Top Four-Star Running Back Damarius Yates Shakes Up Recruiting World by Choosing Ole Miss—What’s Behind the Surprise Decision?

There’s something electric about watching a rising star carve his path through the gridiron ranks, and Damarius Yates is precisely that kind of talent you don’t want to blink at. Hailing from De Kalb, Mississippi, this Kemper County standout isn’t just making waves; he’s practically a tidal force. Clocking in at 5-foot-9 1/2 and 179 pounds, Yates has an eye-popping stat line from last season — over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, sprinting at a jaw-dropping clip of more than 10 yards every time he touched the ball. Ranked No. 125 in the 2026 class and holding the No. 11 spot among running backs in the nation according to 247Sports’ Composite, he once pledged his commitment to Mississippi State but now appears to be charting an intriguing new course. It’s one of those stories that catches your attention—and doesn’t let go. LEARN MORE