You can hear the Rebel yell from here.
No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche committed to Ole Miss on Wednesday, bringing to an end a high-profile recruitment in the early hours of National Signing Day.
"After much discussion and prayer, I have decided to attend the University of Ole Miss," Nkemdiche said.
Nkemdiche made the announcement at his high school in suburban Atlanta. He was also considering LSU and Florida.
The announcement set off an instant reaction in the Ole Miss signing room back in Oxford, Miss. Head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff erupted in cheers after hearing the verdict.
The family connection was a major draw for Nkemdiche. His brother, Denzel, is already a linebacker for the Rebels, and reports had indicated that his mother wanted them to remain close in college.
"You know, she is our mother, and she wants the best for us, but she also wants to have us close for her sake," Nkemdiche said in November.
Nkemdiche originally committed to Clemson in June before deciding to back out, admitting he did so prematurely.
A versatile 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end, Nkemdiche has also showed skills as a running back at Grayson High School.
"He may be most impressive as a running back just because it is hard to believe the way he moves at his size," Scout.com National Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons said. "On defense, he has good technique and he is very explosive off the ball. He pursues the ball well, he plays those cut-back lanes, and he is very tough to block one-on-one."
Nkemdiche is the headliner in what is expected to be a big class for Ole Miss. The Rebels entered the day 12th in Scout.com's team rankings, before his commitment. The class features one other five-star commitment -- wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Ole Miss was 7-6 last season in Freeze's first year as head coach in the hyper-competitive SEC. The Rebels beat Pitt in the BBVA Compass Bowl to end the season.
