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It has been almost a month since Ole Miss was in the recruiting news, but defensive line coach Freddie Roach figured it was time for the Rebels to get back on the board. Northwest Mississippi Community College defensive tackle Hal Northern has decided to put an end to his recruitment for the time being and has committed to the Rebels as reported by friend of the Cup and Rebel Grove recruiting analyst Russell Johnson.
Now, the JUCO All-American has officially joined the #MississippiMade movement and signed early.
OFFICIAL | Hal Northern (@SavageSeason9) is a Rebel! Welcome the DT to the family!
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 20, 2017
INFO >> https://t.co/qDmUXsL3cb#HottyToddy #FutureRebels #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/sGC6MNf2vV
Northern, a defensive tackle originally from Tunica, Miss., chose to sign with Coach Roach and the Rebs despite reported offers from Arkansas State, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Southern Miss, Tennessee-Martin, UAB, Texas-San Antonio, and Troy. The latter of those two offers could possibly overlap if there is a certain head coach that leaves a certain institution to take over in Oxford.
The NWCC product is currently unranked by 247Sports but should receive an overall and position ranking soon. The 6’3, 293-pounder is a former prep standout of Rosa Fort High School where he was a three-time All-State selection and a participant in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game. As a three-star croot, he collected 79 total tackles as a senior.
How does he fit in?
Northern is a well-built, stout individual. He has the height and weight combo that you look for in an interior lineman in the Southeastern Conference and with some strength and conditioning thrown in, could be an immediate contributor in 2018. On film, he jumps out because of his quickness and relentless pursuit of the football from sideline-to-sideline.
Through four games, he has snagged 11 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks for the Rangers. But it was last year as a freshman when he truly burst onto the scene, totaling 49 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He should be able to bridge the gap on the interior after the likes of Breeland Speaks, Garrald McDowell, and Ross Donelly move on.