2025s You Need to Know: Group 1

<em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering AJ30 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em> Contrary to popular belief, it is never too early to start evaluating freshman ball players that are making an impact at an early age. Mississippi’s 2025 class is filled with young talent that has already accomplished things on the field that many could only dream of. While some players already host offers from various universities, others will soon be discovered. Let’s check out the first group of freshman we have found this season. <strong>Caleb Cunningham</strong> | WR | Choctaw County Although he is only a freshman, it is easy to see how much talent Caleb Cunningham has at a young age. A starting outside receiver for Choctaw County, Cunningham has great length and athleticism for the position. The long playmaker has a natural long stride that allows him to gain ground on defenders. What stands out most about him is his ability to produce in the red zone. Cunningham has natural hands and good leaping ability that help go up and grab 50/50 balls with ease. In the open field, the young receiver has natural wiggle after the catch and can make defenders miss in space. Really promising prospect that should end up going big time. <strong>Trevon Deans</strong> | DB | Harrison Central In one of the most difficult positions to play at a young age, Trevon Deans balls out. A  cornerback for Harrison Central, Deans is as about as lockdown as freshman come. Deans has a knack for finding the ball in the air and making a big time play on it. The defensive back has impressive speed and burst which allow him to transition well. Dean has smooth hips and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in and make a tackle in the open field. A lot to like on tape here, keep an eye on this guy throughout the rest of the season and moving into the offseason. <strong>Jarcoby Hopson</strong> | ATH | Horn Lake The younger brother of Mississippi State commit [player_tooltip player_id="104206" first="Jarnorris" last="Hopson"], Jarcoby looks to be the next Power 5 recruit in the family. Standing at 6’2" 205 as a freshman, Hopson’s growth potential is off the charts. Currently, he is starting at safety for Horn Lake, but if he continues to grow, this is a kid that could play a variety of positions on the defensive side of the ball. Hopson moves well for a young kid, but what stands out most is his physicality. The defensive back is not afraid of making open field tackles and delivering big hits to ball carriers despite his experience in 6A. Hopson does a good job at taking on blocks as well and reading his keys. Looking for him to end up being one of the top recruits in Mississippi when it is all said and done. <strong>Reginald Vaughn</strong> | DL | St. Joseph Already holding two SEC offers, college coaches have taken notice of Vaughn’s special talent at a young age. At 6’2" 254, Vaughn has great size for a freshman and should end up being a massive defensive lineman by the time he is a senior. The rising star has an elite get off off the ball and can get in the opposing team’s backfield in a matter of seconds. Vaughn has great technique as well, using his hands well to disengage from blockers in order to make tackles. As a pass rusher, he shows good bend off the edge and a motor that runs hot. The sky is the limit for this kid, but watch for everybody in the country to be after him soon. <strong>Decorey Knight</strong> | ATH | Warren Central Decorey Knight could be one of the most versatile players so far in this 2025 class. When we say this guy plays everything, he plays EVERYTHING! Knight has taken snaps at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and various defensive back positions this season. His athleticism has been on full display too. Knight has very impressive speed and burst in the open field and looks like a natural with the ball in his hands. As a runner, Knight has loose hips and can make opposing players miss in space with ease. Really like this kid’s skill set and excited to keep a close eye on him moving forwards. <strong>Emile Picarella</strong> | QB | St. Joseph Picarella has been one of the hottest names in the 2025 class and for good reason. The 6’2" 175 freshman already holds an offer from Oregon and has been lighting it up this season. Picarella has well polished mechanics for a young quarterback and gets the ball out of his hand fast. He maneuvers the pocket well and can use his legs to extend plays and avoid the incoming rush. When throwing downfield, Picarella shows great zip on his ball and can lead his receivers downfield. This guy could end up being one of the best high school quarterbacks in Mississippi’s football history. Stay tuned and watch the show for the next three years here!