3-Star Montrell Custis commits to Ole Miss

It's not National Signing Day yet, but Ole Miss is getting things started early with a commitment from three-star defensive back Montrell Custis.

Custis, a 6'0, 175-pound cornerback from Hampton, Ga. sports a very impressive offer list to go along with his explosive skill set. The young man from Lovejoy High School has the height that Dave Wommack and Jason Jones want at the cornerback position, but also plays with the physicality that the Landsharks have become known for on the back end.

A one-time Kentucky commit, Custis backed off last April and committed to Nick Saban and Alabama. After an impressive showing at Nike's "The Opening" Combine in Beaverton, Ore., his recruitment took flight and other schools took notice (Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Clemson, Oregon and Mississippi State to name a few). Custis eventually chose the Rebels over the Gators.

This is a nice grab for Hugh Freeze and sets a good tone for the week.

How he fits in

The 6A first-team all-state selection in Georgia should be able to push the entire secondary for playing time early with an already sturdy frame and ideal height. With his ability to make plays (64 tackles, 19 PBUs) from anywhere on the field, he could be next in line at cornerback behind Tee Shepard and Tony Bridges or at safety behind Trae Elston and C.J. Hampton.

His length allows him to play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and he can couple that with 4.45 speed to stay with speedy receivers. Whether lined up on the outside on an island or head up on a slot receiver at safety, Custis is very dangerous as a rangy, ball-hawking defender.

The trend of long and athletic croots coming in to play in the secondary is a welcome sight for Ole Miss. Custis' frame is already ahead of schedule and will benefit even more in a college strength and conditioning program. Jason Jones should be excited as Montrell Custis is an extremely nice addition to the 2015 class.