Yeah, We're Spoiled

Hugh Freeze spoiled the heck out of us in 2013 when he signed Laquon Treadwell, Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil and Tony Conner. 

That's the only possible explanation for why there was any disappointment at all from Ole Miss fans (myself included) on National Signing Day 2015. We want every big fish because we expect it. That's the attitude Freeze has brought to Ole Miss, and it's a REALLY GOOD THING. But, it'll also leave us feeling bummed when we don't get every elite prospect. 

That's what happened to us this year. We got so caught up in the hoopla that we spent more time worrying about who the Rebels lost than the great class Ole Miss signed. 

We are stupid. 

It's time to make those guys who went somewhere else distant memories (the unfollow button on Twitter works wonders here), and embrace a surprisingly strong 2015 signing class. 

Remember, Ole Miss returns almost every player from its 2-deep in 2015. The needs this season weren't nearly so big as what the Rebels had in the first three classes under Freeze. This class was about making an already good team even better. Ole Miss did that in nearly every area, signing boatloads of 4-stars and some great 3-stars to round out a class of 22. Hugh Freeze called it the best class he's signed from top to bottom since he's been at Ole Miss. 

The major recruiting service rankings currently list Ole Miss at No. 15 (247Sports.com), No. 16 (Scout.com), No. 19 (ESPN) and No. 21 (Rivals.com). Not bad considering this was supposed to be an off-year in recruiting.

Offensive line did not get as good as it could have been thanks to the late departure of Drew Richmond, but let's not cry too long. Javon Patterson is a stud, already on campus and should play immediately, like each of the 5 stars who have preceded him. The other offensive linemen signed probably need time to grow, but future depth was added. The offensive line got better for 2015 and beyond. The loss of Richmond makes 2016 a HUGE year for offensive line recruiting, but we'll be fine in 2015 assuming the current guys on the roster get better (they have to get better...no sugar-coating that). 

A probable starting quarterback was added in Chad Kelly, and the talented Jason Pellerin could easily be the quarterback of the future. Freeze has done all he can to give the Rebels their best shot to adequately replace Bo Wallace. That's all we can ask. 

The receiving corps went from great to spectacular thanks to DaMarkus Lodge, Van Jefferson and Jalen Julius. Those three guys make an already great receiving corps that much better. There is so much depth in this group that Freeze will have to work hard to avoid the temptation to call a pass on every down.

Also, consider this: Hugh Freeze beat Texas and Texas A&M for Lodge, and Jim Harbaugh and Mark Richt for Van Jefferson. If that doesn't tell you something about how big-time Ole Miss football is now....

Four-star running back Eric Swinney should help with Freeze's passing temptation. I don't know this for fact, but there's got to be a reason Freeze allowed I'Tavius Mathers and Mark Dodson to get away. He was clearing the way for Swinney. The 4-star running back is a brick-hard burner. If this kid can't get it done for the Rebels it won't be his fault. Watch. 

Three junior college transfers should help fill any looming gaps in the LandShark Defense. Tony Bridges will make an immediate contribution at corner. Terry Caldwell will get a shot to contribute at linebacker and tackle D.J. Jones will be ready to platoon on the defensive line. 

As for the high school signees, Austrian Robinson (6-foot-5, 253 pounds) has the build of a guy ready to contribute on the defensive front sooner rather than later.

There is certainly lots more talent signed to the defense that will eventually contribute in a big way, but how much they will be needed in 2015 I don't really know. The Ole Miss defense is already stacked. Linebacker is probably the biggest concern, but I'm not sure the answers to that position aren't already on the roster. 

Ole Miss needs a punt returner in the worst way. It seems like the Rebels haven't had one since Freeze came to Ole Miss. I'm hoping Bridges or Julius could be that guy. 

All in all....my opinion is that we can be happy about this signing class.