The Ole Miss football staff was eyeing a top-flight defensive prospect in the late signing period, and Lane Kiffin and Co. got their man Wednesday afternoon when the nation’s No. 5 defensive tackle prospect, Tywone Malone, announced for the Rebels live on ESPN2.
“We were very excited about the initial class of 24 players who were actually signed, including some other players,” Kiffin said. “To add one today, a top 50 player in the country…I’m sure whatever rankings, this is a top-20 class, whatever that means. Most importantly, we got a great player today.”
Malone is rated as the No. 5 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals, as well as the top prospect out of the state of New Jersey regardless of position. ESPN ranks Malone, an Under Armour All-American, as the No. 45 overall prospect in the nation. He selected Ole Miss over Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida State, USC and Rutgers among many more offers.
Kiffin met with the media to discuss the day’s events and the signing class for the Rebels. Video is courtesy of Ole Miss Sports Productions.