MONCTON, Canada – Ole Miss rising sophomore Mike Granger used a quick burst out of the blocks to race to a fourth-place finish in the finals of the 100 meters at the 2010 IAAF World Junior Championships on Wednesday night.

After finishing atop his heat in round one on Tuesday and in the semifinals earlier on Wednesday, Granger was one of two Americans to qualify for the eight-man finals. The Rebel speedster jumped out to an early lead from his lane four before claiming fourth place in a tight finish with a time of 10.32, just shy of his 10.29 personal best.

Jamaica’s Dexter Lee won the gold medal with a time of 10.21, followed by American Charles Silmon (TCU) at 10.23 and France’s Jimmy Vicaut at 10.28.

“I knew I lacked top-end speed,” Granger told reporters after the race. “I tried to have a good start and hold it, but I just couldn't quite hold it. I'm not happy with the time, but the U.S. won a medal, so it's good.”

Granger is expected to compete in the 4x100-meter relay on Friday and Saturday of the championships.

The Hickory, Miss., native qualified for the World Junior Championships by claiming the 100 meters crown at the USA Junior Championships in June. He won the event with a time of 10.30 in the finals, while his 10.29 burst in the prelims was the fifth-fastest time ever recorded by a Rebel sprinter.