Many players visit a college and decide during the trip that the certain school is right for them. However, in Preston Overbey’s case, his choice was the host school’s in-state rival.

Overbey, a six-foot-three, 210-pound, right-handed junior, traveled to Starkville in early November for the two-way player’s fourth visit in attempting to determine where he would play at the next level.

Overbey enjoyed Mississippi State and what they had to offer, but on the ride back to his home in Jackson, Tenn., an epiphany occurred.

“I was in the car with my dad and just realized that Ole Miss, which was my first visit, was where I wanted to be,” Overbey said. “The other schools were nice, but Ole Miss is where I felt wanted. It was more like home to me. So I called Coach Rob (Reinstetle) and committed when I left Starkville.

“Why wait when it is the right choice for you?”

And with that phone call, the Rebels begin their 2010 signing search with a pick-up that should be one of the headliners of the class when complete. Overbey chose Ole Miss over MSU, Tennessee and Louisville, and the University School of Jackson product is projected to make an immediate impact. Perfect Game rates Overbey as the No. 2 player in Tennessee and the 102^nd nationally for his signing year.

Overbey’s offense is his calling card but look for Ole Miss to give him a chance on the mound as well. Billed as a power hitter that can play both corner infield spots and in the outfield, the versatile player has been able to test his skills during summer ball with the Dulin Dodgers, one of the most respected summer teams in the country.

Current Rebels Michael Park, Zach Miller, Blair Wright, Zach Rutland and Phillip Irwin are all Dulin alumni, while 2009 signee David Renfroe and former Rebels Zack Cozart, Mark Holliman and Cody Overbeck among others also spent time with the Dodgers.

“It is a big-time atmosphere, and all the coaches have professional experience,” Overbey said of the Dulin program. It helps you decide where to go and puts you in front of college coaches. It helps you get the chance to achieve success.”

Owner and manager Tim Dulin is high on his player as well.

“With what kind of player he is, this is a great fit,” Dulin said. “Ole Miss got a super prospect. He was competing against guys three years older than him, and he competed like he belonged.”

Overbey visited Oxford during the Vanderbilt football weekend, and he has witnessed one Rebel baseball game – the 17-inning Sunday marathon against State in 2007. And while all the programs featured high points, Ole Miss was the most accommodating during the recruiting process.

“Mississippi State was fine, but I wasn’t as comfortable there,” said Overbey, who explained the thought process. “The Louisville coaches were great, but it is really cold up there, and they aren’t in the SEC. Tennessee is kind of rebuilding. Ole Miss is already there, and they have such a tremendous atmosphere.

“The coaches made sure I felt welcome, and I connected with them. They showed me around themselves instead of a diamond girl. Plus, I get to play in the best conference in the country.”

Overbey’s high school reached the state finals during his eighth and ninth grade seasons and fell in the third game of the state tournament last year. During his final two seasons of prep ball, Overbey is just looking for consistency and improvement in regards to his already plus-ability with the bat.

“It’s another level, but I’m excited about it,” he said. “I’m motivated to just keep working on my swing and to prepare for the competition at Ole Miss.

“You expect to have to work hard at any successful program, and that is what I have picked. Ole Miss was the complete package for me.”

Note: Since Overbey’s commitment, the Rebels have added Myrtle’s Jimel Judon to the 2010 class.