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Ole Miss adds another 2016 LB with Detric Bing-Dukes

The Rebs get another post-Signing Day signature from a guy who can provide immediate help at a position of desperate need.

By Zach Berry
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

A day after adding grad transfer Rommel Mageo from Oregon State, Ole Miss has made yet another late addition to its 2016 linebacker corps. JUCO Detric Bing-Dukes has signed with the Rebels and is immediately available to play with three years of eligibility remaining. Hugh Freeze said he expects both Bing-Dukes and Mageo to compete for the starting job opposite DeMarquis Gates, according to Ben Garrett of Scout.com.

Detric-Dukes signed with Georgia as a four-star out of high school before transferring to Iowa Western Community College to escape a crowded depth chart in Athens. "BD" chose Georgia over Auburn, NC State, Louisville, Ohio State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, so the guy was definitely a sought-after croot. The 6'0, 230-pound linebacker totaled 76 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a pick returned for a touchdown and a fumble returned for a touchdown in 12 games with IWCC last season. Detric is the No. 4-ranked inside linebacker in the country according to 247Sports' 2016 JUCO rankings.

How does he fit in?

The first thing that jumps out at you when looking at BD's film is his instincts. He flows with the play and doesn't get caught up inside in the interior traffic, locates the ball carrier and makes the play. He already has a nice frame for the inside backer position and flashes above average athleticism as well. In high school, he also played some tight end and running back and you can see that in his play with how he can flip his hips in coverage and close on running backs and quarterbacks.

Again, it cannot be reiterated enough how big this is for Dave Wommack and his defense. The Rebels did not close particularly well on the defensive side of the ball in 2016 and have added some thump to the second level with Bing-Dukes and Mageo. Replacing a versatile guy like Johnson and consistent contributors Nkemdiche and Russell is never easy, but the Rebels have added another experienced transfer who should provide depth immediately.

Highlights