Ole Miss Football: 3 early signees who will make an instant impact

Another player that the Rebels peeled away from a rival SEC program is three-star strong-side defensive end James Williams. Originally committed with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Williams flipped to join the Rebels early in the day on Dec. 20.

Williams brings a big frame and potent tools in the pass rush to the Ole Miss defense. He’ll get to learn from defensive lineman like Breeland Speaks and Josiah Coatney before really stepping into the spotlight.

There were quite a few high-profile programs that offered Williams, but he wanted to stay in-state. Williams committed to Mississippi State on Oct. 3, after the Bulldogs, Rebels, and Alabama Crimson Tide were the three favorites to land him.

He also received offers from the Tennessee Volunteers, LSU Tigers, and Michigan Wolverines. However, Mississippi State losing head coach Dan Mullen to the Florida Gators likely played a role in Williams flipping to Ole Miss. He’ll be a welcome addition to the Rebels defense in 2018.