The Updated Top 10 of the Mississippi 2025 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only sophomores right now, the class of 2025 are extremely early in their high school playing career and recruitment process. While it is fun to go ahead and rank these guys that are playing at a high level already, it is important to note that there is a lot of football left in this class's high school days. For some players, college coaches have taken notice early of their talents and extended early scholarships. Most, however, will begin to pick up their first opportunity as the 2023 year progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2025 rankings grew significantly this season, with over 70 players already checking in at an early stage. The top 10 has seen some changes as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350938"],"_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":"Remaining in his top #1 spot, [player_tooltip player_id='350938' first='Andrew' last='Maddox'] is a 6'5u0022 280 pound defensive lineman who has NFL bloodlines to him. An explosive, twitchy, and powerful interior player, Maddox is a game changer in the trenches. Maddox uses his hands at a high level and has a variety of pass rush moves to get past opposing offensive linemen with ease. Against the run, Maddox lets his quickness and power take over. He splits double teams well and is just flat out faster than almost every offensive lineman he plays against. Listing early offers from Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Mississippi State, and Tennessee among others, he will have no shortage of options to play for when his high school career is over.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bbb9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350948"],"_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":"Moving up a spot to #2, [player_tooltip player_id='350948' first='Caleb' last='Cunningham'] was one of the most dominant receivers state wide last season. Already 6'3u0022, Cunningham has great size and length for the position. This is the type of guy that has the skill set and athleticism to play any of the 3 wide out spots at the next level. Cunningham is a natural strider who has great burst to him and can easily accelerate past defenders. He has natural ball skills and has the vertical ability to make plays on the ball in the air. In the open field, Cunningham has the make you miss factor that few tall receivers possess at this age. Holding offers from Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida, and many others, Cunningham will be one of the most highly recruited receivers in the entire nation.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bc50"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["306335"],"_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 starter since his freshman season, [player_tooltip player_id='306335' first='Emile' last='Picarella'] has had hype surrounding him since his middle school days. While Mississippi's 2025 QB class appears to be loaded early on, Picarella has an early lead on being the number 1 prospect. Mechanically, Picarella is a natural thrower of the ball and already has a polished release. He gets the ball out quickly and on time and throws well from the pocket. Picarella's feet move well in the pocket and he does not have the heel clicking action that a lot of young quarterbacks have. A pro style passer, Picarella shows the ability to go through progressions and make big time throws at all levels of the field. With offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Oregon and others, this is the type of quarterback that will blow up over the next two years on a national scale.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bca6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350922"],"_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":"With his older brother already playing at Mississippi State, [player_tooltip player_id='350922' first='Jarcoby' last='Hopson Jr'] looks to be the next member of the family to be a highly recruited player. A natural safety, Hopson shows the ability to rotate around a secondary and play both in a free position or roll down into the box. Hopson has great size for the position already at 6'2u0022 200 and looks like he could continue to grow. With his natural speed and burst, Hopson is a force around the field. Against the pass, he has fluid hips and can turn and run with any receivers. He shows the ability to cover the post at a young age. Against the run, Hopson is a heavy hitter who knows how to close angles and break down before engaging with the ball carrier. He holds offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Florida, LSU, and many others.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bd21"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648940"],"_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 new addition to the rankings, [player_tooltip player_id='648940' first='Kevin' last='Oatis'] had a huge season last year. The 6'3u0022 280 pound defensive tackle is another special defensive lineman in state that should be a national commodity by the time it is all said and done. Oatis has natural explosion off the ball and shows great burst on every snap. He has good hip bend and can easily turn the corner around opposing offensive linemen. As a pass rusher, Oatis has a well developed bull rush move that simply overpowers other players. This is the type of player that you can line up all over a front and let him cause havoc. Oatis currently holds offers from Alabama, Michigan, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and others and should have no shortage of opportunities by his senior year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bd94"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350918"],"_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":"Earning his first offer from Indiana as an 8th grader, [player_tooltip player_id='350918' first='Deuce' last='Knight'] has been one of the most highly regarded 2025s for some time now. At 6'4u0022 180, he has prototypical size for the position and shows plenty of room to continue adding weight. A pro style passer, Knight has the ability to also run for big gains on designed runs and only makes him an even more desirable prospect. As a passer, Knight has a quick release with excellent accuracy. He operates well off of play action and in the RPO game, but shows the ability to make full field reads from the pocket. Mechanically, Knight is advanced beyond his years and can throw off platform and from a variety of arm angles. When he decided to run, Knight has great change of direction and can make defenders miss in space. This is a special talent that is only getting better as time goes on. He currently holds offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, and others.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bde9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648936"],"_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 breakout star of the 2022 season, [player_tooltip player_id='648936' first='Dillon' last='M Alfred'] put up a huge year in Gautier's air raid attack. Currently playing outside receiver, Alfred could easily continue playing a Z role or move inside at the next level. At the line of scrimmage, Alfred is extremely fluid and has great initial foot fire. He uses his hands to swipe away the defenders' and knows how to use his body to get open. In the open field, Alfred is an absolute weapon. On short passes and screens, he can check into another gear and explode towards the end zone. He has the ability to make defenders miss with ease and can score from anywhere on the field. Catching the ball, Alfred has natural hands and doesn't appear to show any fear when catching balls over the middle. He currently holds an offer from Ole Miss, but expect this list to grow significantly in due time.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99be3b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648941"],"_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 two way player at wide receiver and safety, [player_tooltip player_id='648941' first='Kohl' last='Bradley'] checks into the top 10 as the second George County player to make the cut. Bradley stands at 6'0u0022 170 and has the athleticism to take over games. On the offensive side of the ball, Bradley is a fluid slot receiver who knows how to utilize his speed to get open. He can quickly beat man coverage and stack on top of his defender. Bradley has some of the most impressive ball skills in the entire class and can catch anything coming his way. Defensively, he is a rangy safety that can cover ground extremely quickly. Bradley can easily bait quarterbacks into throwing his way and can pick the ball off in leaping fashion. In the open field, Bradley is a great tackle who uses good form to rarely miss tackles. He currently holds offers from Arkansas, Florida State, and Memphis and should see a jump in his recruitment 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-63efbab99beae"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648946"],"_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":"Playing wide out for Tupelo last season, [player_tooltip player_id='648946' first='Tyreke' last='Darden'] may be better regarded as an athlete than a true defensive back at this point in his career. His potential at defensive back is off the charts, but we will have to wait and see to watch him over the next year. At wide out, Darden is one of the 2025's best. He has a great frame at 6'3u0022 180 and has great length to him as well. Darden is smooth at the line of scrimmage and can use his speed to blow by defensive backs. Darden plays with an aggressive edge to him and will out physical any defender of the field to maintain control of the football. When the ball is in the air, he does a great job at getting up and plucking it out the air. He is a natural hands catcher that can easily track the football. Although he currently holds no offers, expect Darden to begin to add some interest as time goes on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bf04"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648938"],"_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 new addition to the rankings and the #10 ranked player in the most recent update, [player_tooltip player_id='648938' first='Jaylon' last='Parnell'] blew up and had a huge season last year at Pascagoula. At 6'1u0022 220, he already has the size of a college level linebacker. Parnell has the make of a modern day linebacker and ought to be one of the highly recruited players at his position throughout the southeast. Against the run, Parnell is an instinctual player that reads his keys well and will blow up the ballcarrier. He does a great job at getting off blocks and can use his speed to hawk down ballcarriers from sideline to sideline. Against the pass, Parnell has the skillset of a defensive back. He can cover and carry vertical routes well and break on the ball once it is in the air. This guy is a natural playmaker that has a nose for the football. He currently holds offers from Auburn and Liberty, but is bound to add more interest as coaches turn on the tape.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63efbab99bf56"} /-->