can graduate early and sign in December, he'll clearly bolt and not wait to go to Ole Miss, which requires a couple of classes he won't be able to take at Pierce until the spring.--NM
Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy offensive tackle Brandon Hill has emerged as a major Ole Miss target. Hill, a Memphis-area product, signed with Alabama out of high school but failed to qualify. Two sources told me independently of each other this week that Hill's preference is to return to Alabama. However, the Tide appears to be uncertain about its desire for Hill, and Hill's mother is very much sold on Hugh Freeze and Ole Miss. He's one to watch.--NM
Rivals.com's Andrew Bone communicated with Hill on Wednesday night, and Hill told him, "Roll Tide Roll," but, as Neal said, Alabama hasn't been full go on the offensive lineman. For months I've heard Hill would like to prove he can play at Alabama, but that Ole Miss remains a major option with the family.--CP
Ole Miss entertained the Memphis East trio of Herbert Moore, Christian Morris and Marcus Robinson last weekend. Moore remains firmly committed to the Rebels and is recruiting the other two. Robinson, who is committed to Arkansas, can be flipped if Ole Miss wants him. Morris is coveted by the Rebels, and their chances are increasing, but it remains very much an uphill battle. Morris remains committed to UCLA, but Nebraska is a major threat to the Bruins. Oklahoma has gotten in the mix for Morris as well, but he's intrigued by Ole Miss. It helps the Rebels that Morris' mother loves the idea of keeping her son close to home. The trio plans to return to Oxford for the Rebels' November date with Vanderbilt. --NM
Basketball
Ole Miss opened basketball practice to media earlier this week. It was my first real chance to see the Rebels' newcomers, though I did get a glimpse at them during the Square Jam last weekend. Here are some quick observations from one session:
1. Marshall Henderson gives Ole Miss the deep outside shooting threat it hasn't had since I've been on the beat (five years). Teams will have to defend him. He has no conscience. He's not afraid to shoot from 30 feet at any time. I love his swagger, also. Opposing teams and their fans will hate him, and I suspect he loves that. He also has quick hands on defense. He's going to be a major contributor.
2. Derrick Millinghaus is Andy Kennedy's kind of point guard ? cat-quick, a little nasty, aggressive. Jarvis Summers looked healthier and more explosive than late last season. Bottom line: Kennedy has two strong point guards.
3. Anthony Perez-Cortesia is smooth. He's 6-9, can shoot, can handle the basketball and looks to be able to facilitate the offense. He needs to get stronger, and he will add range as he gets older, but I won't be shocked if he's a major player on this team by the second half of the season.
4. Jason Carter is that stretch-4 Ole Miss hasn't been able to recruit. He's 6-9, can face the basket, knock down the open jumper, can extend to the 3-point line and can rebound his area. He's not as strong of a defender as Murphy Holloway, Reginald Buckner or even Aaron Jones, but he has range offensively they don't have.
5. I'm not sure where Martavious Newby gets minutes right away, but he's a tough defender who isn't afraid of contact heading to the basket. You can tell he has a football background. I won't be shocked if he wills himself into the rotation, but I just don't see where he gets the minutes right now.
6. I didn't get to watch a lot of Terry Brutus. All I noticed was that physically, he looks a lot like a young Holloway. Speaking of Holloway, goodness, Murphy has gotten strong. His shoulders would make Lebron James jealous. Holloway looked to have added some touch to his elbow-extended jumper. If he makes that shot consistently, look out. --NM
Quick basketball recruiting note: Ole Miss seems to be out for the Memphis Southwind duo of Johnathan Williams III and JuJuan Johnson. Williams committed to Mizzou on Thursday. Johnson is reportedly down to Alabama, Miami and Marquette. --CP
Football
My mid-season MVPs are Freeze, Jeff Scott and Denzel Nkemdiche. The job Freeze has done breathing life back into this program is remarkable. He's motivated Scott, who has proven every doubter (hand raised) wrong. Nkemdiche, meanwhile, has proven he can play at this level and proven he's not just Robert's big brother. If anything, Robert will have pressure his first year living up to his big brother's freshman legacy.
Where does the season go from here? Saturday, clearly, is huge. Ole Miss could change its outlook with a win at Arkansas. I expect a shootout. I think the Rebels can score frequently against the Hogs, but I also believe Tyler Wilson can exploit a young secondary at Ole Miss. The game could go either way.
Here's what's interesting, though: Bo Wallace's ball-protection skills have improved week after week. If he keeps it up and doesn't give possessions away, Ole Miss is going to have a chance to pull an upset soon. I thought before the season this was a 4- or 5-win team. I'm starting to believe six wins could very well happen, and if the Rebels can beat Arkansas, I wouldn't rule out a 7-5 campaign. If that happens, Freeze should be SEC coach of the year. It would be a stunning accomplishment.--NM
Baseball Recruiting
It's too early to worry about the 2013 MLB Draft, but with the baseball fall signing period within a month, I can give a very, very early idea of what to look for and worry about when the time comes. There will still be some JUCO additions to the signing class I'd think, but currently there are 13 commitments listed on Perfect Game's commit list for Ole Miss, and I trust that more than my own a lot of the time.
As for the Draft, this is what I'm hearing from scouts and other contacts, but remember this is very, very, very early, there's no money being offered yet, there's another season to play, and the players themselves aren't telling me this: Dalton Dulin and Cheyne Bickel are two of the most likely to sign next July if projections hold. That's not surprising on Bickel, as he's a right-handed power arm that's been highly regarded for a while. I'm surprised on Dulin, as he's quick (6.65 runner) and is an energy guy, but I still think his game is more suited for college right now instead of as a high pro prospect. We'll see, but early rumblings are that he could skip college. He's listed at 5-foot-9, 165. He's a switch-hitter and seems to get everything out of his frame. He can be very successful in college.
The group that will swing the class, in my opinion, is LHP Evan Anderson, SS Errol Robinson and outfield JB Woodman. Anderson is extremely good and is already at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds. Fastball runs around 90. Family seems to really want to go to college, so the money will likely have to be Hensley-like or higher. My gut says he shows, and if so it'll be huge for Ole Miss. Robinson lives in Maryland but has Mississippi ties. His mom went to Ole Miss. His dad went to Southern Miss. Someone told me once his sister goes to Ole Miss, but honestly I don't even know if he has a sister. I'll check on that. He does a little of everything and is ranked in the top 200 nationally. Still learning about his game, but I really like what I know. Woodman is ranked 102 nationally and the Orlando native chose Ole Miss over Florida. He's already starting to blow up, but he plays football in high school, as well, so that'll help Ole Miss come Draft time. Being a position player, it's hard to get the huge bonuses, so it's likely he shows, but his profile is definitely trending upward, so there's reason to be concerned.
Right-hander Ryan Leone and outfielder Carlos Williams are two wild cards I haven't heard much as far as draft stock. I watched Leone over the summer and was very impressed, but he's right-handed and just 6-foot-1, so I think he's likely to show just based on measurables. Now, Williams can absolutely fly, so there's always concern when a player has a tool like that. Perfect Game timed him at 6.18 in the 60. Yes, 6.18, as in two-tenths faster than Golson and one of the fastest times in the country -- regardless of level. Now my guess is it was hand-timed, so probably not quite that, but nonetheless, he can fly. Likely a project with other tools, but Ryan Bolden was picked 40th overall, so a single tool can carry you on Draft day.
Again, don't take any of that as gospel. Just trying to give a very early picture of the class that will sign next month. --CP
This post was edited on 10/19 9:45 AM by Chase Parham
Ole Miss coaches have hit the road recruiting this weekend, checking out everything from junior college prospects in Mississippi to five-star targets in Florida. The consensus, from talking to people inside and outside of the program, is the Rebels are being received extremely well.
I'll start with a dose of negative news. Multiple sources tell me Ole Miss is simply not making up enough ground with Fulton, Miss., ATH Ashton Shumpert. Mississippi State, thanks to family ties/family pressure, has a clear lead for Shumpert. Shumpert's mother is open to him going elsewhere, but all signs point toward Shumpert eventually choosing the Bulldogs. --NM
Ole Miss, meanwhile, appears to be in much better shape for four-star defensive back Antonio Conner. The Rebels and Alabama possess a big lead over Mississippi State, according to several sources. --NM
The Rebels, meanwhile, aren't in as good of shape for Holmes (Miss.) Community College wide receiver Jonathan Rumph. The Rebels would love to land Rumph, but it appears both Tennessee and Mississippi State lead the Rebels for his signature. Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze attended Rumph's game Thursday night, but the gap to close is a wide one. --NM
This has been an uphill climb for Ole Miss from the beginning. Some progress has been made, but the Rebels were late to make an impact with Rumph, and Tennessee has been the rumored favorite. For whatever reason, Rumph seemed cold to the Rebels early in the process. --CP
Ole Miss expects to return Nick Brassell to the program in January. One of his junior college teammates, Justin Cox, is giving the Rebels a long look. While I still expect Cox to re-sign with Mississippi State, multiple sources indicate the Rebels feel Cox will give Ole Miss a long, hard look before making a decision. Cox, like Brassell, would give the Rebels' secondary an immediate boost. --NM
Another EMCC player Ole Miss remains interested in is defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Florida State was on him first, and he has stayed in touch with the Seminoles throughout, but Ole Miss has piqued his interest. Texas is also kicking the tires on Smith. If Texas decides to pursue, the Longhorns have an in, as UT player Brandon Moore was Smith's roommate last year. Smith is scheduled to be in College Station this weekend. --CP
Several sources close to the Ole Miss program continue to feel good about the Rebels' chances to land a pair of highly sought after defensive ends, Robert Nkemdiche and Elijah Daniel. Multiple sources believe that while Nkemdiche really likes Clemson and hasn't ruled the Tigers out, the lure of playing with his brother at Ole Miss and pleasing his parent by choosing Ole Miss will ultimately overcome his feelings for Dabo Swinney and Co. Several sources believe Nkemdiche has a blessing from both parents to make a switch, one that likely won't happen until after the season is over.--NM
If Nkemdiche switches to Ole Miss, look for Daniel to give the Rebels a long look. He's committed to Clemson as well, but there are multiple contacts close to recruiting circles who believe Daniel would switch to Ole Miss if Nkemdiche flips to the Rebels. --NM
Bolivar, Miss., running back/Miss. State commitment Kailo Moore could still very well switch to Ole Miss, but it's not the sure-thing lock that some are making it out to be. The pressure on Moore to State locally is enormous. If a switch happens, it won't happen until much closer to National Signing Day. --NM
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze was in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, visiting Callaway High School and looking at juniors OT Rod Taylor. DE Breeland Speaks and DB Ronald Walker. Taylor is leaning heavily to Alabama, while the other two are looking hard at Ole Miss early. --NM
Ole Miss doesn't appear to have a strong shot for Richmond, Va., five-star running back Derrick Green. The Rebels have a better shot for four-star wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, though it appears Michigan is the favorite for both.--NM
Michigan was thought to be the favorite for Treadwell for months, and while they're definitely still in it, the Wolverines have come back to the pack a bit. That's great news for Ole Miss, as the Rebels have made quite the impression. Still a lot of work to be done, but Ole Miss is in it more than most thought possible. --CP
Defensive end Jason Carr could be in play if Tennessee makes a change in its program as it pertains to Derek Dooley, per sources. Ole Miss is staying in contact with Memphis defensive end/LSU commitment Frank Herren.--NM
Speaking of Tennessee prospects, basketball remains a primary focus for Ensworth athlete Corn Elder. Ole Miss hasn't done anything to slip, but with UCLA and others starting to pick up interest, the high-billed basketball programs are thought to have an advantage. He's all about basketball, and that plays a role. Everything I've heard is that Ole Miss will allow him to play both, but it seems programs with more history have the opening if they want him.--CP
We told you earlier this week about Ole Miss getting an unofficial visit from Montevallo, Ala., tight end Korey Cunningham. A couple of sources have indicated they expect Ole Miss to offer Cunningham soon and for the big tight end to accept that offer quickly.--NM
There is conflicting information, all from normally reliable sources, regarding junior college defensive tackle Marquel Combs. Several sources believe Combs will not be eligible to sign anywhere in December, which would put Ole Miss back at the top of his list in February. It's clear, however, that Combs desperately wants to get away from Pierce (Calif.) Community College. If he can graduate early and sign in December, he'll clearly bolt and not wait to go to Ole Miss, which requires a couple of classes he won't be able to take at Pierce until the spring.--NM
Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy offensive tackle Brandon Hill has emerged as a major Ole Miss target. Hill, a Memphis-area product, signed with Alabama out of high school but failed to qualify. Two sources told me independently of each other this week that Hill's preference is to return to Alabama. However, the Tide appears to be uncertain about its desire for Hill, and Hill's mother is very much sold on Hugh Freeze and Ole Miss. He's one to watch.--NM
Rivals.com's Andrew Bone communicated with Hill on Wednesday night, and Hill told him, "Roll Tide Roll," but, as Neal said, Alabama hasn't been full go on the offensive lineman. For months I've heard Hill would like to prove he can play at Alabama, but that Ole Miss remains a major option with the family.--CP
Ole Miss entertained the Memphis East trio of Herbert Moore, Christian Morris and Marcus Robinson last weekend. Moore remains firmly committed to the Rebels and is recruiting the other two. Robinson, who is committed to Arkansas, can be flipped if Ole Miss wants him. Morris is coveted by the Rebels, and their chances are increasing, but it remains very much an uphill battle. Morris remains committed to UCLA, but Nebraska is a major threat to the Bruins. Oklahoma has gotten in the mix for Morris as well, but he's intrigued by Ole Miss. It helps the Rebels that Morris' mother loves the idea of keeping her son close to home. The trio plans to return to Oxford for the Rebels' November date with Vanderbilt. --NM
Basketball
Ole Miss opened basketball practice to media earlier this week. It was my first real chance to see the Rebels' newcomers, though I did get a glimpse at them during the Square Jam last weekend. Here are some quick observations from one session:
1. Marshall Henderson gives Ole Miss the deep outside shooting threat it hasn't had since I've been on the beat (five years). Teams will have to defend him. He has no conscience. He's not afraid to shoot from 30 feet at any time. I love his swagger, also. Opposing teams and their fans will hate him, and I suspect he loves that. He also has quick hands on defense. He's going to be a major contributor.
2. Derrick Millinghaus is Andy Kennedy's kind of point guard ? cat-quick, a little nasty, aggressive. Jarvis Summers looked healthier and more explosive than late last season. Bottom line: Kennedy has two strong point guards.
3. Anthony Perez-Cortesia is smooth. He's 6-9, can shoot, can handle the basketball and looks to be able to facilitate the offense. He needs to get stronger, and he will add range as he gets older, but I won't be shocked if he's a major player on this team by the second half of the season.
4. Jason Carter is that stretch-4 Ole Miss hasn't been able to recruit. He's 6-9, can face the basket, knock down the open jumper, can extend to the 3-point line and can rebound his area. He's not as strong of a defender as Murphy Holloway, Reginald Buckner or even Aaron Jones, but he has range offensively they don't have.
5. I'm not sure where Martavious Newby gets minutes right away, but he's a tough defender who isn't afraid of contact heading to the basket. You can tell he has a football background. I won't be shocked if he wills himself into the rotation, but I just don't see where he gets the minutes right now.
6. I didn't get to watch a lot of Terry Brutus. All I noticed was that physically, he looks a lot like a young Holloway. Speaking of Holloway, goodness, Murphy has gotten strong. His shoulders would make Lebron James jealous. Holloway looked to have added some touch to his elbow-extended jumper. If he makes that shot consistently, look out. --NM
Quick basketball recruiting note: Ole Miss seems to be out for the Memphis Southwind duo of Johnathan Williams III and JuJuan Johnson. Williams committed to Mizzou on Thursday. Johnson is reportedly down to Alabama, Miami and Marquette. --CP
Football
My mid-season MVPs are Freeze, Jeff Scott and Denzel Nkemdiche. The job Freeze has done breathing life back into this program is remarkable. He's motivated Scott, who has proven every doubter (hand raised) wrong. Nkemdiche, meanwhile, has proven he can play at this level and proven he's not just Robert's big brother. If anything, Robert will have pressure his first year living up to his big brother's freshman legacy.
Where does the season go from here? Saturday, clearly, is huge. Ole Miss could change its outlook with a win at Arkansas. I expect a shootout. I think the Rebels can score frequently against the Hogs, but I also believe Tyler Wilson can exploit a young secondary at Ole Miss. The game could go either way.
Here's what's interesting, though: Bo Wallace's ball-protection skills have improved week after week. If he keeps it up and doesn't give possessions away, Ole Miss is going to have a chance to pull an upset soon. I thought before the season this was a 4- or 5-win team. I'm starting to believe six wins could very well happen, and if the Rebels can beat Arkansas, I wouldn't rule out a 7-5 campaign. If that happens, Freeze should be SEC coach of the year. It would be a stunning accomplishment.--NM
Baseball Recruiting
It's too early to worry about the 2013 MLB Draft, but with the baseball fall signing period within a month, I can give a very, very early idea of what to look for and worry about when the time comes. There will still be some JUCO additions to the signing class I'd think, but currently there are 13 commitments listed on Perfect Game's commit list for Ole Miss, and I trust that more than my own a lot of the time.
As for the Draft, this is what I'm hearing from scouts and other contacts, but remember this is very, very, very early, there's no money being offered yet, there's another season to play, and the players themselves aren't telling me this: Dalton Dulin and Cheyne Bickel are two of the most likely to sign next July if projections hold. That's not surprising on Bickel, as he's a right-handed power arm that's been highly regarded for a while. I'm surprised on Dulin, as he's quick (6.65 runner) and is an energy guy, but I still think his game is more suited for college right now instead of as a high pro prospect. We'll see, but early rumblings are that he could skip college. He's listed at 5-foot-9, 165. He's a switch-hitter and seems to get everything out of his frame. He can be very successful in college.
The group that will swing the class, in my opinion, is LHP Evan Anderson, SS Errol Robinson and outfield JB Woodman. Anderson is extremely good and is already at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds. Fastball runs around 90. Family seems to really want to go to college, so the money will likely have to be Hensley-like or higher. My gut says he shows, and if so it'll be huge for Ole Miss. Robinson lives in Maryland but has Mississippi ties. His mom went to Ole Miss. His dad went to Southern Miss. Someone told me once his sister goes to Ole Miss, but honestly I don't even know if he has a sister. I'll check on that. He does a little of everything and is ranked in the top 200 nationally. Still learning about his game, but I really like what I know. Woodman is ranked 102 nationally and the Orlando native chose Ole Miss over Florida. He's already starting to blow up, but he plays football in high school, as well, so that'll help Ole Miss come Draft time. Being a position player, it's hard to get the huge bonuses, so it's likely he shows, but his profile is definitely trending upward, so there's reason to be concerned.
Right-hander Ryan Leone and outfielder Carlos Williams are two wild cards I haven't heard much as far as draft stock. I watched Leone over the summer and was very impressed, but he's right-handed and just 6-foot-1, so I think he's likely to show just based on measurables. Now, Williams can absolutely fly, so there's always concern when a player has a tool like that. Perfect Game timed him at 6.18 in the 60. Yes, 6.18, as in two-tenths faster than Golson and one of the fastest times in the country -- regardless of level. Now my guess is it was hand-timed, so probably not quite that, but nonetheless, he can fly. Likely a project with other tools, but Ryan Bolden was picked 40th overall, so a single tool can carry you on Draft day.
Again, don't take any of that as gospel. Just trying to give a very early picture of the class that will sign next month. --CP
This post was edited on 10/19 9:45 AM by Chase Parham
