3-star DL DeMarcus Smith commits to Ole Miss over South Carolina and Tennessee

Ole Miss has done an outstanding job, adding defenders to the 2021 class. But, it’s mostly been defensive backs outside of defensive end Jibran Hawkins and linebacker Dink Jackson.

Until now.

Three-star strong-side defensive end DeMarcus Smith has verbally committed to the Rebels over notable offers from Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The Birmingham, Ala. native from Parker High School is the 37th-ranked player in the Yellowhammer State and, as I mentioned above, the third front seven player for the Rebels’ 2021 class.

Deke Adams pinpointed the big fella early on and has been after him hard, out-recruiting the likes of Will Muschamp and Jeremy Pruitt. Kansas and Memphis were also heavily involved for Smith.

How does he fit in?

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder has a large frame to work with and could potentially add to that frame if need be upon his arrival in Oxford. He is comfortable with his hand in the ground and standing up, coming off the edge on a blitz. He has shown the ability to drop into coverage if you need him to, but he makes his hay on the interior, utilizing his length and strength against offensive linemen.

Once he arrives in Oxford, gets in the weight room and works with Adams and defensive coordinators DJ Durkin and Chris Partridge, I expect Smith to grow into an impactful dude off the edge for the Ole Miss defense.

Highlights