Twenty-two Names to Know for the 2024 Ole Miss Season: No. 19 Deion Smith
OXFORD, Miss. – As we lead up to week one in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the kickoff of Ole Miss football’s 2024 season, The Rebel Walk team is highlighting one player each day. We’ll break down who they are, how they got here, and what we expect from each.
Today, we will dive into everything you need to know about Deion Smith, the Ole Miss wide receiver who looks to become a crucial player for the Rebs this fall.
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How did Deion Smith arrive at Ole Miss?
As many fans know, Deion Smith’s journey to Ole Miss was not easy. Coming out of high school, the four-star was recruited by LSU, where he decided to play his freshman year of college ball. During his time in Baton Rouge, Smith caught 11 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, proving his potential in the SEC.
DEION SMITH MOSSED ‘EM FOR AN LSU TD 🤭 #CFBpic.twitter.com/3WMkAKK8ru
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 19, 2021
Following his freshman year, Smith entered the transfer portal and returned home to Mississippi to attend Holmes Community College, where he blossomed into an elite-level receiver. Following his improvements at Holmes, Smith entered the transfer portal and committed to Ole Miss in December, expecting to join the team in the spring.
Despite his commitment, there were a few academic barriers in the way of Smith’s ability to participate with the Rebels. Though we have not seen Smith practicing with the team, he is officially on campus and is reported to be fully eligible for the season.
Deion Smith putting in work 👀
He’ll make an instant impact when he arrives on campus
Ridiculously talented WR that’s gonna put the country on notice in 2024‼️#WRU pic.twitter.com/4wGjYQxP8q
— WA🅾️Ⓜ️ (@WAOM_) January 8, 2024
Career Outlook
Like we stated before, Smith started his career at LSU but did not find the success he was anticipating in purple and gold. Luckily, this past year at Holmes, Deion was able to do exactly what he’s capable of and led the nation by hauling in 1,063 yards on 48 catches while scoring 12 touchdowns.
After his breakout season, 247 Sports ranked Smith as the best junior college prospect in America, ensuring that he was ready to jump back into SEC football.
Heading into 2024
There’s no question that Smith is joining a loaded wide receiver room, but through his addition, the room gains competition, depth, and somehow even more potential than it already had. Smith has an abundance of playing experience under his belt and possesses elite speed, a large frame, exceptional ball-catching ability, and incredible footwork to top it all off.
We visited with Deion recently and he told us how he’s looking forward to joining such a strong room, saying: “I can’t wait to add to an already-stacked team.”
No. 1 JUCO Wide Receiver Deion Smith is set to arrive at Ole Miss soon! “I can’t wait to add to an already-stacked team,” Smith tells us. ⤵️ https://t.co/AKUemDbEQi
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) May 23, 2024
In the offseason, Smith spends a great deal of time working with Ole Miss legends and former NFL wide receivers Mike Espy and Shay Hodge to enhance his playing level and overall skill. In speaking with Hodge, he gave The Rebel Walk his thoughts on Smith.
“He’s the prototypical receiver prospect that passes the eye test. He’s a generational talent type of kid. He will go down as one of the best to do it.”
Shay Hodge on Deion Smith
Deion Smith
(@deion1_ )
6’3 190
Wide Receiver
Holmes CC
December Grad▪️Deion isn’t only a great receiver, he adds value in the return game as well.
▪️Generational Talent pic.twitter.com/3dHSCHzCkc
— Shay Hodge™ (@shayhodge3) October 13, 2023
While opposing teams will be focused on how to defend Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Caden Prieskorn, Jordan Watkins, and others, Smith is someone who may fly under the radar and end up haunting defensive coordinators around the SEC. Be on the lookout for Deion in Lane Kiffin’s offense this season!
