Commitment analysis: Rivals250 DB Eric Reed Jr. picks Ole Miss

Eric Reed Jr.'s college tour eventually yielded a commitment. After recent stops at LSU, Ole Miss and Virginia, the Rivals250 defensive back pledged to the Rebels on Tuesday, giving the SEC West team a huge building block in their 2020 recruiting class.

Reed, a nationally ranked safety, is also a very effective option for Ole Miss to utilize at cornerback.

The four-star had eyes for the SEC and wanted to remain close to home to his family in Shreveport, La. Ole Miss offered up the opportunity for both of those needs to come to fruition, as well as play against his hometown team of LSU each fall.

Reed is a versatile defensive back that combines both ideal size and speed. His frame (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is complemented by 4.4 speed, which makes him perfectly capable of lining up as a boundary cornerback or as a high-flying free safety in a centerfielder type of role.

The four-star defensive back consistently plays the ball and has the physical tools necessary to effectively shadow wide receiver. His 4.4 speed should translate well to the SEC, when he’ll be forced to cover elite pass-catchers that are both big-bodied or possess track speed.

Reed thrives with his ability to anticipate throws. He studies opposing quarterbacks well and can break on the ball with ease. He plays the ball well and has long arms to disrupt passing lanes. His size also allows him to get vertical to contest passes in the air on 50-50 balls.

Reed is also a physical defensive back that’s an asset in the run game. He can deliver big hits over the middle to receivers and pop them on short routes. He’s a surefire second level of defense in that area, rarely allowing running backs or receivers to escape his grasp.

LSU extended an offer to Reed prior to his junior season and recruited him very hard. He camped there twice, including earlier in June, where he clocked a 4.4 and impressed in workouts. However, the Tigers have loaded up with defensive backs both in-state and nationally, and it does not appear that Reed wanted to be a part of a crowded secondary haul. Virginia hosted the Rivals250 safety over the weekend and was deemed a serious player for Reed. However, he had eyes for the SEC and Charlottesville was a bit far from home ... not to mention the Cavs currently hold commitments from two other Louisiana safeties. Notre Dame was always a top contender for Reed, but a visit to South Bend never transpired. Distance was certainly a factor there, too. TCU hosted Reed a good bit in recent months and, at times, was among the most likely landing spots. The Horned Frogs have historically recruited North Louisiana well, but could not close with Reed.