Top Newcomers By Position to The 2024 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We came across a ton of new talent for the 2024 rankings during the last season. As the offseason continues, we will continue to find some of Mississippi's best football players. Today, we highlight some of the best prospects at their respective positions that made their way into the rankings after our most recent update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["617313"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A standout defensive end and tight end for state champion Raleigh, [player_tooltip player_id='617313' first='Jay' last='Owens'] is one of the most intriguing new additions to the athlete rankings. Owens stands at 6'1u0022 200 and could continue to grow into a player on either side of the ball in the near future. Defensively, Owens is used as a hand in the dirt end on some downs and out in space at linebacker on others. This is a guy that knows how to rush the passer using his speed and ability to bend off the edge. Owens is a physical player with a ton of natural strength to him. On offense, Owens blocks well when attached to the formation, but can also get loose in the passing game as well. He has solid hands and can use his length to high point the football. While he currently holds no offers, expect that to change as the year progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db014156605"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["616691"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A 6'2u0022 cornerback with length, [player_tooltip player_id='616691' first='Niquis' last='Ratcliff'] has intangibles that college coaches around the country are looking hard for. Ratcliff is the prototypical corner in today's game. He plays well in both man and zone coverage and shows the ability to lock down a team's number one wide receiver. With the ball in the air, Ratcliff does a great job at flipping his hips to run with the receiver, using his length to create a break up or interception on the ball. He has smooth hips that allow him to easily change direction. While most corners get the knock for not wanting to tackle, Ratcliff shows a ton of physicality to him and will step up to make some big time collisions on the ball carrier. He currently holds offers from Arkansas and UNLV, but his recruitment is just getting started.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db01415667a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["616685"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This 2024 class of defensive linemen is FILLED with high end Division 1 prospects. Grenada's [player_tooltip player_id='616685' first='Aaron' last='Travis'] is no different. The premier lineman stands at 6'6u0022 250 and has a ton of length to him. Travis is a fantastic pass rusher who has a motor that runs hot. He is quick off the ball and creates a ton of havoc in the pocket for the opposing team's quarterback. Travis uses his length and speed to create separation between himself and the guard or tackle and has a variety of pass rush moves to win in almost every situation. The rising senior also runs well in space and can hawk down ball carriers when the play goes opposite of his way. While he is currently used inside, this is the type of guy that can be a special 5 tech at the next level. He currently holds offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Indiana among others.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db014156710"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["616693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A 6'6u0022 300 pound tackle prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='616693' first='Kobe' last='Williams'] was a huge factor in Amory's ability to run the football on everybody this season. The rising senior has seen his stock sky rocket since the 2022 season with many college coaches around the southeast beginning to take notice of his talent. Williams is a smooth moving and explosive lineman who has the skillset to play in multiple college schemes at the next level. He plays with good pad level and knows how to use his hands properly. Williams is a naturally strong kid who understands leverage and how to dominate anybody across from him. On top of that, he finishes every block through the whistle, playing with a nasty mean streak to him. Williams currently holds offers from Troy and Southern Miss, but expect that list to grow as the year continues.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db01415676e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["617239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Greenville Christian has been no stranger to high level quarterback play over the last few seasons. [player_tooltip player_id='617239' first='Jaylen' last='Bester'] looks to be the next in line. Standing at 6'2u0022 190, Bester has a good frame for the position with the ability to continue growing and filling out. Mechanically, Bester has good feet in the pocket and has a smooth throwing motion with little hitch to it. He understands how to step into throws to obtain the max velocity he can put out. Bester throws with good accuracy and timing, but what stands out most about his game is the amount of raw arm strength he already has. Athletic enough to escape pressure, Bester can create some big plays on the move and can also tuck and run the ball for yardage when he needs to. Looking forward to see how he progresses this offseason - big time potential for the rising senior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db0141567cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["343638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Rushing for over 1,800 yards and 36 touchdowns during his junior campaign, [player_tooltip player_id='343638' first='Cobey' last='Craft'] was one of the state's most productive backs of the year. Craft stands at 5'10u0022 180 with plenty of room to continue adding weight. As a runner, Craft has great speed in the open field and can score from anywhere. He does a great job at reading the field and setting up his blocks for a big gain. When he gets to the second level, he can kick it into another gear an outrun the defense to the end zone. Although he is not the biggest back yet, Craft still plays with good pad level and can lower his shoulders into defenders in short yardage situations. Craft currently holds one offer from Southwest Community College, but expect this list to grow tremendously as the offseason progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db014156824"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["617312"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Catching 62 passes for 827 yards and 8 touchdowns, [player_tooltip player_id='617312' first='Makyi' last='Reed-Jones'] was a standout junior this past season at Lafayette. Reed-Jones stands at 6'1u0022 180 and has the skill set to be a great X receiver at the next level. As a route runner, he understands space and can easily find the holes in zone coverage. Reed-Jones is a smooth runner who can run the full route tree well. He has good control of his body which helps him get open on any defensive back lined up across from him. When catching the ball, it is evident that he has natural ball skills. Reed-Jones can highpoint and track the football well downfield, and can also be a weapon on short routes as well. While he currently holds no offers, this is the type of guy that can maximize his exposure this offseason and should pick up some opportunities as the year goes on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63db01415687e"} /-->