Sleepers prospects around the State of Mississippi
Here is a list of players that are flying under the radar from each class that I feel will be D1 prospects at some point of their career. Some will have to go through the juco ranks first to make…
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Continue ReadingHere is a list of players that are flying under the radar from each class that I feel will be D1 prospects at some point of their career. Some will have to go through the juco ranks first to make their marks on at those respective programs; meanwhile, others are young and poised to have breakout years and watch their recruiting sky rocket.
Theron “TJ” White (6’3 200 OLB/Edge) Jackson Academy c/o 2026
TJ is a hidden gem in the state of Mississippi that will soon explode on the scene in the recruiting circuit. The kid has all the prototypical size and traits you look for in an outside linebacker/edge rusher. Long, fast, and physical are the tools that make this kid a coach’s dream in evaluating. He plays with a very high motor and when he arrives at the scene, there will be a few helmets rattling once he makes contact. TJ is a very fast kid that is evident in his film; tracking down running backs from the opposite side of the field with not much of an angle. Look for a big year out of this kid along with offers to match.
Antarral “Dee” Pinkston (6’0 170 ATH) Forest High School c/o 2024
Dee is the nephew of the legendary Todd Pinkston of Forest High and most notably of the Philadelphia Eagles, so you know the pedigree is there. Pinkston makes plays all over the field from offense to defense. He possesses a lot of God given ability that can’t really be taught, which is evident from watching his film. You’ll also watch his film and say, “why is he not ranked with the top receivers in this class?” gauging by the type of highlights he makes during games. He didn’t get much exposure his early years, so he is coming on late to everyone’s radar. This was his first year competing around the nation in 7v7 and he did very well ensuring the evaluation of being seen was correct. From recent talks, Ole Miss receiver coach, Derrick Nix, is very high on him. He’s sneaky, fast, and consistently running past db’s with faster 40 times than him. The kid comes down with all types of acrobatic catches that you’d think would be drops. If he continues to play at this level and does not get discourage because he isn’t getting the attention he deserves, he could play himself onto d1 program.
Dearies “Mully” Kelly (5’11 175 DB) Clinton High School co 2024
Kelly is a very solid corner that has started the last 2 years at his high school. He was hurt last year, so he lost a year of evaluation to be considered a top cornerback in this class. When you can hold your own in the 7v7 rank at the top tourneys as a corner, then I know you are legit. He has shown just that this year by helping lead his team to 2 championships by holding down the outside corner position. He is a very aggressive corner that loves to play press coverage and does it at very high level. He is a very physical corner; making him a good tackler in 11v11 ball. He is a guy that may fly under the radar, but if he stays with it, he will reap the benefits of actually being better than someone saying it on paper.
Zach Ruffin Zach Ruffin 6'3" | 190 lbs | LB Neshoba Central | 2025 State MS (6’3 180 ATH) Neshoba Central High School c/o 2025
Ruffin is the son of a defensive coordinator, so you know his knowledge and fundamentals of the game is all there. He is possibly making the move to the linebacker position after playing it in 7v7 and excelling at it. His dad, Coach Shannon Ruffin, has seen it and started sending him to camp as a linebacker. It paid dividends immediately at the Mississippi State Camp. He makes the move from free safety; where he runs mid 4.6. At outside backer, that is perfect speed and actually puts him at the top in the speed category at that position. Ruffin is wiry built but can really bring that thump when he comes down to tackle. He has a lot of upsides being 6’3 in height and now adding weight will make him a problem for opposing teams.
Jace Taylor (6’2 220 LB/Edge) Biggersville High School co 2026
Prototypical linebacker size and instincts come with this kid. As soon as you turn on the tape, you see him flying around and being violent. He put up great numbers as a freshman getting his feet wet and did not disappoint garnering 74 tackles and 7 sacks. He has a very long way to go in his career, but I think it’s clear to see this should be one of the top players in that class by the time they come out if no drop off occurs. He lines up mostly on the edge; Man, does he know how to set the edge and is a very explosive tackler. Kid is a very nice looking prospect that should get offers very soon.