SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — With National Signing Day now just two weeks away, football recruiting is hitting its peak. Ole Miss is expected to host over 25 players on official visits this weekend, including the coaching staff’s top targets at defensive back, defensive tackle, linebacker and running back.Miami (Southridge High) S Gerod Holliman, who is regarded as one of the top 150 players in the nation, confirmed Wednesday night that he will take his official visit to Oxford this weekend along with high school teammate, CB Andrew Johnson.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Holliman said he was still committed to Louisville, but out of respect for Ole Miss recruiting coordinator Chris Vaughn, he was going to follow through with a visit to Oxford. Holliman said he already knew in his mind where he wanted to go to school, but then added that Ole Miss had a chance to gain his signature based on a good official visit.
Another player from Florida who confirmed he would be visiting Oxford this weekend is defensive tackle Uriah Grant (6-1, 285). Grant grew up in Miramar and signed with Wake Forest out of high school in 2007. He just finished playing at Fullerton (Community) College and has two years of eligibility left. Grant said he’s heard good things about Oxford from his teammate, CB Aaron Garbutt, who is already committed to play for the Rebels. Grant, who made 17.5 tackles for a loss this past season, will be choosing between Ole Miss and Washington.
A third player who has confirmed that he will visit is Philadelphia (Miss.) LB C.J. Johnson (6-3, 243). The four-star linebacker is coming off a visit to Mississippi State last weekend and is still planning to visit LSU. How his trip goes in Oxford will be huge for the Rebels, who were able to gain a shot at Johnson late thanks to former MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz leaving for Texas.
Look for more in-depth information on Holliman, Johnson and Grant in Thursday’s Recruiting Roundup as well as some other snippets on other key visitors. (January 19, 2011)
