.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Nutt Signs Winning Class
2/6/2008 | Football
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
Ever since his arrival on the Ole Miss campus, head coach Houston Nutt has spoken of the “family” atmosphere he hopes to infuse in the Rebel football program.
That family got a little bit bigger Wednesday, as 31 new faces were brought to
“We’re excited today,” said Nutt. “It has truly been a whirlwind and was a total team effort. We got to know a lot of good parents and good people. We have some very good student-athletes coming in and we are really excited about that.”
Currently Ole Miss’ class holds a national ranking of 22 and 34 on Rivals.com and Scout.com, respectively, with a list comprised of numerous players who could have a major impact next season.
Renowned recruiting expert Jamie Newberg of Scout.com said Nutt assembled a fine class despite having only three months on the job.
“I believe this is a solid class for Houston Nutt at Ole Miss,” Newberg said. “With a good variety and large quantity of quality players, this group fills many needs. He also finished up well with Enrique (
Newberg said Davis, a former Auburn signee, should boost the Ole Miss backfield immediately.
“Enrique (
Nutt displayed equal praise when discussing
“There is a reason why everybody wants him,” said Nutt. “He’s a difference maker. He can make the first guy miss, but he comes downhill with power. I love that.”
Linebacker, a key area of need for the Rebels, was also addressed with the addition of Patrick Trahan of
Trahan, another former Auburn signee, was a National Junior College Athletic Association second-team All-America selection, and was credited with 96 tackles, four forced fumbles and one interception in 2007.
Jones earned first team All-State honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association and helped lead Westover to the class 3A state quarterfinals.
“We needed some linebackers,” Nutt said. “The guys we have coming in are playmakers. They chase you, hit you and arrive in a bad mood. I’m excited about them.”
Tight end was also a major area of concern targeted by the coaching staff this recruiting season. With the signings of Navarro College standout Gerald Harris, E.J. Epperson of Humboldt, Tenn., and Ferbia Allen of Pine Bluff, Ark., Nutt certainly brought in capable athletes that could help fill the voids left by seniors Robert Lane and Robert Hough.
Harris, a 2007 first-team Academic All-America selection by JC GridWire, is a 6-foot-5, 250-pounder who was rated the No. 78 JUCO player in the nation by SuperPrep. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record in 2007 and a fourth-place finish in the national junior college poll.
Epperson was a 2A All-State selection and rated the No. 57 tight end prospect in the nation by Scout.com. He caught 17 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns as a senior. Allen is a two-way athlete who could be used as either a tight end or defensive end at the next level. He helped lead his team to the 4A state championship as a senior and was named to the All-Stat team by the Arkansas High School Activities Association.
“The first thing that we really wanted to address was the tight end position,” Nutt said. “I really felt like with Gerald (Harris) we have what you would want in an SEC tight end. E.J. Epperson and Ferbia Allen are both incredibly athletic, and we are very excited about having them join our system.”
With an abundance of twists and turns, recruiting season is often filled with countless peaks and valleys. However, with the wealth of talent and athleticism entering the Rebel program on National Signing Day, excitement has already risen in preparation for 2008 and the seasons that follow.
