Calder Mikell knew his college destination as his final visit was ending.

And it didn't take him long to announce it.

The Petal, Miss., right-handed pitcher took a visit to Mississippi State on Thursday, but when he left Starkville he decided on the Bulldogs' in-state rival, committing to Ole Miss later in the day.

"I went to Mississippi State and left thinking I knew what I wanted to do," Mikell said. "There was something about Ole Miss I really like. I can't tell you the exact moment it hit me, but there's something about Ole Miss that makes me want to go there."

Mikell also had an offer from USM.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound 2014 prospect visited Ole Miss on July 3, and the Rebels made a strong impression. The visit included tours of the stadium, locker rooms and academic amenities. Accompanied by his parents, Mikell met with new strength coach Ben Fleming and other support staff members.

Assistant Carl Lafferty was the lead recruiter on Mikell.

"I've heard he's a really good pitching coach, and I like the way their pitching sets up for when I get there," Mikell said. "I had to go check out State to make sure, but I knew it pretty quickly."

Mikell was up to 94 MPH with his fastball as the State Games recently and should work in the low 90s. He also throws a breaking ball in the mid 70s, a cut fastball and a split finger.

"Pitching to contact is the big thing I need to work on before then," Mikell said. "Just making sure to throw strikes and not help people out."

CASEY SET TO VISIT IN-STATE SCHOOLS: Olive Branch, Miss., outfielder Clay Casey has been on a hot streak in suburban Atlanta the last couple weeks, and his recruitment will likely do the same as soon as he returns to Mississippi.

Casey (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) made the all-tournament team and helped the Dulin's Dodgers to an 18U World Wood Bat national championship last week and is also playing with the 17U Dodgers currently, where the team is in the Final Four on Friday.

It's Casey's first year of elite travel baseball, and he's made the most of it. Just yesterday, in a pair of win-or-go-home games, Casey went 2-for-5 with a home run, triple, three walks, three runs and three RBI.

"I've jumped right in and it's been a great opportunity playing with so many guys who have been drafted or are going to be drafted," Casey said. "It makes you want it. Play hard and pay for them. There's a certain confidence you get from it and pride that goes with it.

"I like how the wood feels in my hands. I like it better than the aluminum."

Next week he plans to visit Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The 2014 prospect isn't in a hurry because more doors will likely be opened due to his play in Atlanta. Casey is an Ole Miss fan and is familiar with the Rebels, but that's not a huge role in this process.

"Being a fan isn't going to affect my decision," Casey said. "I know Ole Miss has a good program, and (Cliff) Godwin is one of the best hitting coaches around. I am originally from Holly Springs, so that's 30 minutes away, and I've been there a lot. That's an incredible atmosphere.

"I don't want to sit on the bench as a freshman, and Ole Miss' outfield depth kind of worries me, but I don't want to speculate until I get there and talk to the coaches."

Casey is teammates with Mississippi State commit Austin Riley with the Dodgers, and Riley has made sure to promote the Bulldogs.

"I've heard a lot of good things about State," Casey said. "I don't know a ton, but I like that they played for the national championship obviously. Hopefully on this visit I can see a lot more. I know they lost a couple guys, some big names like Hunter Renfroe."