2025 Scouting Evaluations: ATH (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard to believe that we are just over 10 months away from the Class of 2025 having the opportunity to sign a national letter of intent. With that said let's begin a new series of looking at the top 2025's in MS and updating their evaluations and projections:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='350922' first='Jarcoby' last='Hopson Jr'] - Lake Cormorant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hopson name is one that has been known and noted around the state for quite some time now. The Desoto County star is going to have plenty of options when he gets ready to make his decision next year and is already frequently out on the road taking in visits. The height of Hopson does not pop but he plays with good arm length that shows in multiple phases of the game. Explosiveness as a drop down safety is a major perk. Solid technical tackler both in run game, pass defense and pass rush when asked. Change of direction skills are above average but would probably be classified more as a point A to B type runner. Quick enough to hold his own. Looks the part of a traditional strong safety and projects to be just that. Good build and makeup. Sure-fire Power 5 level player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='648934' first='Cortez' last='Thomas'] - Holmes County Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is another guy who is getting plenty of calls. True athleticism is evident on film. Good length, height and overall size. Has arm length plus size combo that screams power 5 level player immediately. Film backs it up with showcased ease of movement and overall disruption that he causes to wideouts. Room to grow from a technical perspective but a sure enough raw potential guy that is just scratching the surface. Bright future with Power 5 upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='350951' first='DeCorey' last='Knight Jr'] - Vicksburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Definition of dynamic athlete. Biggest flaw completely surrounds size and questions with that. Do-it-all type guy offensively as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield or potentially out of the slot. Projects to provide special teams value as a return type guy. Fluid, smooth runner with well above average speed and burst. Good feel with ball in his hands and vision to match as he scans down field. Stronger than would be expected with frame. Testing season will be huge as true size numbers and 40 yard dash times are verified. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='350934' first='Quincy' last='Phillips'] - Brandon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elite 2023 production with over 1,500 all purpose yards as he was somewhat stuck at the running back position behind one of the top 2024 backs in the state. Super valuable player with production in rush, receiving and special teams game. Twitchy guy who hits the hole with authority. Plays thru contact when lining up from the slot, which he was asked to do a lot of in 2023. Good speed with burst that accelerates. Moves easy and calm. Very undervalued at time being.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->