Rumors of Ole Miss’ demise on the recruiting trail have proven to be greatly exaggerated, as the Rebels reached into LSU’s backyard and snagged a commit from New Orleans linebacker Josh Clarke Monday.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Clarke in currently rated as a three-star recruit, the No. 32 outside linebacker in the nation as well as the No. 22 prospect from the state of Louisiana, according to 247Sports. Clarke chose Ole Miss over scholarship offers from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas among others.

Following his commitment, Ole Miss now has six prospects pledged in the 2017 recruiting cycle.

One of Ole Miss’ main selling points to Clarke was the opportunity to come in and contribute immediately next season.

“I know they really need me,” Clarke said according to the Clarion Ledger. “That’s why they put in so much time recruiting me. They need some linebackers to step up in our class and give them some big time minutes. I’m going to do everything I can to be one of those guys as a freshman.

“Their entire coaching staff built a relationship with me. Everyone did a great job recruiting me, but Ole Miss always just went the extra mile with me. That always stuck out in my mind.”

Clarke brings a unique combo of size and speed to the linebacker position and sure knows how to lower the boom when necessary. Check out his junior high school highlight tape and see for yourself how easily Clarke should fit into the Landshark defense: