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It has been a slow recruiting year so far with the NCAA investigation looming over Oxford and a disappointing 2016 season that saw the Rebels go 5-7. But Hugh Freeze and Co. just got some good news with the addition of JUCO three-star dual-threat quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.
Blessed!! pic.twitter.com/sBMjQBIsKX
— Jordan Taamu (@kingJordanT10) December 11, 2016
The New Mexico Military Institute signal caller is ranked as the third dual-threat quarterback in the JUCO ranks and the No. 1 prospect in New Mexico. His offer sheet shows an offer from the in-state Lobos as well as Southern Miss with interest growing from Hawaii, Oregon and Utah. As a sophomore at NMMI, Ta’amu threw for 3,014 yards and 38 touchdowns while also rushing for 328 yards and seven touchdowns.
How does he fit in?
The junior college product will bring a sturdy frame and an athletic style of play that resembles Hugh Freeze’s typical backups (Barry Brunetti, Jeremy Liggins, Jason Pellerin). The 6’3, 200-pounder from Pearl City, Hawaii looks like he will bring a nice blend of Brunetti and Pellerin to Oxford seeing that he can run extremely well (4.7 40-yard dash) and is north of 200 pounds.
Ta’amu will be challenging Pellerin once he gets to campus for who will be taking the second team reps behind Shea Patterson. It remains to be seen if Pellerin will stick around or look elsewhere for playing time much like Devante Kincade did, but if he does stay, he’s got company.