DaMarkus Lodge commits to Ole Miss

Finally some good news. Four-star DaMarkus Lodge has committed to the Rebels on ESPNU, picking Oxford over Texas and Texas A&M.

The talented young man from Cedar Hill, Texas is adding another vital piece to Hugh Freeze's 2015 and will be looked upon to be the eventual successor to Laquon Treadwell. The 6'3, 190-pound receiver put up gaudy numbers in his prep career in Texas, tallying over 200 catches, 3,750 yards and 72 touchdowns over four seasons. He was a mismatch nightmare for anyone in 6A Texas football over the last four years and also in Florida for the Under Armour All-American Game.

Lodge possesses that rare blend of size and speed that can be utilized on the inside or outside in the spread offense. But, we go back to the importance of Freeze developing a consistent pipeline through the Midlands and out-recruiting the likes of Texas, Texas A&M, LSU and Baylor.

How he fits in

As I mentioned above, Lodge will be the face of the passing game moving forward once Treadwell moves on (probably after the 2015 season). With a large frame and ideal size, strength coach Paul Jackson should be able to sculpt Lodge into a mammoth target for Rebel signal callers to always look for downfield. Along with a pair of very reliable hands, his ball skills, especially with the ball in the air, separate him from others.

If you haven't guessed it by now, Lodge will be able to come in and contribute immediately. Might see something very similar to Laquon's transition into the college game where they start him in the slot and then move him to the outside later on once he is comfortable. This would bode well for Lodge as he has the size and speed to give linebackers fits at the second level. Now, take a look at who the Rebels already have at receiver. The addition of Lodge should get you a tad bit excited. The Texan will be a fun one to watch for the next three-to-four years, for sure.