When Ole Miss opens its second summer camp under Hugh Freeze month after next, the Rebels won’t have one freshman who could’ve made an immediate impact on the offensive side of the ball.
According to Hugh Kellenberger of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, tight end A.J. Jackson is not academically eligible to enroll at the school and will not play for the Rebels, at least in 2013. What the specific issue or issues that left Jackson short of qualifying academically was not divulged.
It’s also unclear what Jackson’s next step will be, although junior college is certainly an option.
Jackson was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 22 tight end in the country. 247Sports.com had Jackson rated No. 18 at his position.
The Jackson news is the latest hit for a position lacking in both depth and experience. Fellow 2013 signee, early enrollee Christian Morgan, suffered a knee injury during spring practice and may not be available for the 2013 season. No player currently listed at the tight end position on the Rebels’ depth chart has a caught a pass at the collegiate level. A former fullback (Justin Bigham) is listed as the backup to a starter (Jack Nuismer) with zero catches and who was a walk-on before receiving a scholarship prior to the start of the 2012 season.