by Jake Adams
It was a crazy week, but in the end Lavon Hooks, the state's most coveted juco prospect, signed with Ole Miss. Hooks fills a big need on defense for the Rebels, who lose defensive tackles Uriah Grant and Gilbert Pena to graduation.
Here's the story. In it, Hooks says he very nearly signed with Auburn, and apparently would have, if Auburn would have accepted an English class, but the Rebels got their big man in the end.
"(Ole Miss) is on the rise," Hooks said. "They've got great coaches and players that want to win."
Lavon Hooks profile
Hooks can play on Sundays
No. 1 JUCO player in the country according to 247Sports
Hooks chose Ole Miss over Mississippi State, Nebraska, Auburn, Washington and others after an arduous week where he almost announced on several different occasions.
He joins Jarran Reed, a 300-pounder from East Mississippi Community College, as another possible big man to fill the holes left by Grant and Pena.
Issac Gross and Woodrow Hamilton return at defensive tackle for Ole Miss. Gross was named a Freshman All-American by several publications and Hamilton is said to be coming on strong in his development. With the addition of two of junior college's most highly coveted tackles defensive line coach Chris Kiffin should have some depth to work with at that position next fall.
