:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65716587/5c0aee9e21431.image.0.jpg)
Calvin Magee joined the Ole Miss staff with Rich Rodriguez last year, continuing his journeyman life as his right-hand man as an offensive analyst and tight ends coach. Now, he’s joining in on the 2020 recruiting class action and getting his flip on!
Three-star cornerback Daran Branch had been committed to Miami (Fla.) and head coach Manny Diaz since March, but now he has flipped his verbal commitment to the Rebels, per sources.
The Amite, La. recruit initially chose the Hurricanes over offers from Auburn, Colorado, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State, among others. The No. 40 cornerback in the country unofficially visited for the Texas A&M game and apparently after speaking with coach Magee, defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre, and seeing the opportunity for early playing time in the secondary, it was enough to flip him.
Last year, Branch was a part of a 15-win Warriors team that won the 2A state title.
How does he fit in?
The 6’2, 180-pounder from Louisiana is another size:speed ratio guy for the Landsharks. He’s long, athletic, and operates well in space against receivers, tight ends, and running backs alike. He, along with Eric Reed, Jr. and De’Arre McDonald make up a secondary that has elite size.
He pursues the football well and is excellent in coverage, using his length and leaping ability to win one-on-ones. Branch joins youngsters like Keidron Smith and Deantre Prince at the third level in Oxford as corners in Charles Clark’s room that are 6’1 or taller. That is something that can’t be taught and is a must in the Southeastern Conference.