Rebels lose four-star Shyheim Carter to Alabama

OXFORD - Ole Miss suffered a big blow Wednesday.

Four-star cornerback Shyheim Carter committed to Alabama over the Rebels. The Kentwood (Louisiana) senior appeared to be a likely option for the Rebels’ 2016 recruiting class after the Rebels lost out on four-star cornerback Nigel Knott, who committed to Alabama and an Ole Miss legacy.

Carter made official visits to Alabama, Miami and Ole Miss, the three schools in his top group, last month. He also held offers from Baylor, Clemson and Georgia, among others.

Carter is the No. 9 cornerback and No. 71 player overall, according to 247Sports Composite. He had been committed to Alabama before decommiting recently.

The Rebels have already signed four-star cornerback Jaylon Jones and four-star running back Justin Connor, who will convert to a cornerback this fall. Three-star safeties Greg Eisworth and Myles Hartsfield are already on campus after enrolling at Ole Miss last month.

There doesn’t appear to be an immediate option for the Rebels to replace Carter in the class.

The Rebels return both starters at cornerback from last season in junior Kendarius Webster and senior Tony Bridges, as well as primary backups in fifth-year senior Carlos Davis, senior Kailo Moore and sophomore Cam Ordway.
The Rebels’ coaching staff has also been impressed with redshirt freshman Jalen Julius.

The Rebels allowed an average of 258.8 passing yards per game, which ranked 105th in the nation, but were tied for 21st with 6.3 yards allowed per pass and 47th in opponents’ passer rating at 121.3.

Contact Daniel Paulling at dpaulling@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @DanielPaulling on Twitter.