Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics
The Ole Miss defense has been among the worst in the nation in 2020, but they’ll get a major boost heading into the final stretch of the season.
Defensive back Otis Reese, a UGA transfer, has been granted “immediate” eligibility by the NCAA seven games in after an initial waiver was denied prior to the beginning of the season.
Reese initially transferred to Ole Miss back in January following two seasons in Athens, during which the former four-star prospect saw action in 25 games. Primarily appearing on special teams, Reese tallied 16 tackles for the red and black.
Prior to the season, both Reese and head coach Lane Kiffin expressed their frustration with the process as they awaited a decision from the NCAA. As the Rebels prepared for their season opener, the first-year head coach referred to Reese as a player that would “potentially be a starter.”
The Rebels could’ve used Reese in the secondary so far as the unit ranks 114th against the pass, allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 72% of their passes — 110th in the country.
Ole Miss’ matchup with Texas A&M this weekend was postponed due to COVID-19, meaning that Reese’s first action may come against Mississippi State in next Saturday’s Egg Bowl.
