Four-star QB Marcel Reed commits to Lane Kiffin and Ole MissBySTEVE WILTFONG 14 hours 
Nashville (Tenn.) Montgomery Bell Academy four-star quarterback Marcel Reed announced his commitment to Ole Miss on Monday following another trip to Oxford over the weekend.
 Tabbed by the Top247 as the nation’s No. 17 quarterback, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Reed chose the Rebels over an offer list that also included Arkansas and Vanderbilt.

 “Just the place of Oxford honestly,” Reed told 247Sports. “Every time I’m up there it’s a great feeling and each time I’ve been up there it’s even better than the last time. I enjoy the coaching staff and how interactive they are with the players and their connection with everybody.”

 A three-year varsity starter, Reed has thrown for 4,159 yards in his prep career with 35 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 1,333 yards and 23 scores. He led Montgomery Bell to the state title game as a junior.

 Reed comes from strong football pedigree. His father Rod is a long-time coach including 10-years as the head coach at Tennessee State. His grandfather played in the NFL. Other programs that offered Reed during the process included Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, TCU, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

  “My potential is pretty high at Ole Miss because of the way they run their offense fits me really well and I feel comfortable going into the system after my senior year next year,” Reed explained. “I’m so familiar with it by now the amount of times I’ve been up there. The way they teach it I don’t think will be too complicated to learn, something that’s easy but that’s going to develop you for the next levels.”


 Reed actually told the Rebels staff last Wednesday he was in the fold, and becomes commit No. 2 for Lane Kiffin and his staff in the 2023 cycle, joining Top247 athlete Suntarine Perkins.

 “I’m close with Dane Stevens, (Charlie) Weis, obviously Coach Kiffin and Seth Doege and Fisher Ray,” Reed said. “I just feel really comfortable around them. I’ve been up there four times and they make it feel like home every time. They’re real and they’re not phonies and that’s what I like about them.


 “It was really cool talking to Coach Kiffin (about my commitment). I was on the phone with Coach Weis and Coach Stevens first and the next day they got me on the phone with Coach Kiffin and he was all about it and so excited. That man is such a cool dude and I’m just happy to be part of the the Ole Miss family so I can play for Coach Kiffin.”


 Kiffin’s track record was massive in Reed’s decision.

 “I think everywhere he’s been he’s develop at least one quarterback that’s been sent to the NFL,” Reed said. “I think that’s a good stat to have on your resume. I think that’s what my dad and mom looked most into. I want to go to the NFL and Coach Kiffin has a great history. Every place he’s been been he’s also been a championship coach contender whether that’s been as an analyst, coordinator or head coach, he’s been able to help them out.”

 Reed looks forward to helping Kiffin take Ole Miss to another level down the road as the Rebels are coming off the program’s first 10-win regular season in school history. 247Sports National Analyst Cooper Petagna likes Reed’s potential.



 "Possesses adequate height for the position at 6-foot-1 and 175-pounds, appears to possess growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Displays good athleticism in the pocket and above average mobility as a runner.



 "Displays good foot quickness and setup in the pocket. Active mover, demonstrates some quick twitch movement ability to extend plays within the pocket. Displays a quick release with the ability to get the ball out from a variety of angles. Shows the ability to change his arm slot with or without his feet set. Live arm, shows the ability to make every throw on the field. Plays with an accelerated play tempo. Balls either out quick or he’s fleeing the pocket to extend the play. Flashes some touch and accuracy on the deep ball. Displays some velocity and shows the ability to drive the ball down the field.

 "Appears to have some make you miss ability as a runner and has the ability to extend plays outside the pocket where he excels as a playmaker. Will need to continue to develop more consistently from an accuracy standpoint in the pocket, as he has a tendency to rely on his playmaking ability on the move. Has completed 54% of his passing attempts over the last two seasons with a 27 TD to 13 INT ratio. Possesses some raw tools at the next level to develop into a multi-year starter at a Power Five program as scheme fit will be important for his trajectory."

 

It sounds like Reed has athleticism in his genes.  Having him on the roster will be good for Ole Miss.