DaMarkus Lodge to Ole Miss: Rebels Land 4-Star WR Prospect

Ole Miss received a major boost to its 2015 recruiting class on national signing day, securing the commitment of 4-star wide receiver DaMarkus Lodge.

Ben Garrett of Mississippi.Scout.com announced Lodge's decision and captured a pre-decision image of Lodge from the scene of the announcement:

Lodge, who decommitted from Texas A&M in September, had offers from around the nation, and it's not really difficult to see why.

Rated by 247 Sports' composite rankings as the sixth-best WR and No. 9 overall prospect out of the state of Texas, the Cedar Hill superstar features a tantalizing blend of size (6'2", 190 lbs and long arms) and route-running ability.

Although he doesn't boast breakaway speed or ankle-breaking elusiveness, Lodge is skilled at creating separation and attacking the ball in the air, where he uses his strong hands to come down with anything within a wide radius.

Exhibits A, B and C:

Freshmen wide receivers aren't always able to make immediate impacts at the collegiate level, but Lodge is quite polished. This isn't just a player who used his physical gifts to dominate lesser competition; he is a talented wide receiver and clearly knows how to play the position.

ESPN's scouting report goes into more detail regarding his immense talent:

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Is a savvy, precise route runner for a younger player. Comes off the line with purpose and has a plan. Covers a lot of ground quickly with his stride. Can explode out of cuts and his burst step is a long one. Couple that with his size and wingspan and he creates a wide catch radius even versus tight coverage. Works stutter steps and double moves nicely to set up defenders and is very adept at getting vertical by attacking alignment and eating up cushion. He has a very nice feel for coverage and locating voids vs. zone coverage when employed in the slot.

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If Lodge gets onto campus and adds a bit of bulk, there's a very good chance he'll be able to contribute for head coach Hugh Freeze right away in 2015.

Even if he doesn't, the Rebels have themselves a game-changing playmaker with an undoubtedly bright future.

Recruit star rating via 247Sports.com.