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Hugh Freeze made damn sure he secured the best offensive line class in 2016 and now he's adding to it with three-star offensive lineman Ben Brown, who announced his commitment to Ole Miss on Twitter. The 21st-ranked player in the state of Mississippi didn't wait too long after an offer was extended his way on Feb. 19.
Brown's commitment is significant for the sole fact that you can never have too many talented men in the trenches. Given the fact that Ole Miss signed six O-lineman in the 2016 cycle, Freeze can be a bit more selective in 2017. Speaking of selective, Brown is yet another croot from a long line of family members who selected the Rebels. His father, grandparents and uncle played for Ole Miss.
Ben chose the Rebels pretty early in the process, so his offer sheet isn't as extensive: Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Missouri and Southern Miss. The St. Aloysius product is the third Ole Miss commitment in the 2017 class joining D.D. Bowie and Markel Winters.
How does he fit in?
Already 6'6, 290-pounds, Brown has the sturdy frame that O-line coach Matt Luke is looking for in his croots. When you take a look at Brown's film, the aggression and finisher attitude jumps off the screen immediately. He has the length to get out on the perimeter for reach blocks and also to settle in his kick slides and fend off speed rushers.
He reminds me of current Rebel Robert Conyers, because of the similar build and flexibility to play inside and outside. Brown will probably need a redshirt year to get acclimated to SEC play but I look for him to be a contributor on the interior down the line.