Brian Kelly watches elite defender bolt from LSU’s backyard for rival SEC program after prior flip decision
JaMichael Garrett, a four-star linebacker from Baton Rouge (La.) Central High, announced his commitment to Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels earlier this week. LSU hoped to nab him as he opted to give his second committment to another SEC program, but Brian Kelly and company fell short again.Ranked as Louisiana’s top linebacker, Garrett […]
JaMichael Garrett, a four-star linebacker from Baton Rouge (La.) Central High, announced his commitment to Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels earlier this week. LSU hoped to nab him as he opted to give his second committment to another SEC program, but Brian Kelly and company fell short again.
Ranked as Louisiana’s top linebacker, Garrett had narrowed his options to the LSU Tigers, Clemson Tigers, USC Trojans, Vanderbilt Commodores, and Missouri Tigers before making his decision.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete recently decommitted from the Auburn Tigers, with LSU and Ole Miss emerging as the primary contenders. Both schools hosted Garrett for visits this fall.
JaMichael Garrett Opts for Ole Miss Over LSU Tigers
Ultimately, Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels secured the talented linebacker’s commitment following his unofficial visit to Oxford over the weekend. Garrett’s official visit, along with his connection to current Ole Miss linebacker commit Anthony Davis and the Rebels’ linebacker group, played a significant role in his choice.
Coming off a strong junior season, Garrett recorded 91 tackles, according to MaxPreps. Over the past two years, the Alabama native amassed 178 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 19 quarterback hurries, and two interceptions.
“Ole Miss, they do a good job at building relationships and making you feel like a priority,” Garrett told Rivals. “Obviously, they just lost a linebacker in their class. Guy that flipped over seven to eight times, so just knowing that they want loyalty and they have stability.
“Two coaches that coached under Nick Saban, and just knowing that Nick Saban, one of the greatest coaches to coach in college football, wanted them guys a part of the staff. Then they dispersed out to start their own program, which has been very successful.”
During the offseason, Garrett relocated to Louisiana, enrolling at Baton Rouge (La.) Central High. Amid a competitive recruitment process, the Ole Miss Rebels emerged as the frontrunners, ultimately winning his commitment.
“Another blessing being able to be recruited by Ole Miss. My official visit down there went great, I was able to bond with a lot of current linebackers on the team and just learn the ways of Ole Miss,” Garrett said.
