Unknown Gems of Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the most under recruited states in America. There are few reasons why that I have heard through talking to a handful of people outside of this state. The revenue for writers and scouts is not up to par with other states, so they chose to go to other states, leaving Mississippi left out to dry on coverage of our players. If the player isn't normally found early in their career, they normally get overlooked. Here are some players that I feel like have the potential to be a power 5 prospect by the end of the recruiting cycle or after their first year in college, regardless of where they go.   [player_tooltip player_id='1127623' first='Nyzavion' last='McClendon'] 2025 Linebacker/Edge   McClendon is a very interesting prospect that many people do not know about. He plays in a smaller classification. Due to being one of the biggest kids on his team, he has to play offensive line at only 185 lbs. 6'2, 185 is the exact size of a lot of the top skill guys in the nation, but McClendon projects well at the linebacker position, which he does play at his school. Judging by how he jumps in basketball and how he tackles in football, he is a very explosive athlete. In my opinion, the kid plays very very hard and doesn't even know his own true potential. Even when the kid is at offensive guard, he really brings it pancaking interior lineman and linebackers on the regular. He will need to skill train to see where he truly is in the process of knowing for sure if he is that dude. So far, he has my attention as a player to pay close attention to that could burst on the scene out of nowhere. Legend has it that he has a 40 inch vert and just freakishly athletic. We should find out this offseason where does he truly match up with the other prospects.   Cole Allen 2025 Offensive Line   Allen is a lineman that stood out on film to me from being just plain nasty. Standing at 6'6, 260 lbs, this kid is huge and plays to his size, too. When you turn on the film, you see this kid getting movement, clearing the left side of the line for the defending champs. Allen is well coached and a very strong prospect in the MAIS ranks of lineman in the league. Offensive line guru, Warren Rowan, describes Allen's key skills are his vision and quick feet. He is very coachable with a very high IQ of the game, which shows on the field in his first couple of games this year. He is a very long prospect and plays the game with a lot of heart. This is a kid to keep up with throughout the 2025 cycle.   [player_tooltip player_id='346337' first='Chartavian' last='Bethany'] 2024 DB/WR   Bethany's film jumps out at you on the first play as he's diving over a would be receiver to grab an interception. He stands at 6'2 ,185, easily passing the eye test for a receiver or defensive back on any level of football. He shows a lot of athleticism with the type of plays he makes on the ball flying through the air, contorting his body to make tough interceptions and catches on offense. From the film, this kid looks like one of the top players, but there is obviously something missing that coaches want to see. I wonder if it is just exposure. This is a kid I would keep my eyes on to see how his story unfolds for him, and a kid that I would love to see workout in person to give a true evaluation.   [player_tooltip player_id='568699' first='Thomas' last='Coco'] 2025 Offensive Line   Coco is another offensive lineman that stood out on film for the defending champs, Jackson Prep. He is paired with Cole Allen on the left side of that line, and those guys get the job done moving defenders. 6'2, 275, he is prototype for the center position in college, but the Patriots play him at guard position to help their team. His top 2 attributes are his strong hands and quick feet. He is a very versatile offensive lineman playing multiple positions, even on defense. He has really good technique that is described as unique due to his size by offensive lineman guru, Warren Rowan. We personally think he is a D1 offensive lineman just seeing where does he fall in the ranks and how all this plays out. Kid jumped off the film when I studied them.   Jaylin Rogers 2024 Offensive Line   Rogers is from the small town of Union, but don't think that means he plays anywhere near small. 6'2, 277, he fits the mold of a center in college or could go over to the defensive line in college. He is a 4.0 student and 27 ACT type of kid, so you know that translates over to the field. Normally, your linemen have to be one of the smartest groups on your team; especially offensive linemen, due to them having to identify the different fronts and checks they have to go through before each play. He is fast to be a lineman, clocking a 4.9 at MS State camp this summer. He just made the move to offensive lineman from the defensive lineman to help the team and as his coach said that's the place that he will be recruited at. So, it's a win/win for the kid. Per his coach, Jordan Wren, the thing that makes Rogers different is mindset. He wakes up everyday with the intent to get better everyday, not only in football, but in life as well. He has it mentally, physically, and spiritually as a player. When you can get all 3 in one player, you have a special player. Personally, I hope this kid grows another inch or 2 before it's all said and done.

Mississippi is one of the most under recruited states in America. There are few reasons why that I have heard through talking to a handful of people outside of this state. The revenue for writers and scouts is not up to par with other states, so they chose to go to other states, leaving Mississippi left out to dry on coverage of our players. If the player isn't normally found early in their career, they normally get overlooked. Here are some players that I feel like have the potential to be a power 5 prospect by the end of the recruiting cycle or after their first year in college, regardless of where they go.