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Rebels Land Back-To-Back Consensus Top-20 Classes

By Austin Miller, OleMissSports.com

           

After assembling a consensus top-10 signing class a year ago, the Ole Miss football program hauled in a consensus top-20 class for the second straight year Wednesday. Headlining this year’s class are 14 high school and junior college All-Americans and the top four high school players in the state of Mississippi.
 
“I’m thrilled with our class, like every coach would stand and say today,” Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze said. “Our coaches did a phenomenal job in building relationships with the prospects and their families and significant others that can stand the onslaught of the recruiting process. It’s definitely a grind and a challenge. The last couple of weeks are always extremely anxious moments.
 
The major recruiting service rankings currently list Ole Miss at No. 14 (247Sports.com), No. 18 (Scout.com and ESPN.com), and No. 19 (Rivals.com). It marks the first time in school history to record back-to-back consensus top-20 classes dating back to the first recruiting rankings in 2002.
 
Among the 14 All-Americans are four U.S. Army-All America selections in defensive back C.J. Hampton, offensive lineman Christian Morris, wide receiver Markell Pack and offensive guard Jordan Sims. There were also three Under Armour All-America selections in defensive lineman Garrald McDowell, offensive lineman Rod Taylor and kicker Gary Wunderlich.
 
The 27-player class includes 19 players rated 4 stars or higher by at least one recruiting service, including five consensus four-star prospects, as well as offensive lineman Rod Taylor, who is listed as a 5-star prospect by 247Sports.com and a 4-star prospect by the other three major recruiting services.
 
“I hope we can redshirt more kids than we were able to the last two years,” Freeze said. “That’s a sign we’re headed in right direction and getting kids more maturity before they have to hit the field. Last year, we had some top-heavy guys that got a lot of attention. We were also able to evaluate correctly guys like Evan Engram and Derrick Jones. This class, we might be better top to bottom.”
 
The Rebels pulled in prospects from 10 different states, including Mississippi (12), Georgia (three), Alabama (two), Florida (two), North Carolina (two), Tennessee (two), California (one), Illinois (one), Louisiana (one) and Texas (one).
 
By the position, the Rebels welcome to the program six offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, four athletes, three linebackers, three defensive backs, two wide receivers, one quarterback, one running back, one tight end and one kicker.
 
“We’re close,” said Freeze of the roster’s depth. “I consider it two classes because the first year I had three weeks before signing day. After three full recruiting years, we should have our roster to where you look at it and feel this is an SEC roster. We’re definitely a lot closer.”
 
The jewel of this year’s class is Taylor, the consensus top-rated prospect in Mississippi and listed No. 1 on the Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list. He is also listed as a 5-star prospect, the No. 1 offensive guard and the No. 25 overall player in the country by 247Sports.com
 
“Rod Taylor is as good as I have ever seen in drill tape,” Freeze said. “You may watch a game tape and you may say he doesn’t look as good as this guy, but you go watch a drill tape. I don’t know if I have ever seen a guy any better than his feet in those things. That means a lot more to me.”
 
Led by Taylor, the Rebels hauled in the top four high school players in Mississippi, according to 247Sports.com. Joining him are Hampton, Pack and defensive lineman Breeland Speaks. Each of those three players is also a consensus four-star recruit, as well as defensive back Tee Shepard.
 
“We set out a goal to capture our state and the top guys in it, first, and then identify positions of need,” Freeze said. “We were able to accomplish both of those things in this class. It added significant depth to our young football team, particularly at certain spots.”
 
Ole Miss continues to build depth and helped fill immediate needs by signing five junior college players, as well as adding offensive lineman Christian Morris, a mid-year transfer.
 
Among the junior college players are Akeem Judd, the nation’s No. 1 junior college running back by Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN.com.
 
“We think the junior college route solved some immediate needs, like at middle linebacker with Christian Russell, and a big, physical tailback with Akeem Judd,” Freeze said. “We decided we needed another corner about a week ago and we were able to get a great talent like Tee Shepard to join us. At offensive tackle, we added Fahn Cooper. Those are positions that were of great need for us.”
 
The nation’s No. 1 JUCO cornerback by 247Sports.com and the No. 2 JUCO cornerback by ESPN.com, Shepard was one of the few signing day surprises for Ole Miss, flipping his commitment from Mississippi State to Ole Miss. Otherwise, it was a day with no bad surprises for Freeze and the Rebels.
 
“You come into it with your guys who have committed to you and you don’t have any bad surprises on that day,” Freeze said. “We were able to get through today without any, and it went pretty smoothly. We lost a few battles with some really good schools that we were in it at the end with some really good players.
 
“Our focus is totally on the players that we get because those are the Rebels and those are the ones who chose to come with us, and our concentration will be on the many, many great players. We got our team faster and deeper, and I can’t wait to get them here and get them on the field and get to practicing.” 
  

Ole Miss Football 2014 Signing Class

 

D.K. Buford | ATH | 5-11 | 190 | Lafayette HS | Oxford, Miss.

Fahn Cooper | OL | 6-5 | 315 | College of DuPage | Crystal Lake, Ill.

* Kendrick Doss | QB | 6-2 | 215 | Florence HS | Florence, Ala.

Sammie Epps | TE | 6-5 | 215 | Greenwood HS | Greenwood, Miss.

Victor Evans | DE | 6-4 | 225 | Skyline HS | Dallas, Texas

DeMarquis Gates | LB | 6-2 | 215 | Lovejoy HS | Hampton, Ga.

* C.J. Hampton | DB | 6-1 | 195 | Meridian HS | Meridian, Miss.

Dayall Harris | WR | 6-3 | 185 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

* Marquis Haynes | DE | 6-3 | 225 | Fork Union Military Academy | Jacksonville, Fla.

Akeem Judd | RB | 6-0 | 215 | Georgia Military College | Southern HS | Durham, N.C.

D.J. Law | ATH | 5-11 | 185 | Haines City HS | Haines City, Fla.

* Jeremy Liggins | ATH | 6-4 | 295 | Northeast Mississippi CC | Oxford, Miss.

Garrald McDowell | DL | 6-2 | 260 | Covington HS | Covington, La.

A.J. Moore | LB | 6-1 | 200 | Bassfield HS | Bassfield, Miss.

C.J. Moore | ATH | 6-0 | 190 | Bassfield HS | Bassfield, Miss.

* Christian Morris | OL | 6-6 | 290 | UCLA | Memphis, Tenn.

Markell Pack | WR | 6-3 | 185 | Purvis HS | Purvis, Miss.

Tyler Putman | OL | 6-5 | 285 | DeSoto Central HS | Southaven, Miss.

Sean Rawlings | OL | 6-5 | 285 | Madison Ridgeland Academy | Madison, Miss.

* Christian Russell | LB | 6-1 | 235 | East Mississippi CC | Fayetteville, N.C.

Tee Shepard | DB | 6-1 | 195 | Holmes CC | Fresno, Calif.

Jordan Sims | OG | 6-4 | 348 | Homewood HS | Homewood, Ala.

Breeland Speaks | DL | 6-4 | 285 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

Rod Taylor | OL | 6-3 | 320 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

Kendarius Webster | DB | 5-11 | 177 | Stockbridge HS | Stockbridge, Ga.

Chris Williams | DT | 6-1 | 287 | Sandy Creek HS | Tyrone, Ga.

Gary Wunderlich | K | 6-0 | 180 | Memphis University School | Memphis, Tenn.

 
* January enrollee
 
 
D.K. Buford

ATH | 5-11 | 190 | Lafayette HS | Oxford, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Selected to play in the 2014 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl … Listed as a 4-star recruit by 247Sports.com and ESPN.com and rated the No. 6 all-purpose back in the nation by 247Sports.com … Listed as the country’s 15th-best all-purpose back by Rivals.com and the No. 29 running back by ESPN.com … Ranked the state’s eighth-best prospect by 247Sports.com and ninth by ESPN.com … A member of The Clarion-Ledger’s Dandy Dozen … Listed No. 13 on The Clarion-Ledger’s Targeted 22 list … Chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … Accounted for more than 3,600 yards of offense and 49 touchdowns during his prep career, while helping Lafayette to three Class 4A state championship games, including back-to-back state titles as a freshman and sophomore … Named first team Class 4A All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches as a senior after rushing for 1,027 yards and 15 TDs and racking up 298 receiving yards with three TDs … Played through ankle and shoulder injuries for much of his senior season … Accounted for 1,448 yards (830 rushing, 398 receiving, 220 kickoff and punt returns) and 16 TDs as a junior … Had more than 700 yards of offense and 12 TDs as a sophomore … Coached in high school by Eric Robertson … Also participated in baseball, basketball and track & field … Was named Division 2-4A Defensive Player of the Year as a centerfielder in baseball … Class 4A champion in the 100 meters (10.76) and 200 meters (21.80) as a junior at the MHSAA state track meet … Sister, Mariah Buford, runs track at Ole Miss … Related to fellow Ole Miss signee Jeremy Liggins and former Alabama defensive back and minor league pitcher Justin Woodall.

 

Fahn Cooper

OL | 6-5 | 315 | College of DuPage | Crystal Lake, Ill.

 

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A second team NJCAA All-America selection as a sophomore … Rated a 4-star offensive tackle prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com … Listed as the No. 18 junior college prospect in the country by ESPN.com and No. 19 by 247Sports.com … Listed as the No. 5 junior college OT by ESPN.com and No. 7 by 247Sports.com … Starting left tackle at the College of DuPage, coached by Matt Foster … BOWLING GREEN (2011-12): A two-year member of the Falcons’ football team … Started all 13 games at left tackle during his redshirt freshman year in 2012 … Part of an offensive line that averaged 153.4 rushing yards per game and a unit that allowed just 15 sacks in 13 contests … Redshirted his true freshman year in 2011 … HIGH SCHOOL: A 2011 graduate of Crystal Lake South High School ... Helped his team finish 11-1 and advance to the state quarterfinals as a senior … Named to the Northwest Herald and Daily Herald All-Area team … Coached in high school by Chuck Ahsmann.

 

Kendrick Doss

QB | 6-2 | 215 | Florence HS | Florence, Ala.

 

Graduated from high school early and enrolled at Ole Miss in January 2014 ... Member of the 2014 signing class ... HIGH SCHOOL: Rated a 3-star prospect by all the major recruiting services ... Listed as the nation's No. 11 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com, No. 22 by 247Sports.com and No. 23 by ESPN.com ... Rivals.com rates him as the No. 11 recruit in Alabama ... Helped Florence to a 9-4 record and the school's first ever berth in the Class 6A state quarterfinals as a senior ... Threw for 1,539 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for 1,001 yards and 16 touchdowns ... As a junior, he accumulated 1,743 passing yards passing with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions to go with 1,202 rushing yards and 21 TDs on the ground ... Was named the 2012 TimesDaily Class 4A-6A Player of the Year ... A four-year starter at quarterback for Florence ... Coached in high school by Jamey DuBose ... High school teammate of Rebel linebacker Ray Ray Smith.

Sammie Epps

TE | 6-5 | 215 | Greenwood HS | Greenwood, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Selected to play in the 2014 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl … Rated a 4-star prospect and the 10th-best tight end in the country by Scout.com, which also lists him as the eighth-best prospect in Mississippi … Rated the No. 10 TE-H in the nation by ESPN.com … Listed as the nation’s No. 27 tight end and Mississippi’s 10th-best recruit by Rivals.com … Played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and was named Mississippi MVP after catching seven passes for 125 yards and a touchdown … Listed No. 8 on The Clarion-Ledger’s Targeted 22 list … A first team Class 4A All-State wide receiver by the Mississippi Assocation of Coaches and second team overall All-State pick by The Clarion-Ledger … Also voted Region 3-4A Offensive Player of the Year by the coaches … Hauled in 46 catches for 808 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season … Caught 45 passes for 500 yards and three TDs as a junior … Coached in high school by Clinton Gatewood … Cousin of former Ole Miss receiver Mario Hill.

 

Victor Evans

DE | 6-4 | 225 | Skyline HS | Dallas, Texas

 

HIGH SCHOOL: A consensus 3-star prospect … Rated the nation’s No. 46 weakside defensive end by 247Sports.com and the No. 48 defensive end by Scout.com … Listed as the 60th-best prospect in Texas by Scout.com … Named first team Class 5A All-State by the Associated Press and the District 9-5A Defensive MVP as a senior … Led all 5A players with 16 sacks to go along with 75 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 17 QB pressures his senior year … Helped Dallas Skyline reach the state semifinals as a senior and sophomore … Coached in high school by Reginald Samples … High school teammate of Ole Miss quarterback DeVante Kincade.

 

DeMarquis Gates

LB | 6-2 | 215 | Lovejoy HS | Hampton, Ga.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Rivals.com lists him as the No. 19 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 14 prospect in Georgia … Missed his senior season due to a torn ACL … A preseason Class 6A All-State selection by GHSF Daily … Recorded 132 tackles as a junior and was named All-Region … A three-year varsity starter from his freshman through junior seasons … Helped Lovejoy reach the Georgia 6A state championship game as a sophomore and junior … Coached in high school by Al Hughes and Edgar Carson.

 

C.J. Hampton

DB | 6-1 | 195 | Meridian HS | Meridian, Miss.

 

Graduated high school early and enrolled at Ole Miss in January 2014 ... Member of the 2014 signing class ... HIGH SCHOOL: U.S. Army All-American ... Consensus 4-star recruit and the No. 59 prospect nationally according to 247Sports.com ... Listed as one of the country's top 10 safeties by 247Sports.com, Scout.com and ESPN.com ... All-State selection and the Region 3-6A Defensive Player of the Year after his senior season ... Registered 111 tackles and four interceptions while helping Meridian to the 6A state semifinals as a senior ... The Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection ... Chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game ... Chose the Rebels over Alabama, Arkansas and Florida State.

 

Dayall Harris

WR | 6-3 | 185 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Rated a 4-star recruit and the No. 53 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Ranked the eighth-best player in Mississippi by ESPN.com … A Class 5A All-State selection as a kick returner by the Mississippi Association of Coaches as a senior … Also tabbed All-Region 2-5A by the MAC and All-Metro second team at wide receiver by The Clarion-Ledger … Listed No. 17 on The Clarion-Ledger’s Targeted 22 list … Had 42 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, while racking up 1,034 total all-purpose yards … Led Callaway to a school-record 14 wins and the 5A North Half Finals … Recorded 31 catches for 490 yards and seven TDs as a junior … High school teammate of current Rebels Justin Bell and Aaron Morris … Coached in high school by Daryl Jones … Also played basketball and ran track … Helped Callaway’s basketball team to state titles in 2012 and 2013.

 

Marquis Haynes

DE | 6-3 | 225 | Fork Union Military Academy | Jacksonville, Fla.

 

Signed with Ole Miss and enrolled in classes in January 2014 ... HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus 3-star recruit and the No. 6 prep school prospect in the country according to 247Sports.com ... Listed as the top prep school defensive end by both 247Sports.com and Rivals.com ... Had 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles and an interception at Fork Union ... Originally part of North Carolina's 2013 signing class ... Played his high school ball at University Christian School, where he led his team to the Florida 2A state title as a senior.

 

Akeem Judd

RB | 6-0 | 215 | Georgia Military College | Southern HS | Durham, N.C.

 

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Listed as a 4-star recruit by 247Sports.com and the nation’s No. 1 junior college running back by Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Rated the No. 17 overall JUCO prospect by 247Sports.com … Helped lead Georgia Military College to the junior college national championship game as a sophomore … Rushed 95 times for 558 yards and four touchdowns during an injury-riddled season … As a freshman, he totaled 463 yards on 71 carries with five rushing TDs and two receiving scores … Coached in junior college by Bert Williams … HIGH SCHOOL: Ran for 1,324 yards and 14 touchdowns his senior year at Southern … Coached in high school by Adrian Jones … Also ran track.

 

D.J. Law

ATH | 5-11 | 185 | Haines City HS | Haines City, Fla.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Listed as a 4-star recruit and the No. 36 running back in the country by ESPN.com … Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com … Ranked the No. 28 running back by 247Sports.com and the No. 63 player in Florida … A second team Class 7A All-State running back as a senior after rushing for 1,275 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries … Scored 20 total touchdowns on the season … Ran for 1,043 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, and also caught 11 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown … Coached in high school by Ron Johnson …. Also played basketball at Haines City.

 

Jeremy Liggins

ATH | 6-4 | 295 | Northeast Mississippi CC | Oxford, Miss.

 

Enrolled at Ole Miss in January 2014 ... JUNIOR COLLEGE: Rated a 4-star prospect, the No. 20 junior college recruit in the nation and the No. 2 JUCO athlete by ESPN.com ... Rated the No. 31 overall JUCO recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com and the No. 1 JUCO athlete by 247Sports.com ... Listed as a 3-star defensive end by Scout.com ... Played in three games as a defensive end and four games as a quarterback during his freshman year at Northeast Mississippi Community College ... Had 14 tackles and a TFL at DE ... Passed for 441 yards, five touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 124 yards and a TD while playing QB ... Coached in junior college by Ricky Smither ... HIGH SCHOOL: Originally signed with LSU out of high school ... Led Lafayette High School to 32 straight wins and back-to-back 4A state titles as the team's quarterback ... Threw for 1,678 yards and 16 TDs and ran for 953 yards and 18 scores as a senior ... Passed for 1,186 and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 1,661 and 20 touchdowns during his junior season ... Named the 2010 and 2011 MHSSA All-Division 2-4A Player of the Year ... Awarded first team All-State honors by The Clarion-Ledger and All-Area by the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal his junior and senior seasons ... Was rated the No. 93 overall prospect in the country by 247Sports.com and No. 118 by ESPN.com ... A four-star recruit according to 247Sports.com and ESPN.com ... Listed as the ninth-best athlete in the nation by 247Sports.com and 12th by ESPN.com ... Rated as the No. 16 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com and the No. 19 quarterback by Scout.com ... Ranked as the No. 3 overall player in Mississippi by 247Spots.com, fourth by ESPN.com and seventh by Rivals.com ... A member of The Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen ... Selected as a member of the Mobile Press-Register Super Southeast 120 ... Coached in high school by Anthony Hart.

 

Garrald McDowell

DL | 6-2 | 260 | Covington HS | Covington, La.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: An Under Armour All-America selection … Registered two tackles and a half sack in the Under Armour All-America game … A consensus 4-star prospect by all the major recruiting services … Ranked the No. 111 recruit in the nation by ESPN.com and also a member of the Rivals250 … Listed as the nation’s No. 8 defensive tackle by ESPN.com and No. 17 by Rivals.com … Listed as the No. 12 strongside defensive end by 247Sports.com … ESPN.com rates him as the 11th-best prospect in Louisiana … A first team Class 5A All-State selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and a two-time All-Metro pick by The Times-Picayune … Listed No. 15 on The Times-Picayune Nifty 50 … Named the District 6-5A Defensive MVP as a senior after recording 128 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … Also rushed 24 times for 94 yards and eight touchdowns along with a TD reception as a short-yardage fullback … Helped Covington to the Class 5A state semifinals for the first time since 1987 … Registered 84 tackles, 18 TFLs and 10.5 sacks as a junior … Coached in high school by Greg Salter.

 

A.J. Moore

LB | 6-1 | 200 | Bassfield HS | Bassfield, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: MaxPreps second team Small School All-American … A consensus 3-star recruit and the No. 34 inside linebacker in the nation according to 247Sports.com … Rated the No. 46 outside linebacker in the country by Scout.com … Listed No. 9 on The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list and named to the publication’s Dandy Dozen … Chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … A first team All-State selection at linebacker by The Clarion-Ledger after recording 132 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks to go along with five rushing TDs as a senior … Also named the Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year and Region 7-2A Defensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches … Helped Bassfield go 15-1 and win the Class 2A state championship … A second team Class 2A All-State pick by the MAC his junior season when he helped Bassfield go 16-0 and capture the 2A state title … Coached in high school by Lance Mancuso … Also ran track and placed runner-up to fellow Rebel Kailo Moore in the 100 and 200 meters at the 2013 Class 2A state meet … Twin brother of Ole Miss signee C.J. Moore.

 

C.J. Moore

ATH | 6-0 | 190 | Bassfield HS | Bassfield, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Rated the No. 69 athlete in the nation by 247Sports.com … Scout.com lists him as the 23rd-best prospect in Mississippi and the nation’s No. 112 safety … Played quarterback and linebacker for Bassfield … Named Class 2A All-State and All-Region 7-2A as a linebacker by the Mississippi Association of Coaches after racking up 32 tackles, four TFLs and three interceptions his senior year … Also completed 58-of-101 passes for 1,194 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for 318 yards and 13 touchdowns … Led Bassfield to a 15-1 record and 2A state championship as a senior and a 16-0 record and 2A state title as a junior … Coached in high school by Lance Mancuso … Also ran track and placed third in the 400 meters behind fellow Rebel Kailo Moore at the 2013 Class 2A state meet … Twin brother of Ole Miss signee A.J. Moore.

 

Christian Morris

OL | 6-6 | 290 | UCLA | Memphis, Tenn.

 

Enrolled at Ole Miss in January 2014 ... UCLA (2013): A member of the Bruins' signing class, but did not enroll in the fall semester ... HIGH SCHOOL: A U.S. Army All-America selection ... Rated a 4-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com ... Listed as the No. 10 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 128 overall recruit by Rivals.com ... Pegged as the 20th-best OT in the country by Scout.com ... The third-best player in Tennessee according to Rivals.com ... A first team Class 5A All-State pick by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and an All-District 16-AAA selection ... Played in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star Game and the City of Memphis All-Star Game following his senior year ... A top-five OL performer at the 2012 Nike football combine "The Opening" ... Also played basketball ... Coached in high school by Marcus Wimberly.

 

Markell Pack

WR | 6-3 | 185 | Purvis HS | Purvis, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: A U.S. Army All-America selection … Hauled in a 16-yard reception and led the West team to a 28-6 victory in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … A consensus 4-star prospect … Rated the No. 90 overall recruit in the country by ESPN.com and No. 99 by 247Sports.com … Member of the Rivals250 … Listed as one of the nation’s top 15 wide receivers by 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Ranked No. 2 in Mississippi by ESPN.com and No. 3 by Scout.com and 247Sports.com … Listed No. 5 on The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list and named to the publication’s Dandy Dozen … Chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game ... A first team All-State pick by The Clarion-Ledger as a senior … First team Class 4A All-State and Region 7-4A Offensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches … Totaled 1,891 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns as a senior, gaining 1,170 yards on the ground and 528 yards on 35 catches through the air … Also passed for 94 yards … Had 16 tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble on defense … Lined up at quarterback, receiver, safety, cornerback, kick return and punt return … Caught 44 passes for 770 yards and seven TDs as a junior, while adding 444 rushing yards and five TDs on the ground … Coached in high school by Perry Wheat … Cousin of former Ole Miss linebacker Garry Pack.

 

Tyler Putman

OL | 6-5 | 285 | DeSoto Central HS | Southaven, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Listed as a 4-star prospect and the No. 19 offensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com … Also listed as a top-50 tackle by Rivals.com … ESPN.com ranks him the seventh-best prospect in Mississippi … Missed his senior season with a torn ACL … Coached in high school by Matt Wallace …

Also played basketball at DeSoto Central.

 

Sean Rawlings

OL | 6-5 | 285 | Madison Ridgeland Academy | Madison, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: A consensus 3-star prospect and ranked the No. 25 center in the country by Scout.com … Listed as the nation’s No. 72 offensive tackle by 247Sports.com and the No. 79 offensive guard by ESPN.com … The No. 19 player in Mississippi according to Rivals.com … Listed No. 19 on The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list … Named first team All-State and All-Metro at center by The Clarion-Ledger after his senior season … Graded out at 96 percent on the season with 46 pancake blocks and 59 knockdowns … Also played on the defensive line … Coached in high school by Forrest Williams … Also played basketball.

 

Christian Russell

LB | 6-1 | 235 | East Mississippi CC | Fayetteville, N.C.

 

Enrolled at Ole Miss in January 2014 ... JUNIOR COLLEGE: Rated a 4-star prospect by Scout.com and ESPN.com ... Ranked No. 21 among all junior college prospects by Scout.com and No. 22 by ESPN.com ... Rated 3 stars by Rivals.com and 247Sports ... Rated the No. 1 JUCO middle linebacker in the country by Scout.com and ESPN.com ... NJCAA Second Team All-America selection as a sophomore after helping East Mississippi to a 12-0 record and the NJCAA national championship ... Helped the EMCC defense finish second nationally allowing just 9.8 points per game and first nationally with 67 sacks ... Posted 80 tackles, including seven TFLs and three sacks ... Scored two defensive touchdowns and totaled eight pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery ... Had nine tackles in the NJCAA national title game ... Named to the NJCAA All-Region 23 team, first team MACJC All-State, and MACJC North Division Defensive Back MVP ... Earned second team MACJC All-North Division honors as a freshman after totaling a team-high 77 tackles, six TFLs, three sacks, four fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and a forced fumble ... Helped EMCC go 20-2 during his two seasons ... Coached in junior college by Buddy Stephens ... PREP SCHOOL: Attended Hargrave Military Academy in 2011 ... HIGH SCHOOL: Tabbed a 3-star prospect and top-40 linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com and Scout.com ... Played his senior season at Hoke County High School (Raeford, N.C.), earning a spot in the North Carolina East-West All-Star Game ... Was a three-year starter at Westover High School (Fayetteville, N.C.), where he racked up more than 350 tackles and 2,000 rushing yards ... Had 136 tackles on defense and 1,728 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on offense as a junior.

 

Tee Shepard

DB | 6-1 | 195 | Holmes CC | Fresno, Calif.

 

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A consensus 4-star recruit … Ranked No. 7 among junior college prospects by Scout.com and No. 8 by Rivals.com … Rated the No. 1 JUCO cornerback by 247Sports.com and No. 2 by JCGridiron.com and ESPN.com … Named first team All-State … Recorded 54 tackles, one interception, two fumble recoveries and six pass breakups in his one season at Holmes … Coached in junior college by Jeff Koonz … NOTRE DAME: Enrolled at Notre Dame for the spring 2012 semester and was a part of the 2012 signing class … HIGH SCHOOL: A Semper Fidelis All-American … Rated a 5-star recruit and the No. 39 player in the country and third-best cornerback nationally by Scout.com … Rated 50th on 247Sports.com listing of top prospects nationally … Ranked the fifth-best cornerback in the country and eighth-best prospect in California by 247Sports.com … Listed 76th on the Rivals250 chart … Named to the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 list as one of the 100 best players in 13 western U.S. states … Sat out his 2011 senior regular season, as Washington won third straight state title … Played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and Cal State All-Star Game … Made 10 career interceptions … Transferred following his junior season after playing in 2010 at Central East High School in Fresno.

 

Jordan Sims

OG | 6-4 | 348 | Homewood HS | Homewood, Ala.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Named a U.S. Army All-American … Made the MaxPreps Medium Schools All-America second team … Listed as a 4-star recruit by ESPN.com … Ranked the No. 19 offensive guard in the country by ESPN.com and No. 21 by 247Sports.com … Rated as the No. 14 player in Alabama by Scout.com and No. 15 by 247Sports.com and ESPN.com … Competed in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic … Named to the All-Metro team by the Birmingham News … Made the AL.com All-Super State team … Was an Associated Press Class 5A All-State team selection … Named the 2013 ASWA Class 5A Lineman of the Year … Graded at 91 percent with 81 pancake blocks and no sacks allowed as a senior … Coached in high school by Doug Goodwin.

 

Breeland Speaks

DL | 6-4 | 285 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: MaxPreps first team Medium School All-American … A consensus 4-star recruit … Rated the No. 135 overall prospect by 247Sports.com and No. 179 by Rivals.com … Rated the nation’s 11th-best defensive tackle by 247Sports.com, No. 19 DT by Scou­t.com and No. 12 strongside defensive end by Rivals.com … Listed No. 2 on The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list and named to the publication’s Dandy Dozen … Chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game ... Enjoyed a breakout senior season in which he was named first team All-State at defensive tackle and Metro Player of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger … Tabbed Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches  … Posted 118 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 18 QB hurries, four forced fumbles, three blocked kicks, five pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown while helping Callaway win a school-record 14 games and reach the Class 5A state semifinals … Also tabbed All-Metro by The Clarion-Ledger as a junior after leading the Chargers with a team-high 136 tackles, along with nine TFLs and five forced fumbles while playing middle linebacker … Coached in high school by Daryl Jones … His brother, Marcellus Speaks, was an All-American linebacker at Jackson State.

 

Rod Taylor

OL | 6-3 | 320 | Callaway HS | Jackson, Miss.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: An Under Armour All-America selection … MaxPreps second team All-American and first team Medium School All-American … Listed as a 5-star prospect, the No. 1 offensive guard and the No. 25 overall player in the country by 247Sports.com … ESPN.com lists him as the No. 2 OG and No. 56 player in the nation … Member of the Rivals250, ranked 106th overall … The consensus top-rated prospect in Mississippi … Listed No. 1 on The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 list and named to the publication’s Dandy Dozen … A first team All-State and All-Metro selection by The Clarion-Ledger his senior season, collecting more than 100 pancake blocks without giving up a sack … Named first team Class 5A All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches … Helped Callaway average more than 265 rushing yards per game en route to a school-record 14 wins and the 5A North Half Finals … Named second team Class 5A All-State by the MAC and All-Metro by The Clarion-Ledger his junior year when he helped the Chargers rush for 1,516 yards … Coached in high school by Daryl Jones … Also played basketball and ran track … Helped Callaway’s basketball team to state titles in 2012 and 2013.

 

Kendarius Webster

DB | 5-11 | 177 | Stockbridge HS | Stockbridge, Ga.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Rated a 4-star prospect and the No. 25 cornerback in the country by Scout.com, which also names him the No. 16 player in Georgia … Rated the No. 24 CB in the country and Georgia’s 26th-best player by 247Sports.com … First ever AJC Super 11 selection from Stockbridge High School … Named Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year after collecting 54 tackles, seven interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles as a senior … Also scored three offensive TDs and returned three kicks for scores … Led Stockbridge to the 4A state semifinals … Awarded team MVP … Coached in high school by Kevin Whitley.

 

Chris Williams

DT | 6-1 | 287 | Sandy Creek HS | Tyrone, Ga.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN.com … Listed as the No. 28 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com and No. 31 by 247Sports.com … Ranked the No. 38 player in the state of Georgia by Rivals.com … Recorded 34 tackles, three sacks and nine tackles for loss as a senior, despite missing six games early in the season … Collected 19 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss in the state playoffs …. Helped Sandy Creek to the 4A semifinals … As a junior, he posted 78 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 11 sacks while helping his team win a 4A state title … Coached in high school by Chip Walker … High school teammate of Ole Miss defensive back Mike Hilton.

 

Gary Wunderlich

K | 6-0 | 180 | Memphis University School | Memphis, Tenn.

 

HIGH SCHOOL: An Under Armour All-American … A USA Today All-America second team selection as a kicker … Rated a 3-star prospect and the No. 1 kicker in the nation by Rivals.com … Rated 3-stars and the nation’s No. 2 kicker by Scout.com and ESPN.com … Punted twice (43.0 yard average) and kicked off three times in the Under Armour All-America game … A first team All-State and Best of the Preps selection by the Commercial Appeal … Helped MUS to the D-II AA Championship game as the placekicker and punter his senior season … Posted season totals of 40 punts for a 44.58-yard average and was 9 of 14 on field goals (long of 51) and 49 of 50 on extra points … Four of his six field-goal misses were from over 50 yards … Recorded touchbacks on 55 of his 67 kickoffs … Coached in high school by Bobby Alston.

 


 

 

 

 

 

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