Ole Miss secures two On3 Top 300 recruits in 2024 class
Ole Miss finished with just two of the Top 300 prospects in the final On3 Rankings for the 2025 cycle. But both are at a critical position of need. Furthermore, both William Echoles and Kamarion Franklin were wanted by conference foes and beyond. But, Lane Kiffin and the Rebels were able to get it done and sign the two defensive linemen.
The Rebels had four players finish in the Top 50 overall of the junior college rankings as well.
Ole Miss is ranked by On3 as the No. 20 class in America and here’s the rundown of how the rankings finished for the Rebels’ top signees.
4-star WR Deion Smith: No. 2 overall
After grabbing 48 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns in junior college, he has solidified himself as a bonafide dude. Kiffin and Kelvin Bolden have all believed he was capable of stepping right in and being the guy for Ole Miss. Now, he will get his chance to prove them all right next season.
4-star CB Cedrick Beavers: No. 5 overall
Beavers, who played his high school ball at Taylorsville (Miss.) just wrapped up his sophomore season at Jones College in 2022. The newest Rebel had 33 tackles, three interception, three pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for loss for the Bobcats.
3-star LB Raymond Collins: No. 21 overall
In 2023, the 6-foot-2, 235 pound recruit finished his year at Jones College (Miss.) with 56 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and six sacks. He is ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect in On3’s junior college rankings, the 5th-ranked EDGE and No. 5 overall player in the uber competitive Mississippi JUCO ranks.
3-star WR Marquis Willis: No. 47 overall
The 6-foot-3, 218 pound prospect is originally from Roswell, Ga., and just finished his first year at the junior college ranks in 2022. Last season, he finished with 20 receptions for 281 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 14.1 yards per catch.
4-star DL William Echoles: No. 191 overall
Echoles was named Mr. Football in Mississippi’s 4A classification after a dominant senior season. He showcased his skill set in last weekend’s MS/AL All-Star Game as well. Defensive line coach Randall Joyner and defensive coordinator Pete Golding tag-teamed this recruitment. The 6-foot-3, 300 pound prospect loves what both have planned for him.
4-star DL Kamarion Franklin: No. 196 overall
Scouts think Franklin is still growing and has a lot of untapped potential. Defensive line coach Randall Joyner transformed Tavius Robinson from a virtually unknown recruit from Canada into a fourth round NFL Draft pick. The Ole Miss staffer had a similar outcome with junior college EDGE Sam Williams.
The newest Rebel commit is a two-sport star and athletic as they come. Some believe he could play on both the edge and on the interior, depending on what defensive coordinator Golding wants to do. Franklin’s game is quickness as he lives in high school backfields and quarterback laps because of an elite first step. But it’s his length which causes so many issues.
