Ole Miss sets the standard for Newsome

The Ole Miss Rebels have officially put all schools recruiting Ryan Newsome on notice. His visit to Ole Miss was his first of five official visits, and the Rebels made sure it was a memorable experience.

Going into his weekend trip to Oxford, the Aledo (Texas) standout receiver had a feeling he was going to enjoy himself. He was told as much by just about everyone inside and outside of Mississippi. However, he did not know how much he would like it.

"Man, it was I think one of the best college football experiences I've ever been a part of," Newsome said. "I think the outcome had something to do with that, but overall it was just a great visit. The atmosphere was crazy. The stadium only seats about 60,000, but there were way more than that. It was crazy. I'm glad I get to say I was a part of it. It was a blessing."

Ole Miss beating the Alabama Crimson Tide in dramatic fashion certainly did not hurt the experience. Seeing the Grove in full bloom was also a sight to behold. Then there was ESPN Game Day with Lee and Kirk and the gang. And who can forget Katy Perry, who brought another dynamic element into the mix.

The visit definitely brought several big experiences to the table for Newsome, but when he looks back on everything there was one aspect of it all which stood above the rest.

"I think the people. The people were just unbelievable," Newsome said. "They call it southern hospitality, but everybody was just so cordial and so nice. Anything you need it seemed like they were willing to provide. They're just a family. Ole Miss isn't used to being on top and winning like they are now, and we both know it could be taken away in an instant like a week later especially in the SEC. But for them to have the success they are having now they've definitely earned it and I think the program can only go up from here."

While he soaked in as much as he could, Newsome also made sure to keep his eye on the field. Ole Miss is recruiting Newsome as a slot receiver, and he paid close attention throughout the contest.

"I was trying to watch how they use their slot receivers because a lot of teams talk about it, but it's different when you're there live and in person and can see how they react on that when they're down," Newsome said. "Do they forget the slot receiver is a part of the game or do they get out of their gameplan because things are going south. They definitely kept their composure and used their slot receiver well that game. I also watched a lot of film with coach Heard and got to see what their plans are for me. So it was a good deal."

In addition to liking what he saw in the game and what he experienced during the pre- and post-game atmosphere, there were a few things about the program and the team in particular which caught his attention.

"They're family," Newsome said. "I think the fact Ole Miss has not been as successful in the past kind of fused them a lot closer together. Because when you're winning and on top you don't really think of the family aspect. But when you're going through a lot of adversity you have to pull together as a team to start winning and getting it done. They're always around each other. They're not all clique-ed up and everything like that. They all hang out with each other. I think that's pretty cool.

"I talked to Quincy Adeboyejo and Laquon Treadwell and they told me why they chose Ole Miss and they were just honest with me. They told me of course they want me at Ole Miss a lot and it was up to me but it's family at Ole Miss. I think that's the biggest thing I took away from it.

"And coach Freeze is exactly the way I perceived him to be. And I perceived him to be a man of God and a guy who just really values the spiritual aspect of it. I think that draws them closer as a team and as a unit and I think it makes them stronger.

"I told my dad before I left I think Ole Miss is going to pull this one out. He said 'Really?' And he had Alabama winning big. There were a lot of people feeling that way, but I just had a feeling they wanted to get over that hump so desperately they weren't going to go down.

"I just think their willingness to fight and battle through adversity was something I picked up on and them playing as a unit. They couldn't rely on just one person. They had to do it as a team. Alabama mostly relied on Amari Cooper to just get open, but Ole Miss had to pull together as a team to win that game and they did it. I really like Ole Miss. I really do."

The Rebels set a high standard for Newsome, who now prepares to take his other four official visits. He will be off the road this weekend as he takes the SAT, but he will head to Tennessee for the Volunteers' game against Alabama. Then he will visit UCLA as the Bruins' face Arizona and the following week he will be in Oklahoma as the Sooners take on Baylor. His fifth and final visit will be to Texas and likely take place in December.

He has said he will not publically announce any favorites from his final five schools until he is ready to make his final choice, but his trip to Oxford is one he will not soon forget.

"I can honestly say Ole Miss definitely raised the bar," Newsome said. "The win may have had a little bit to do with it, but at the same time when I put them in my top five I just had a feeling about them. That was like a couple of months ago. I just liked what they were doing. I liked the things coach Freeze stands for spiritually as a person and it trickles down from him to his staff and they all have the same core values and beliefs. I think when the whole staff is on one accord like that the team can go a long way."