Pearl looking to regroup in 2021

Coming off a 2021 campaign that was not up to the standard of traditional Pearl football, The Pirates look to completely regroup in the coming year. Good news is to be easily found for the Pearl faithful: The defense could quite possibly be loaded. Led by two way star <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jerry-johnson/">[player_tooltip player_id="104546" first="Jerry" last="Johnson"]</a> , who is one of the most sought after recruits in the state, the secondary should be a true bright spot for Coach Justin Hunter. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/marcus-mosley-jr/">Marcus Mosley Jr.</a> is another sought after name state-wide, who is a member of our Prep Redzone Top 50 rankings. Together, the tag team of Johnson and Mosley Jr. should anchor a secondary that could be one of the best in-state by year end. The defensive line will also be a strong point for the Pirate defense led by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jeremy-jackson/">[player_tooltip player_id="104447" first="Jeremy" last="Jackson"]</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jalyn-nickelberry/">[player_tooltip player_id="104472" first="Jalyn" last="Nickelberry"]</a> . Jackson is a name that has started to gain traction in the last month picking up junior college offers as well as an offer from Alcorn State. The biggest question mark surrounding Jackson is the lack of length/size, but it is well made up for with the presence of an elite motor. Smooth technique is an obvious asset to his game as he lines up and terrorizes guards with athletic ability. Nickelberry embraces the role of a true tweener, seeing time as an OLB/EDGE rush type end. More of a traditional OLB frame is seen in Nickelberry, although his overall athletic ability has a little more stiffness to it. Great football smarts and hand usage are next level intangibles for Nickelberry, who appears on tape to be the type of guy that has a true nose for the football. The 2021 season could be one where Nickelberry’s name emerges with a lot of traction late. The linebacker group will most likely be where the most question marks reside going into the year, but they will expect to be led by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/trystin-carpenter/">[player_tooltip player_id="118164" first="Trystin" last="Carpenter"]</a>. Carpenter attacks the football from the position downhill but has good range sideline to sideline as well. With true size for the position and a knack as a tackler, I’d expect to hear his name mentioned in recruiting circles as the season nears. The offseason camp season should be good for Carpenter. The 2021 season will see Pearl return as much talent defensively as nearly anyone in the state. Expect the Pirates to get back to their winning ways soon, led by these athletes on the defense.