5A’s Unheralded Game Changers of Round 2
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By now, we have all heard about the stars of the regular season and playoffs in 5A. But what about the guys who are making tons of plays for their teams without as much recognition? Today, we highlight a player…
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Continue ReadingBy now, we have all heard about the stars of the regular season and playoffs in 5A. But what about the guys who are making tons of plays for their teams without as much recognition? Today, we highlight a player from each team to watch this week in the 5A playoffs that could be an absolute game changer for their squad.
Kenneth Yates
Kenneth Yates
The 6’5″ defensive end had a big regular season throughout his senior year. Yates has length and speed off the ball that ought to give opposing offensive linemen a lot of trouble during the second round. As a run stopper, Yates does a great job at attacking the mesh point between the running back and quarterback and is excellent in pursuit. If the run is going away from his side, best believe that he will somehow end up apart of the tackle. As a pass rusher, Yates does a good job at fighting with his hands and bending off the edge to hurry or sack the quarterback.
Dakiren Wilson
Dakiren Wilson
Two way player Dakiran Wilson has made a big impact on both the Neshoba Central offense and defense. The long and rangy wide out and corner has some of the best ball skills left in the playoffs. When utilized on offense, Wilson is a smooth and fluid route runner who is best when running a fade or go route. Wilson does a good job at stacking on top of the corner and going over top to get the football for a big play. At corner, Wilson has a high football IQ and can bait quarterbacks into easy interceptions for him. He does a good job at mirroring receivers and plays disciplined zone coverage.
Kellen Washington
Kellen Washington
One of the premier players on one of 5A’s best defenses, Washington plays the very important role of outside linebacker for the Gators. This is the type of guy that you cannot forget to account for when both running the ball and passing the ball. Washington plays the game with heavy hands and can easily beat offensive tackles one on one when used as a pass rusher. He plays with tremendous effort and violence – once this guy is on, he is ON. Against the run, Washington fights off blocks, sets the edge, and can deliver big blows to opposing ball carriers. Key member to a VERY stout front seven.
Tavarius Pepper
Tavarius Pepper
Callaway is loaded with athletes across the board this season. Junior linebacker/edge Tavarius Pepper is no different. The long playmaking linebacker has special speed coming off the ball and does a fantastic job at getting off blocks. Pepper can take a pulling guard or tackle and make him pay, easily using his length and strength to push the lineman back into the ball carrier. Against the pass, Pepper will put his hand in the dirt on certain fronts and has a mean speed rush to him. He also does a good job at using his length to break up passing lanes.
Alan Grimme
Alan Grimme
By now, everybody who watches 5A football is aware of the rushing attack that Vancleave has brought to the table. Senior back John Peterson has totaled well over 2000 yards, but he doesn’t do it without linemen like Alan Grimme. The road grading tackle punishes defenders and has some of the most natural strength I’ve seen recently. Grimme is a big load to handle at 6’5″ 290 and makes it known to opposing teams. He does a great job at hinging, reaching, and down blocking defensive ends and clears the path easily for the running back. When in doubt, run behind #79.
Dillon Alfred
Dillon Alfred
Sophomore wide receiver Dillon Alfred has been one of the biggest breakout cases of the 2025 class this year. The 6’0″ wide receiver has totaled over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns and has been one of senior quarterback Kaden Irving Kaden Irving 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Gautier | 2023 State MS ‘s favorite targets. Alfred took over week 1 in the playoffs, and that trend should continue as long as Gautier is in. The stand out receiver has special speed in the open field and can easily separate from cornerbacks when put on an island. He is fluid at the line of scrimmage and has some very impressive YAC ability in the open field.
Highlights
Picayune has been a monstrous team this year to scheme around defensively. Junior linebacker Amarion Tyson Amarion Tyson 5'7" | 170 lbs | ATH Picayune Memorial | 2024 State MS makes things even more difficult. Although he is not the biggest of the bunch, Tyson is one of the key playmakers for this unit. The rising star has great speed and knows how to disguise his blitzes. In addition to his big play ability on the blitz, Tyson can also cover well in the open field. As a run defender, he can simply hawk down any ball carrier due to just being that much faster than everybody else. You can see it on tape – Tyson’s energy is infectious for this defense.
Kaden Stevison
Kaden Stevison
A talented guard and 2020 state champion, senior Kaden Stevison anchors the West Jones offensive line that has had a lot of success this season. If you see this guy pulling on a gap run, it would be best to run the other way. Stevison is a nasty and tenacious blocker that has great strength overall. With enough athleticism to make a difference at the 2nd level of blockers, Stevison is one of those linemen with a ton of “wow” factor to him. Playing with good pad level, Stevison can explode off the ball and dominate any defender across from him. This guy plays every snap through the whistle and makes defenders pay every down.