[Tuck4Bama]

OXFORD — Ole Miss received its first bit of good news from the NCAA when former South Panola High linebacker Chris Strong was ruled academically eligible Wednesday.

But it will have to wait a little longer for the decision on another touted freshman, Jerrell Powe.

Strong's eligibility questions ended when he was certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse, paving the way for the state's reigning Mr. Football to play this season.

Strong was not available for comment Wednesday, but coach Ed Orgeron said the NCAA's decision was a "big relief."

"He's the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi," Orgeron said. "That means a lot that he's at Ole Miss and he's ready to go.'"

Strong cleared to play for Ole Miss