Ole Miss Adds 2017 OG Lavante Epson to Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The in-state battle between Mississippi and Mississippi State over two-way star lineman Lavante Epson was won on Wednesday by the Rebels when the Greenville area native committed to Ole Miss.

Epson was that force up front helping push Washington to a 10-3 mark during the 2015 season. On offense, Epson (6-3, 315) blew open holes for senior running back Malcolm Shirley on the way to a 1,200 yard 20 touchdown campaign. Epson was used on defense part-time as a tackle being a run stop specialist.

Teams extending offers to Epson included Alabama, Memphis, Southern Miss, Cal, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Tennessee. Epson had taken several visits to MSU and a Junior Day trip to Tuscaloosa to see Alabama. On June 9, Epson camped with the Rebels leading to his June 15 commitment.

Recruiting efforts have started to pick up for Mississippi in June with quarterback Alex Faniel, linebacker Josh Clarke, and Epson all committing.

Ole Miss 2017 Verbal Commitment List (7)

LB Josh Clarke, 6-3, 220, Riverdale HS, New Orleans, LA

DE Bryan Jones, 6-5, 240, Madison Prep, Baton Rouge, LA

DE Markel Winters, Jones County J.C., Ellisville, MS

OG Ben Brown, 6-4, 285, St. Aloysius HS, Vicksburg, MS

OG Lavante Epson, 6-3, 315, Washington School, Greenville, MS

QB Alex Faniel, 6-5, 225, Glen Allen HS, Glen Allen, VA

ATH/WR D.D. Bowie, 6-1, 200, Morton HS, Morton, MS

Photo credit: scout.com; Lavante Epson.