Oxford defensive back commits to Ole Miss

Devin Rockette recently picked up the offer he'd always wanted, but he took some time before making the decision.

That wait ended on Thursday.

Rockette, a speedy cornerback, from Oxford, Mississippi, committed to the hometown Rebels. He called head coach Hugh Freeze to deliver the news, soon after participating in a camp at Mississippi State.

"He was excited and told me congratulations," Rockette said of Freeze. "He told me I'm part of the family."

Ole Miss offered Rockette on June 8 off the strength of a 4.38 hand-timed 40-yard dash. The offer was a reward, but he didn't want to make a quick decision unless he was certain.

"I was happy and blessed," Rockette said. It’s the offer I have been waiting on. I've been wanting to play there since I was little. I’ve been thinking about it and would I consider other offers or teams? It's a dream come true. I'm following my dreams."

"They like my speed, my hips and how I break on the ball."

Rockette ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at Mississippi State this week, and the Bulldogs told him to call them on Friday. He said he would likely call to say he committed to Ole Miss.

"I think they were close to offering because they said to call. I will call and tell them, but I'm sure they will find out in some way."

Oxford finished 12-3 last season, losing to Wayne County, 45-41, in a heartbreaker during the 5A state final. Longtime head coach Johnny Hill retired following the season, and Chris Cutcliffe is now the head coach. Cutcliffe's father, David, is the head coach at Duke and former Ole Miss head coach.

"It's going really well, and Coach Cut is doing a great job. We lost some players, but we have other guys in the shadows waiting to step up."