Day one of the MLB Draft passed with what appears to be good news for Ole Miss football fans. Considered a potential first-round baseball prospect, five-star running back Jerrion Ealy did not have his name called on Monday’s first day.

As guaranteed money drops significantly for the rest of the MLB Draft this week, that bodes well for Ealy and a potential dual-sport career with the Rebels.

Combine that with the fact that Ealy enrolled at Ole Miss Sunday, according to OM Spirit, and the likelihood that Matt Luke adds a five-star recruit to his offense looks strong.

“I think it comes back to relationships,” Luke said in February when he signed Ealy. “Running backs coach Derrick Nix had known him since the 9th grade and been recruiting him. I am really proud of the way he has worked and built that relationship. He knew the whole family, and I think in the end, when Jerrion came back, he felt at home. I think him making the decision to stay in Mississippi makes a statement for a lot of different reasons. Not only is he a great player, but he is also a very good person. He is one of the top players, if not the top player in Mississippi. I am very excited about that decision."

Ealy was the highest-rated commitment in Ole Miss' 2019 signing class. He chose the Rebels over Clemson, Alabama and a host of other Power 5 schools. He was the MVP 2019 Under Armour All-American Game after rushing for a game-record 116 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed 167 times for 1,526 yards, an average of 8.9 yards per carry, with 24 touchdowns as a senior out of Fleetwood (Miss.) Jackson Prep.

“Shorter but muscular player that has a powerful lower body and a sturdy top half,” writes 247Sports director of scouting Barton Simmons. “Sudden, explosive back that plays with a physical temperament and can pick his spots to be punishing. Outstanding feet, change of direction and balance at contact. Creative with the ball in his hands. Has shown plus pass-catching and route-running ability. Extremely productive, dominating poor competition. Has documented elite track numbers. High end major league baseball prospect. Though he has good strength for a smaller back, size limitations are there. Competition level clouds evaluation. Major impact offensive skill player at big-time program with second round NFL Draft upside.”

With Ealy as a gem in the class, Luke's Rebels ranked 22nd nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings for 2019 for the highest-rated class since 2016.

"Top to bottom, I feel like this class can be the foundation of getting this program back on track and back where we all want it to go. I am very excited about that and moving forward," Luke said.