:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61803955/usa_today_11409839.0.jpg)
Earlier this month, three-star quarterback Grant Tisdale removed any uncertainty about his commitment to Ole Miss, confirming to David Johnson of 247Sports that he is “100 percent not going anywhere else.” The country’s No. 13 dual-threat QB is currently leading Allen High School through an undefeated season, looking to repeat as 6A Texas state champs.
But that hasn’t stopped Ole Miss from chasing other quarterback prospects in the 2019 class. On the heels of the Rebels dramatic victory in Little Rock, Johnson reports that Ole Miss is still in hot pursuit of three-star Arkansas commit K.J. Jefferson, who plays his ball just down the road from Oxford at North Panola.
Jefferson’s recruitment, however, is likely not over. He remains a regular visitor to the Ole Miss campus and the Rebels remain in pursuit. If Ole Miss decides to take a second quarterback in the 2019 class, Jefferson tops the list. There is a spot for him, too. He is a definite take for Ole Miss, if he decides to flip his commitment.
The 6’3, 211-pounder has made tremendous strides from his junior year, climbing to his current rank as the country’s No. 14 dual-threat QB. He runs a 4.69 40-yard dash and can flick the football downfield with ease. He’s thrown for 1,681 yards and 19 touchdowns for North Panola this season, adding 504 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Eight games into his senior season, Jefferson has thrown for 102 career touchdowns, third best in the history of Mississippi high school football.
He unofficially visited Oxford last month for the Alabama game and, like David said, appears to be at least listening to the Rebels’ pitch. Looking at 2019, the only scholarship quarterback on the roster will be Matt Corral in his second year. Signing both Tisdale and Jefferson would give the Rebels two legit options behind the presumed starter.
It’s hard to type these words out because of the sheer weight that the words carry, but on film Jefferson reminds me of Cam Newton.
I’m not saying he’ll come remotely close to what Newton did for Auburn, but Jefferson has similar size and arm strength. It could be the No. 2 jersey that he dons or maybe it’s the mannerisms and long strides in the open field, but a comparison to the Panthers quarterback can’t hurt, right?