Late MS Bloomers Growing Up in JuCo
Some guys are studs in high school with all the boxes checked: production, exposure, size, athleticism, grades, etc. Others aren’t so lucky. In Mississippi, those guys that could lack one or two of those elements that prevent them from signing…
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Continue ReadingSome guys are studs in high school with all the boxes checked: production, exposure, size, athleticism, grades, etc. Others aren’t so lucky. In Mississippi, those guys that could lack one or two of those elements that prevent them from signing with a university are given a brand new opportunity in the Mississippi junior college system. Many big time players have got their beginning in one of Mississippi’s junior colleges. These programs have been huge feeders into many 4 year college programs all across the nation, and recruiters value the Mississippi system more than any other system in the country. Today, we will be taking a look at a few of the best JuCo products that played their high school ball in Mississippi. You may remember hearing some of these names just a year or two ago!
Peyton McKinion | OT | Brandon High |
Upon finishing his senior year at Brandon High, Peyton McKinion was a pretty dang good player. He listed offers from some NAIA and Division 3 schools, as well as some PWOs to bigger universities. McKinion knew he was bigger than that though and bet on himself. He enrolled at Mississippi Gulf Coast and his physical maturation went through the roof. McKinion currently stands at 6’9″ 310 pounds, and his football skill has increased as well. McKinion is a nasty and physical blocker who has gotten considerably stronger since his high school days. He is athletic in pass protection and has a good kick step and initial punch. Coaches will love the size and athleticism that he presents on tape. When he is done playing his junior college ball, he will be able to walk into a program and start from day one. McKinion currently lists offers from Maryland, Florida Atlantic, Pitt, and Southern Miss among many.
Percy Lewis | OT | McAdams High |
From Sallis, MS with a population of 236, Percy Lewis was a prospect that just slipped through the cracks. After capping off a high school career at McAdams High as a defensive lineman, Lewis was left with almost no options to continue playing football. Lucky for him, Mississippi Gulf Coast offered him an opportunity to play football and it has been history ever since. After starting at left tackle for Gulf Coast for a year, Lewis gained enough exposure to commit to playing football for Oregon. At 6’8″ 360, the Ducks are getting a heckuva player to come in and fill a need. Lewis is a very large and very athletic big man who can bend and move in space. He has long arms and quick, active feet, so his pass protection is very well refined. Using his strength from his defensive line days, he can bully opposing defenders into the dirt. Look for Lewis to have a quick impact for Oregon when he finishes up his junior college career.
Deven Wright | LB | DeSoto Central |
Deven Wright was an extremely productive high school player. His senior year he had 13 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 60 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss, but somehow the offers didn’t come for him. Wright elected to enroll at Mississippi Gulf Coast and has been wrecking havoc there. As a freshman, he started at outside linebacker and began to pick up offers from Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee. At 6’5″ 225, Wright looks like an absolute man on tape. His long arms give him the ability to push back tackles and create separation with ease. He plays the game fast and violent. When he runs in space, Wright looks like a man on a mission. As he tackles, he generates a ton of force to create huge collisions on the ball carrier. It is clear that Wright has gotten much faster and much stronger since his high school days. Expect him to have a big sophomore year in junior college before taking his talents elsewhere.
Tavion Smith | WR | Oak Grove |
After a 920 yard 4 TD season, Tavion Smith was left without any college opportunities to continue his career at. At the time though, he was playing a big slot / tight end role for Oak Grove. Smith enrolled at Pearl River Community College. At 6’4″ 190, Smith has continued to grow and develop. He has also gotten significantly faster and more agile. He still has great ability to go up and get the football and can come down with anything thrown his way. Smith has always been a smooth route runner and looks like he has continued to hone his craft. After a modest year of production at Pearl River, Smith picked up an opportunity from University of Alabama: Birmingham. With a big sophomore year, his opportunities will only continue to grow.