3-star QB Kinkead Dent commits to Ole Miss

The Rebels have had one quarterback committed for some time after three-star Allen (Tex.) dual-threat quarterback Grant Tisdale committed to Ole Miss earlier this year. But, with Jordan Ta’amu’s eligibility up after 2018 and Matt Corral the only other scholarship quarterback on the roster, the Rebs need to sign another one for this year’s cycle.

And now they have committed their second signal caller for the 2019 class.

Three-star pro-style quarterback Kinkead Dent out of Flowood (Miss.) has verbally committed to Ole Miss, making the count for this year’s class 27. The Jackson Academy signal caller is quite the athlete despite being labeled a “pro-style” QB. He runs a 4.69 (nice) and jumps 34.4 inches in the vertical.

He chose the Rebs over other offers from Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Colorado State, ULL, Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Toledo, and interest from Alabama, Georgia, Duke, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Southern Miss, and Vanderbilt. Despite growing interest from other Power 5 programs, Dent chose to stay in-state and play for the Rebs.

As a sophomore and junior for JA, Dent combined to throw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns while also toting it for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns. And as a senior, he led JA to a 4A-Division 1 semifinal berth and a 9-3 record. During his prep career, he was 26-13 as a starter and had 6,750 yards of total offense and 60 touchdowns.

Dent talked with Chad Simmons of Rivals.com after he made his commitment public and he seems to be set with his decision and not looking elsewhere.

“I grew up an Ole Miss fan. I have been to about every home game since I can remember. I have grown up in an Ole Miss family and I bleed red and blue. It was the right offer and the right time to make the decision.

”I knew Coach (Phil) Longo was watching me this season and I really feel I progressed. He feels that way too. He liked what he saw, they decided to offer and I have committed. I love coach Longo’s offense and I am ready to get there to work. I have played in some pro-style offenses, I have played the spread, so I think it is a great fit for me. I am just ready to get over and get ready to play at Ole Miss.”

He also sat down and chatted with Russell Johnson of RebelGrove.com and seems to be excited about getting to Oxford and getting to work.

“Committing to Ole Miss is a dream come true, both for me and my family.”

And as mentioned above, he seems set to sign with the Rebels in 2019 with little to no drama.

“I took one official visit to Colorado State, and I will take one more, to Ole Miss.”

How does he fit in?

It is unclear how this affects three-star Arkansas commit and Sardis (Miss.) target K.J. Jefferson. Regardless, in spite of the light offer sheet, he is a a big-bodied quarterback who is capable with the arm and legs. The 6’5, 205-pounder stands tall in the pocket and can deliver the ball with some zip.

He also impressed scouts and QB Guru Steve Clarkson at a Rivals camp last year in Louisiana, competing against other higher-rated quarterbacks and looking the part despite the weather not exactly cooperating.

The quarterback coaches working the event, including QB guru Steve Clarkson, lauded Dent for his showing. At 6-foot-5 and 189 pounds, he looked the part of a future Power Five quarterback, and on a day when conditions were less than ideal, he also performed like one.

QB Country’s founder and former Ole Miss quarterback also speaks very highly of the No. 63-ranked pro-style quarterback. And for good reason. He may not play against the best competition in the state, but he is an accurate passer, appears to go through progressions without bailing out of the pocket too early, and is very patient when turning to his legs for a play. But, when he does take off, he turns into a running back, looking to deliver the blow and get extra yards.

Even though the Power 5 offers aren’t there, his arm talent is evident in his film. Whether he is uncorking one for 63-yards or making a tough throw from the far hash to the sideline, he appears to have quite the skill set to work with once he gets to campus. Whoever is running the offense will have a nice “project” to work with.

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