by Jake Adams
A year ago at this time Hugh Freeze was piecing together his first recruiting class. He only had a couple months to recruit as a new coach from the Sunbelt taking over a program coming out of its darkest hour. Along the way he picked up some gems including Channing Ward, Trae Elston and Issac Gross to name a few, and probably more. Time will tell. But when National Signing Day 2012 was complete Ole Miss' class was ranked 58th in the country.
At Freeze's press conference he said he was proud of his class, and that Ole Miss was already hard at work on 2013 prospects. "You really need a full year in this recruiting business," he said.
Sounded reasonable to us.
"Don't worry, Hugh. You'll get 'em next year," we said.
As it turns out, Freeze wasn't kidding.
For months we've heard Freeze was targeting some of the best recruits in the country, such as Robert, Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell, Carl Lawson and many others, but there was still that lingering question of whether it could actually happen. Could Freeze really convince the country's best players to come to Ole Miss?
When Laquon Treadwell announced his commitment to the Rebels yesterday we got our answer. The nation's top rated wide receiver said at his press conference that he chose Ole Miss because he wanted to be a part of something special and to help return Rebel Nation to glory.
That's exactly what Freeze is selling. He wants to return Rebel Nation to glory. He believes he can do it, and he believes in it so much that he has the audacity to pursue the most elite high school players available. Freeze convinced Laquon Treadwell. It's the only possible reason a player like Treadwell commits to Ole Miss. He believes Freeze is building something great. This kid could have gone anywhere. He chose Oxford.
The timing of yesterday's announcement will only help Freeze along on his journey.
There are still about nine slots remaining. This coaching staff is actively pursuing a number of other very highly-sought players including at least five or six other five star recruits. Maybe more. Treadwell's commitment makes Freeze's plan for future glory that much more credible.
Don't be surprised if more top recruits follow Treadwell's lead in the coming weeks.
Rebel Nation could return to glory sooner than any of us ever expected, and it already feels pretty special.
OLE MISS HEADLINES:
1. Laquon Treadwell commits to Ole Miss.
2. Laquon: "I fell in love."
3. Built a great relationship with Laquon and his mother.
4. Should challenge for immediate playing time.
5. Southern Hospitality won the day.
