OXFORD, Miss – The Rebel Gang brings you a new written series in which we will introduce one by one 22 names you should know for the upcoming season. Today we focus on one of Lane Kiffin’s most successful transfers, Isaiah Hamilton.
The cornerback from Houston was a key signing for Ole Miss last spring. Although he is Alabama’s Trey Amos In the winter transfer portal cycle, the Rebs felt they needed another talented cornerback to put themselves in the best possible position for the upcoming season. As Pete Golding He received the commitment from Hamilton ahead of Michigan and Alabama and has achieved that goal.
#OleMiss Cornerback Isaiah Hamilton, who transferred from Houston, has some outstanding skills when it comes to reading the play and locating the ball.
Ability to make big plays. 9 INTs in the last two years. 2 pick sixes in 2023. @KINGzae157 pic.twitter.com/McACpo55Zk
— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) May 3, 2024
How did Isaiah Hamilton come to Ole Miss?
Hamilton began his college career as a three-star cornerback at Texas Southern University, where he totaled 40 tackles, six pass deflections, and seven interceptions in two years. Seeing his success, the University of Houston recruited Hamilton out of the transfer portal, and he had a phenomenal junior season with the Cougars.
The 6-foot-1 stud recorded 50 tackles, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and four interceptions while playing 839 total snaps and developing into Houston’s top cornerback.
After the season, Hamilton entered the transfer portal in late April and signed with the Rebels in early May, where he is expected to play a key role in the Ole Miss secondary.
Career prospects
One particular trait that is critical to Hamilton’s success is his ability to learn, grow and develop as a player. Not only has he improved each year, but he has done a fantastic job week in and week out and shown signs of adaptation. Last year, Hamilton had his best two games of the season in his final two games against Oklahoma State and UCF, two very successful Big 12 teams.
In that game against Oklahoma State, Hamilton not only made six tackles, but he also did an incredible job of reading the quarterback, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown. His aggressiveness and understanding of the game are clear on film and should translate perfectly to a Pete Golding-style defense.
Your newest Ole Miss Rebel, Isaiah Hamilton 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0fg5msJtks
— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) May 3, 2024
On the way to 2024
With the possibility to Jaxson Dart, Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Caden Prieskorn, Jordan Watkins, and any other threat in Lane Kiffin’s offense, Hamilton will naturally make steady progress over the course of the season, just as he has in the past. While some may be concerned that he lacks SEC experience, the fact that he plays in the Big 12 and can compete against the Rebels’ offense for an entire fall should allow him to have a smooth transition into the new conference.
Isaiah is expected to play on the opposite side of the field as Trey Amos and rotate in any coverage assigned to him. His versatility allows him to blitz, man coverage, zone coverage, and many different positions in the secondary.
Although this will be his last year of eligibility, Hamilton has the potential to be the perfect NFL draft pick and will look to use all of his skills to make that happen. Be sure to keep an eye on the No. 3 on the field this fall!
Zach Moreth
Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss studying Sports Administration. When he’s not watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!
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