Commitment Analysis: Jerrion Ealy picks Ole Miss, again
This one had a lot of late twists and turns. Jerrion Ealy was a longtime Ole Miss commit before opening his recruitment up early in January. He took official visits to Alabama, Clemson, Mississippi State and Ole Miss leading up to his decision on National Signing Day.
Even when he was committed to Ole Miss, there was a lot of chatter in December about Clemson being the favorite. The Tigers were trending up until the last week or so. Alabama made a late push. Mississippi State appeared to fade some late with some of their coaching changes.
Ole Miss stayed the course, never slowed down their pursuit and won out in the end. This one came full circle back to Ole Miss and this is huge for the Rebels.
Below, Rivals.com has a look at how Ealy’s decision helps the Rebels and hurts the programs that swung and missed.
HOW IT HELPS OLE MISS: Ealy is an instant impact player. He is a Rivals100 talent who can run, catch and make the big plays. He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Ealy may not be 6-feet tall, but he runs with power, he is very slippery in space and his hands out of the backfield are better than some top-end wide receivers.
Not only will he help the football team, but he is a top baseball recruit as well. Ealy is planning to play both sports in Oxford, so he is expected to make major contributions on the gridiron and the diamond in year one at Ole Miss.
WHY IT HURTS CLEMSON AND MISSISSIPPI STATE MOST: This one looked to be Clemson's to lose leading up to this week, so this is a tough one for Dabo Swinney. Yes, the Tigers still signed two running backs, but neither can compare to Ealy. Most had Ealy penciled in to Clemson's class much of the last month, so this one is tough after Ealy raved about the staff and culture in South Carolina.
Of course with Mississippi State, it is another loss of a top in-state prospect to the rival school. The Bulldogs were never looked at as the favorite, and when some of their coaches moved on to other jobs, their chances dropped, but still, Ealy is an elite talent, he is a multi-sport star and he went to another in-state program.
The only positive for the Bulldogs and Tigers is, Ealy is going to be a high draft pick come in June in the MLB Draft, and most expect him to sign and go right to minor leagues. So, if he does that, then it is not really win or loss for anyone. If Ealy does pass on the money and go to Ole Miss, then this one definitely stings.