NCAA rules on two Ole Miss players’ academic eligibility

After Ole Miss had a quite incredible recruiting year in 2012-3, they looked primed for another step up in fortunes in coach Hugh Freeze’s second year in Oxford.

However, tight end A.J. Jackson, from Hampton, GA, won’t be part of this year’s festivities, after being ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA. There were thoughts that Jackson could have started for the Rebels immediately.

But it’s not all bad news. Antonio Conner, a safety who was the top recruit in the state of Mississippi, was ruled eligible to enroll in Oxford. According to Rebels site ‘Red Cup Rebellion’, Conner played “safety, receiver, quarterback and really any other position that could have benefited from his ideal frame, speed, and grit.” The blog added that he was recruited by LSU, Alabama and “really any reputable program in the nation“.

So – Conner’s probably going to start for the Rebels, while Jackson’s going to be going to a college to try and get his grades in gear.

A mixed day for the Rebs indeed.