JaMarkus Pittman’s Perfect Fit: Why the 4-Star Defensive Lineman Chose Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — Last Friday evening, the Ole Miss Rebels took a significant step in the future of their defense, securing another commitment for the class of 2027. Enter JaMarkus Pittman—a 4-star defensive lineman who has chosen to fortify the trenches as an Ole Miss Rebel.
We spoke with JaMarkus after his commitment to learn more about his decision. Despite having numerous opportunities with elite programs across the country, he explained why Ole Miss.
“After camp with (defensive line) Coach (Randall) Joyner, I knew it was a good spot for me since it’s close to home.”
JaMarkus Pittman
Hailing from the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, Pittman is not just any recruit; he ranks as the No. 31 overall athlete in the country and stands out as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 3 overall athlete in the state of Tennessee.
An impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Pittman chose Ole Miss over powerhouse programs like Florida, Florida State, and Boston College. Last season alone, Pittman showcased his skills with an impressive tally of 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 43 tackles —and with his junior season on the horizon, fans can expect even more explosive performances!
The Perfect Fit in Oxford
With his robust physical frame and immense potential still untapped, it’s no wonder that numerous programs were eager to snag this exceptional talent early on. However, the Rebels emerged victorious in securing Pittman’s commitment. Here are some standout qualities that make him a powerhouse:
Quick-Twitch Get-Off Skills:His explosiveness off the line is remarkable.
Dominance at the Line of Scrimmage: He consistently controls play.
Double-Team Command: Pittman can handle double-teams while showcasing his ability to break through those blocks.
Solid Technique: His developing pass rush ability complements his already strong run defense.
Footwork & Leverage: He excels in maintaining gaps while stunning and shedding blockers.
Why Ole Miss Stood Out
For a player like Pittman who possesses tremendous upside, the focus on development both on and off the field was particularly appealing.
“Coach emphasized how he could develop me,” he shared about Coach Joyner.
It’s hard to overlook Randall Joyner’s invaluable role—not only does he excel at crafting elite defensive linemen but also shines on the recruiting front. Pittman noted the importance of his relationship with Coach Joyner in making the decision of which school to attend.
“He was the biggest factor.”
JaMarkus Pittman on Coach Joyner
Pittman also had a message for why prospective recruits should consider Ole Miss:
“Because the program and coaching staff are dedicated to developing you for success at the next level. We can win a national championship here!”
JaMarkus Pittman
We will keep you posted on JaMarkus’ upcoming season and his journey to being a Rebel. Hotty Toddy!
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.
