BRIAN SMITH on Signing Day

Recruiting Buzz and SEC Quarterback Prospects: A Deep Dive

Welcome to the Locked On Ole Miss newsletter, your daily Ole Miss newsletter. I'm Steven Willis. I also host a daily podcast on Ole Miss sports called Locked On Ole Miss.

As we approach National Signing Day, the excitement around college football recruiting is palpable. This year, the buzz is particularly intense with the early signing period set for December 4th, a date that feels oddly premature. The recruiting landscape is dominated by discussions about standout players like Deuce Knight and Caleb Cunningham, and the strategic maneuvers of programs like Ole Miss and Auburn.

Deuce Knight's Recruitment Journey

Deuce Knight, a highly sought-after quarterback, has been the subject of much speculation. Living in Auburn, I've had the chance to keep an ear to the ground. Knight recently visited for the Egg Bowl, a game steeped in tradition for him. Despite the visit, my gut tells me he's leaning towards Auburn. As I mentioned, "He seems to be pretty much headed to play for the Tigers. Why he went to the Egg Bowl is kind of like you said to me, off air. You know, it's the in-state game. He grew up with it. Go check it out, see what they have to say. But him leaving early is probably not a good sign for the Rebs."

Caleb Cunningham: A Major Win for Ole Miss

On a brighter note, Ole Miss secured a significant victory by flipping Caleb Cunningham from Alabama. Cunningham, the top player in Mississippi, is a crucial addition, especially with Trey Harris's departure. His athletic prowess is undeniable, and he is expected to make an immediate impact. "If he doesn't catch 30 or 40 balls, it would probably be due to injury. He's 6'3", has incredible leaping ability and his hand-eye coordination might be his best trait. You know, by the way, he can really run. If you get in the open field with him, you better have an angle."

The Rise of Young SEC Quarterbacks

The SEC is witnessing a surge of promising young quarterbacks, a trend that hasn't been this strong in years. From Austin Simmons at Ole Miss to Michael Van Buren at Mississippi State, the talent pool is deep. "To be honest, it goes in weird cycles, Stephen. I don't understand it either why it's that way. I don't know. I mean, even the kid at A&M, he's got a long way to go, but you can see the tools. I really like Austin Simmons. He's one of the smartest young men I've been around."

Florida Influence in Ole Miss Recruiting

Ole Miss's recruiting strategy this year shows a significant Florida influence, with players like Winston Watkins and Tylen Lee in the mix. Watkins, a talented wide receiver, has kept his recruitment under wraps, but his potential fit in Lane Kiffin's offense is undeniable. Meanwhile, Tylen Lee, a defensive end from Pensacola, embodies the ideal SEC defensive end profile. "We're talking 6'4", 240, can really run extremely long. He fits the profile of a true 43 SEC defensive end. Like, if you look at him on the hoof, you're like, okay, yeah, that's what it's supposed to look like."

The Unpredictable Nature of Signing Day

As we gear up for signing day, expect the unexpected. The influence of NIL deals adds a layer of unpredictability to the proceedings. "Just expect the unexpected on signing day with all the NIL coming, not just Ole Miss. There's going to be one or two that you read and you're going to be like, what? That's going to happen."

Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the thrilling world of college football recruiting.