4-star JUCO LB Lakia Henry signs with Ole Miss over Arkansas and Texas

Everyone knew that Ole Miss needed to address the linebacker position in this class. After a last-minute official visit to Oxford, the nation’s No. 1 JUCO inside linebacker prospect is here to (hopefully) save the day.

Four-star Lakia Henry announced Wednesday afternoon that he intends to sign with Ole Miss, writing an exclamation point onto a successful National Signing Day for Matt Luke. Henry de-committed from Tennessee last month and was thought to be leaning towards Arkansas after an unofficial visit to Fayetteville. But Rebels linebackers coach Jon Sumrall stayed after him, convincing Henry to make an official to Oxford two weeks ago.

That effort paid off big-time with Henry’s Wednesday announcement. The No. 3 overall junior college player in the country was a monster during his two seasons at Dodge City Community College, logging 187 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

How does he fit in?

Henry brings athleticism, strength and speed to the second level. Listed at 6’0, 225-pounds, he has the ideal frame for a middle linebacker and should be a key cog when defending the spread offenses in new coordinator Mike MacIntyre’s 3-4 defense.

His plus speed and quickness can be used in multiple ways and MacIntyre and Sumrall should be quite excited to see what he can do in their new system. Henry should pair nicely with the returning leading tackler Mohamed Sanogo.

The second level got better today. Now it’s time for Mac, Sumrall, and the rest of the defensive staff to work their magic and fix the Landsharks.

Highlights