Under the Radar 2025 Prospects

<p>As the world of high school scouting continues to improve and expand, there will always be recruits falling through the cracks. The state of Mississippi boasts a loaded field of recruits, here are six of the many going under the radar for collegiate scouts.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carl McDonald Jr. | Running Back | Natchez</h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CarlMcdonaldJr">@carlmcdonaldjr</a></em></p>   <p>With three players on this list, Natchez is a squad that should be noted in the upcoming season, and a significant contributor for these lofty expectations is the starting running back, Carl McDonald Jr. Following a remarkable 2023 season (190 carries, 1,210 yards, 12 touchdowns), this impressive back is setting his sights on a 1,500+ yard senior season. McDonald Jr. (5-10, 170) is an authoritative runner with exceptional 'quick twitch' ability, enabling him to skillfully navigate through linebackers and defensive backs in the open field, creating yardage on his own. McDonald also possesses the capacity to generate his own yardage when plays are blown up by the defense off the snap.</p>   <p>As one of the must-see players in the state, McDonald showcases the ability to turn '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runs into 60-yard house calls. He embodies the essence of a determined runner, and I expect another fantastic season from this impressive back.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CarlMcdonaldJr/status/1724089413804736678?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='347065' first='Jermarj' last='Bell'] | Wide Receiver | Northside</h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/JermarjBell_">@jermarjbell_</a></em></p>   <p>We've identified our must-see running back, and now it's time to spotlight [player_tooltip player_id='347065' first='Jermarj' last='Bell'], our must-see wide receiver. With 1,775 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns, this wideout consistently delivers. Bell's speed (sub 4.4) and agility are borderline scary right from the snap; film shows that his speed is so abrupt that safeties positioned 10-15 yards downfield are regularly caught off guard. Beyond catching defensive backs flat-footed, Bell displays exceptional agility in changing direction and executing tight cuts in his routes.</p>   <p>Notably, Bell's route running and cut performance are top-tier, making him more than deserving of high-end attention. His toughness is evident in making impressive grabs across the middle of the field while confidently absorbing contact with his elite hands.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JermarjBell_/status/1723405117880258930?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='653168' first='Noel' last='Estrada'] | Linebacker | St. Martin </h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Noel_Estrada06">@noel_estrada06</a></em></p>   <p>At 6-1 and weighing 205 pounds, this linebacker exhibits exceptional lateral footwork and upper body strength as he navigates through traffic, tracking ball carriers to the perimeter of the field. Equally impressive are his calculated angles when approaching ball carriers. In blitzing scenarios, his quickness overwhelms slower-footed linemen, and his initial speed proves challenging for many quarterbacks, disrupting plays right off the snap before they progress through their reads. When engaging in the trenches, Estrada brings a unique blend of speed and strength, delivering numerous "hit stick" hits in the middle of the formation.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Noel_Estrada06/status/1726267201932640681?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='859475' first='Je'Kari' last='Douglas'] | ATH (WR, RB) | Natchez </h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/JeKariDouglas7">@jekaridouglas7</a></em></p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='859475' first='Je'Kari' last='Douglas'] (5-9, 170) stands out as one of the more explosive and impressive players in the state. A versatile wildcard, he seamlessly transitions between roles at running back, slot receiver, and scat back. Douglas excels at running impressive routes, utilizing his physicality to create openings. He earns hard-earned yardage by breaking a plethora of tackles and demonstrates impressive acceleration to break through gaps on hand-offs up the middle. In addition, Douglas possesses a keen understanding of the scramble drill, consistently finding openings in the coverage when plays break down and the quarterback is under duress.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JeKariDouglas7/status/1736976617501503626?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='516806' first='Caleb' last='Johnson'] | Wide Receiver | Morton</h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebJohnson_4">@calebjohnson_4</a></em></p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='516806' first='Caleb' last='Johnson'] boasts one of the quickest acceleration speeds I've encountered as a scout as he he aims to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in his senior year, following a 2023 stat line of 40 receptions for 851 yards and 10 touchdowns. Straight out of the snap, Johnson reaches full speed within 1-2 steps into his route, leaving defensive backs struggling to adjust to his rapid pace. His acceleration becomes a significant advantage against press coverage, where he counters with an incredibly quick inside jab, creating openings between defenders and the sideline for over-the-shoulder grabs.</p>   <p>While Johnson's undeniable speed stands out, what's truly impressive is his ability to incorporate patience into his route patterns. The pass catcher strategically employs hesitation and precise route cuts to offset defensive backs, creating additional openings in coverage.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1120605' first='Kenyan' last='Chatman'] | Wide Receiver | Natchez</h2>   <p><em>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KenyanChatman">@kenyanchatman</a></em></p>   <p>The second Natchez player on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='1120605' first='Kenyan' last='Chatman'] (5-10, 155), is an assassin when it comes to manipulating defensive backs and creating leverage for slivers of openings. Specifically, Chatman impressively maneuvers defensive backs to his inside shoulder before explosively shifting to their outside shoulder, instinctively crafting windows for his quarterback to deliver highlight over-the-shoulder catches. Chatman minimizes his body movements, leaving defenders guessing about his next cut, and his quick, twitchy feet create impressive hesitations. </p>   <p>Chatman's speed is particularly effective in shallow route man-to-man situations, especially when put in motion. He excels at beating his man to the edge, picking up chunks of yardage after the catch.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KenyanChatman/status/1732942519913050613?s=20 </div></figure>

As the world of high school scouting continues to improve and expand, there will always be recruits falling through the cracks. The state of Mississippi boasts a loaded field of recruits, here are six of the many going under the radar for collegiate scouts.