Four-star LB Mantrez Walker Talks about his Junior Day Visit to Ole Miss: ‘It was a family vibe…and I loved that’
OXFORD, Miss. — We all know Oxford is the buzz location for portal players, as the Rebels have the No. 1 overall portal class for 2024, but it has also become a clear destination for many of the nation’s elite high school players. Saturday was Junior Day at Ole Miss and the Rebels made quite an impression on many in the class of 2025, including four-star linebacker Mantrez Walker.
Walker, a Buford (Georgia) High School standout, is the No. 41 linebacker in the country and the No. 50 overall player in the talent-rich state of Georgia. We visited with him after his Junior Day visit and he offered his thoughts on Ole Miss.
“What stood out to me was (defensive coordinator) Coach (Pete) Golding and Coach (Wes) Neighbors’ knowledge for the game and the history of great coaching and developing players to go to the league. Also, just how hospitable they were to me and my family, I felt and was treated like their priority.”
Mantrez on his Junior Day visit to Ole Miss
The Rebels have already made some big strides on the recruiting trail in 2025, gaining a commitment Saturday evening from 2025 LB Corey Amos from Louisiana following Junior Day. The quality of players interested in Ole Miss is a testament to the ‘Golding Effect’ at work.
Sum To Prove. 🦹🏾 #BDA pic.twitter.com/XfpCwNhTYh
— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) November 28, 2023
As for Mantrez, the 6-foot, 215-pounder’s recruitment has been on fire as of late after quite an explosive junior campaign where he recorded 54 total tackles with four tackles for a loss.
2025 LB Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) loves to drop big hits on his opponents!!! He plays smart, shows proper patience and then shows the burst/instincts to get to the ball carrier. Really good tackler overall while providing those big hits!!! He’s got plans to visit Miami 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kKpVoGvtHc
— North Fresh RNG (@NorthFreshCane) December 20, 2023
Walker already boasts quite the offer sheet, holding well over 30 offers including ones from: Ole Miss, LSU, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCF, Michigan, Arkansas, Boston College, Colorado, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Grambling, Illinois, Louisville, and others. There’s no doubt he will continue to rack up more.
Blessed To Be In This Position ! 🙏🏾
New Years Resolution Is To Make The Right Decision…. pic.twitter.com/eBpA8tCJda
— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) December 31, 2023
Even with his pick of plenty of high profile programs, Walker remains humble, perfecting his craft this off season in order to become even stronger heading into his senior season.
Back in December, he shared the Top 12 schools that have his attention, including Ole Miss.
GOD DID…🧎🏾♂️
WHERE’S HOME ¿ #Top12 @Coach_Davis22 @CoachApp35 pic.twitter.com/t7ju5gR6rb
— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) December 12, 2023
As you can see, there are many familiar rivals vying for Mantrez’ services. Fresh off trips to Miami and FSU, Walker had his choice of plenty of places he could have been this past weekend. But the Georgia native chose to make his way to the Sip to take in Junior Day with the Rebels.
Every prospect has a different experience. Walker shared his takeaway on the visit to Oxford for Junior Day.
“It was a family vibe. Everything was family based and I loved that!”
Mantrez Walker on Ole Miss
So where does this put the Rebels down the road for Walker and his recruitment?
“This visit puts the Rebs as one of my top schools, and they have a lot of good qualities that are going to be hard to beat. This visit just made my decision harder. They will be one of my top schools, though, for sure.”
Mantrez Walker on Ole Miss
What’s The Word…👀🦈 #hottytoddy pic.twitter.com/juG0zKdQWN
— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) February 4, 2024
It is apparent Miami has been at the forefront of this continued heated battle for Mantrez. Will the Hurricanes continue to create storms for the growing number of Power 5 suitors lining up for Walker? Of course they will, but they will have to fight off the very strong combo of Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding.
For the moment, it is evident that Mantrez Walker’s Junior Day visit made a strong impression on one of 2025’s top linebackers as we head into another critical point in Spring recruiting efforts.
Mantrez looks to be narrowing down the field here once again with a new top schools list coming out on February 11.
GOD DID ✞
TOP SCHOOLS DROPPING 2/11. pic.twitter.com/WUbM3ejSDQ— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) February 1, 2024
We look forward to bringing you more on Mantrez’s recruitment down the homestretch. The Rebels can catch him this off season creating chaos on the 7v7 circuit with HunchoElite.
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
