Ole Miss Football Trending to Beat Michigan Wolverines, Tennessee for Elite Safety

Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Oakland four-star safety Craig Tutt will reveal a commitment decision on Friday, July 18 with the Ole Miss Rebels emerging as the team to beat down the stretch.

Tutt, the No. 5 rated prospect in Tennessee, has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the country heading into his senior campaign this fall.

The 6-foot, 180-pounder has reeled in offers from the likes of the Ole Miss Rebels, Tennessee Volunteers, Michigan Wolverines, Auburn Tigers and SMU Mustangs across his prep career.

Now, it's "Decision Day" with one program emerging as a serious threat: Ole Miss.

Lane Kiffin and Co. have pushed all the right buttons here with Tutt becoming an Ole Miss lean as decision day arrives, according to multiple reports.

"The Vols made a push, but we still lean toward the SEC program in Oxford," On3 Sports' Chad Simmons wrote of Tutt's recruitment. 

VolQuest's Matt Ray echoed the same sentiment during a recent appearance on 104.5 The Zone's Ramon and Will. 

"I think Tennessee's still got some ground to make up with Craig Tutt," said Ray. "I think [during his] official visit, they continued to show him some of the things that he wanted answered. But I think Ole Miss has continued to do a really nice job there."

Now, with a decision locked in for Friday, July 18, the Ole Miss Rebels appear to be in the driver's seat for one of the top defensive backs in the South.

The Scouting Report: "Three-phase playmaker that garnered almost 2,000 all-purpose yards as a junior at Oakland High School while playing multiple positions on both sides of the football. Estimated at a shade under 6-feet and 180-pounds, Tutt’s multi-dimensional skill set more than likely projects best to the defense side of the ball at the next level where his versatility and playmaking athleticism excels the most.

"A decisive mover and equally instinctual defender, the Tennessee native appears the most comfortable at the safety position where he displays the ability to match up man-to-man out of the slot while adding a presence in the run game as a secondary defender.

"The versatile rising senior also averaged over 24.5 yards per attempt as a kickoff return specialist, highlighting his impact in multiple phases of the game. Projects as a high level impact starter at the Power Four level with the ability to add value at multiple positions in the secondary and as a return man."