In-State Prospects Committing Near and Far

With the NCAA’s travel ban being lifted, prospects around the nation have flocked back to college campuses. This gives prospects to meet their future coaches in person and see the academic institution that they will attend for 3-5 years. Being on campus is a much different feeling than receiving graphics and phone calls from coaches. Visits give recruits the real family feel a team can have, and for some, can give them confirmation on where they should spend their future at. Mississippi prospects have been all over the place this month. As a result, many have pulled the trigger and closed their recruitment down. Prep Redzone top ranked DB [player_tooltip player_id="104526" first="Khamauri" last="Rogers"] was once set to join the LSU Tigers, but decommitted earlier in the offseason to really think things over. Recently, he opted to join another famous defensive back factory: the University of Miami. Rogers has some of the best ball skills in the entire country. He has a knack for being able to read the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball before it is even fully out of his hands. Rogers will be a great scheme fit in Coach Diaz system as well. His length and athleticism allow him to be great in both off man and zone coverage. Look for him to have early contribution on one of the ACC’s best teams. Miami is far from Mississippi, but No. 2 ranked OL [player_tooltip player_id="104387" first="Carter" last="Edwards"] made the decision to go even further from home. After a visit to Boulder, Colorado, Edwards gave his commitment to the University of Colorado. Edwards looks to be a future bookend tackle for the Buffaloes and fits the offense he’s entering well. With his quick feet and strong first punch, Edwards does a great job pass setting and locking onto defenders. In the run game, he is a tenacious mauler who finishes through the whistle every snap. This guy is a modern spread offensive line coach’s dream. High ceiling in both phases of the game at the next level. Shifting back to Mississippians staying at home, four of Mississippi’s highly regarded prospects have committed to in-state schools this month. One of the biggest sleeper prospects in the 2022 class, [player_tooltip player_id="104438" first="DJ" last="Burgess"] committed to Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles are evaluating well this cycle and taking players with high athletic upside. Burgess is one of those guys. He stands at 6’3" 250 and could have the best bend out of all the in-state 2022 defensive linemen. As an edge rusher, Burgess rushes the passer well and uses his hands to generate separation. He has a quick first step and is best fit for continuing to be a premier edge player. Watch for this guy to dominate as a senior and make a early difference at USM. Interestingly enough, Burgess’ high school teammate [player_tooltip player_id="104460" first="Mario" last="Wilbourn"] made his pledge to Southern Mississippi as well. The Region 1-5A player of the year gives the Golden Eagles some downhill thumping from the middle linebacker position. Wilbourn is a violent and tenacious tackler in the open field who brings the hit stick on contact every time. He has good speed in the open field and can effectively play shallow zone coverage. Wilbourn also has great instincts and can diagnose plays quickly on the fly. Love how aggressive he is with blockers and ball carriers too. Big time upside here. Joining his brother at Mississippi State, 2022 DL [player_tooltip player_id="104437" first="Donterry" last="Russell"] gave his commitment to the Bulldogs after visiting campus. Russell is a player with a ton of untapped potential. Due to COVID-19, Russell was unable to play his junior season, but had some big time flashes as a sophomore. He has stood out at camps this summer as well. Russell has great length at 6’4" and has a ton of time to continue filling out his body. He is extremely fast off the edge and can change direction well in space. It wouldn’t surprise me if Russell ends up growing into a SAM linebacker for Mississippi State. Tons of potential and really excited to watch him work as a senior. Finishing things up here, 2022 OL [player_tooltip player_id="104390" first="Wil" last="Saxton"] backed off his pledge from Florida Atlantic earlier in the month. After a visit to Southern Miss, Saxton locked things down with the Golden Eagles. Saxton is a fantastic interior prospect who can snap and play center, or make the move over to guard. He is nasty and plays with a tremendous edge. In the run game, he plays his best ball. Saxton is an absolute road grader who dominates anybody lined up across from him. He can also anchor and pass set well too. A very complete offensive lineman, Saxton joins a great offensive line class and will fit well in the system Coach Hall runs. Keep looking for Mississippi players to find their new homes soon! Signing day is still far away!