Memphis standout commits to Ole Miss

The Rebels are hoping they have landed another Dexter McCluster as the 5' 11", 185 pound Kingsbury product just committed to Ole Miss just minutes ago.

"I committed to Ole Miss a few minutes ago," stated Gabriel Hunter. "I called Coach Nix to let him know. He was pretty happy about my decision."

The news might surprise some since Hunter was a no show for the Ole Miss Sr Camp on Saturday.

"I was suppose to go the camp, and I was going to commit to them during the visit, but I had a family issue come up that I had to take care of. There was nothing more to it than that."

Gabriel was offered by the likes of Tennessee, Ole Miss, Alabama, Memphis, Auburn, Oklahoma State, Louisville, Texas Tech, and Arkansas.

But it all came down to two schools.

"It was really down to Ole Miss and Alabama. I just felt like Ole Miss was recruiting me the hardest. The other schools were not recruiting me as hard as Ole Miss so that is what made my mind up. Plus, I have a real good relationship with Coach (Derrick) Nix. He is real cool, and I got a chance to meet Coach Nutt and he seems like a real passionate guy. It was just the perfect fit for me."

Hunter now has his focus on one more goal.

"I feel a lot better now. It feels like a big release to go ahead and commit and get it out of the way. I have pretty much known where I wanted to go for a while but to finalize it makes me feel a lot better. Now I can do my work and get my ACT score out of the way and I will be alright."

What does Gabriel need on the ACT test to become a full qualifier?

"I really do not know, but my goal is to make at least a 20 so there will be no questions."

Scout.com's #59 nationally rated running back set the Shelby County rushing record last season when he marched his way for 2, 679 yards and 29 TD's. Gabriel was named the The 2007 Commercial Appeal Offensive Player of the Year.

"They want me to be their next Dexter McCluster. They are going to line me up at QB some, return punts, kickoffs, maybe even play some slot and DB. They just want me to do a little bit of everything."