Coming off a roller-coaster season of a lot of highs and lows, Lane Kiffin knew that he would need to make a splash through this recruiting class if Ole Miss is to continue to compete with the best of their conference. They did just that by signing serious in-state talent and bringing in immediate-impact players through the transfer portal. Split right down the middle of the 26 total players, they took 13 prep prospects and 13 transfers.
Most Underrated
Spencer Sanders
With all the hype around a lot of the quarterback transfers this year, one that went under the radar was that of Spencer Sanders. His impact on the field is felt with the sizeable drop-off in the team’s production when he wasn’t on the field. He does only have one year of eligibility, but that does not change the fact that, when healthy, he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
Scouting Report
Sanders has the ideal size, arm strength, release, and ball velocity to recognize the open receiver and get the ball to him. Able to attack all three levels of the field with good ball placement. Also displays poise in the pocket and, if forced out, keeps his eyes downfield, as running is not first reaction when his pocket collapses. Lane will be able to elevate his abilities even more through his play design and will get the best out of him in his final college season. As long as he can stay healthy, Ole Miss will be a tough team for opponents to deal with all year.
Best Get
Chris Marshall
Overall, Lane Kiffin brought in a very talented class, but one commit rises above the rest through both his traits and production. And that player is Chris Marshall. Marshall received limited targets in 6 games played at Texas A&M and also had his share of off-the-field incidents. But when a catchable ball was thrown his way, he was able to consistently reel it in.
Scouting Report
Not a very sudden receiver but is explosive, and once he gets going and is able to open his stride, it becomes difficult for DBs to run with him. Shows very good hips and foot quickness, as he can push a fade and stop on a dime to create separation on a comeback route. Due to his size and length, he has a very big catch radius for quarterbacks to throw at. Will be someone who will have an immediate impact for that offense and will just be another player that opposing defenses have to scheme against.
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Best Out of State Addition
Kedrick Reescane
Lane Kiffin has been known for bringing in good running backs these last few seasons as they have good depth in that room currently and are bringing in even more help with Kedrick Reescano. The 5’11”, 190 lb. four-star recruit out of New Caney, TX, chose the Rebs over Penn State, Michigan State, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State.
Scouting Report
Reescane is a back that can run between and outside the tackles and displays elite contact balance in his ability to bounce off defenders and keep his feet. Not a burner, but shows the burst and top-end speed to create distance between him and pursuing defenders in open field. Utilizes a jump cut and his elite COD to make defenders miss in space. He plays with explosiveness that will translate well to the next level and is someone who will be good enough to get early reps but will have to earn them as he is behind two talented backs.
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Best In-State Addition
Suntarine Perkins
It is incredibly difficult to have consistent success in the SEC, so teams are to do what they need to recruit in-state well, and Ole Miss has done just that. Suntarine Perkins, out of Raleigh, MS, is arguably the most position-versatile player in the entire 2023 class. He has an elite frame and length that already tells us he will be physically ready to go from day one.
Scouting Report
He aligns at safety, corner, linebacker, edge rusher, and running back at the prep level, and can do so because of his very good instincts, burst, and top-end speed, which allows him to cover sideline to sideline. Displays good contact courage, which is seen through little hesitation before running through the ball carrier. In coverage, he shows he is not a mismatch that offenses can take advantage of due to his ability to play man coverage and use his length to win against the deep ball. Ole Miss should celebrate Suntarine, as he is someone who has the potential to impact the outcomes of their games in the near future, and that is more than a majority of teams can say about their latest signings.
