Jonathan Bell, DB, 6-0, 180, Tupelo, Miss. (Tupelo) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Listed No. 16 on Bobby Burton's postseason rating of the nation's best defensive backs for The Sporting News magazine . . . Ranked as the No. 44 free safety prospect in the country and with the top 11 cornerbacks in the western part of the southeast (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas) by Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting annual . . . Credited with running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . .Ranked as the No. 6 free safety in the South by Pigskin Preps recruiting magazine . . . Credited with a 295-pound bench press and a 375-pound squat by Pigskin Preps . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 list of the top prep players in the South, one of just 13 defensive backs mentioned . . . Listed with the top 10 free safeties in the South by Max Emfinger in his Super Dixie Bluechips postseason newsletter . . . Ranked as the No. 19 player in Dixie by SuperPrep in its postseason all-America issue . . . Ranked among the top 22 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Named first-team, Class 5A all-state at cornerback by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger in the defensive backfield following his senior campaign . . . Ranked among the top 25 players, regardless of position, by the Clarion-Ledger in the paper's postseason listing of the state's top recruits . . . Rated as the No. 38 prospect in Mississippi by state recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . Received special mention among Mississippi prospects prior to his senior season by G&W Recruiting Report . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Two-way standout in the defensive secondary and at wide receiver . . . Finished his senior season for coach Johnny Hill at Tupelo (Miss.) High School by making 123 tackles with four interceptions from his free safety position . . . Also recorded 19 receptions for 403 yards (21.2-yard average) with eight touchdowns while on offense, and returned kicks on special teams . . . Named Class 5A, Region 1 co-Defensive Most Valuable Player with Starkville linebacker Jason Clark . . . Led the team with 97 tackles and five pass interceptions as a junior . . . Two-sport standout at Tupelo, who also excelled in baseball . . . Earned honorable mention all-America and all-state honors during his junior season at Tupelo in that sport . . . Batted .400 with eight home runs, 45 runs batted in and 15 stolen bases for the Golden Wave . . . Also a solid student in the classroom (3.1 GPA) . . . Born Jonathan Ledale Bell, 11-7-81, in Tupelo, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Jackie Bell.

Ray Ray Bivines, QB, 6-0, 165, Gautier, Miss. (Gautier) -- Recognized as an honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to receive such distinction . . . Ranked No. 8 among the nation's top wide receivers by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Rated with the top 17 wide receivers in the western part of the southeast (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas) in that publication . . . Burton gave him that same national ranking among receivers in The Sporting News . . . Ranked as the No. 6 athlete in the Southeast by Prep Star magazine in its postseason edition . . . Credited with running 4.37 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Named the No. 2 "Quarterback/Super Athlete" in the South by Max Emfinger in his postseason Super Dixie Bluechips recruiting newsletter . . . In preseason, Emfinger listed Bivines as one of the top 13 slotback/receivers in the country . . . Positioned as the No. 3 athlete in the South by Pigskin Preps postseason recruiting guide . . . Called a "tremendous athlete" by that publication . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 listing of the South's top prospects . . . One of just 15 wide receivers mentioned . . . Listed as the No. 73 player in Dixie, regardless of position, by Allen Wallace in his preseason Superprep recruiting magazine . . . Rated No. 4 in the state of Mississippi in Superprep's postseason All-America Issue . . . Mentioned with the top quarterbacks in the South in preseason by the G&W Recruiting Report . . . The No. 1 prospect in the state by Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . Recognized as one of the top four performers in the state by Jeff Whitaker in his Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Ranked eighth on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger chart of the state's top 10 prospects in its postseason listing . . . Named first-team, Class 4A all-state at quarterback by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger as a kick returner . . . Named to that paper's preseason Dandy Dozen, symbolic of the top 12 performers in the state . . . Accounted for 1,949 yards total offense and 33 touchdowns during a stellar senior season for coach Don Nelson at Gautier (Miss.) High School . . . Nelson compares Bivines favorably with David Palmer, who he also coached at the prep level . . . Led his high school to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons . . . Rushed for 786 yards on 75 carries (10.5 yards per carry) with 14 touchdowns and completed 63-of-134 passes for 657 yards during his senior campaign . . . Rushed 85 times for 633 yards, completed 39-of-85 passes for 704 yards and accounted for 19 touchdowns in seven games during his junior campaign, which was interrupted by a knee injury . . . His prep team finished 12-1 that season . . . Born Damion Ray Bivines, 5-17-81, in Pascagoula, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Odell Bivines.

Jason Clark, LB, 6-2, 230, Starkville, Miss. (Starkville) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Ranked the No. 11 linebacker in the country and named one of the top 16 linebackers in the Southeast by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Received preseason all-America recognition with that standing . . . Called the top linebacker in Mississippi and one of the best in the South by Rivals100.com . . . Burton ranked him No. 23 among the nation's linebackers in his postseason ranking for The Sporting News magazine . . . Recorded a 300-pound bench press and a 475-pound squat prior to his senior season . . . Ranked No. 23 nationally on the G&W Recruiting Report's postseason list of the country's top 50 defensive players . . . Also garnered a No. 16 ranking, regardless of position, by that publication in the SEC region . . . Was listed No. 5 on G&W's ranking of the country's top linebackers . . . Was named first-team, all-Southeast on defense and ranked with the top linebacker/defensive ends in the country in their preseason rating . . . Called the No.1 linebacker prospect in the state by that newsletter . . . Listed with the top 11 inside linebackers in the nation by Max Emfinger in his preseason bluechips newsletter . . . Ranked with the top 13 inside linebackers in the country by Emfinger during the season . . . Listed among the top five inside linebackers in the South in Emfinger's postseason Super Dixie Newsletter . . . Credited with running a 4.63 in the 40 by Emfinger . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper Super Southern 100, a listing of the South's top players . . . One of only 15 linebackers on the chart . . . Rated the No. 97 prospect in the South, regardless of position, by Allen Wallace in Superprep magazine's preseason edition . . . Called a super middle linebacker prospect by that publication . . . Ranked No. 8 among all inside linebackers in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting . . . Ranked No. 10 among linebackers in the Southeast by Prep Star magazine in its postseason edition . . . Listed No. 13 among the state of Mississippi's top prospects by Superprep in its postseason all-America issue . . . Called a "can't miss" prospect in that magazine . . . Ranked No. 4 on Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson's list of the state's top players . . . Called the top linebacker in this recruiting class by Henderson . . . Ranked among the top 22 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . A member of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen, a preseason ranking of the state's top 12 players, the only linebacker mentioned . . . Ranked among the top 25 players, regardless of position, by the Clarion-Ledger in the paper's postseason listing of the state's top recruits . . . Named first-team, all-state at linebacker by that newspaper . . . Also named Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year and first-team, all-state by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Made 140 tackles, including eight for lost yardage, and had two pass interceptions during a standout senior season for coach Chuck Friend at Starkville (Miss.) High School . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Registered 130 tackles (13 tackles for loss and eight sacks), three pass interceptions (one for a touchdown) and two fumble recoveries during a junior campaign in which he led his Yellowjacket team to a 10-3 overall record . . . Was second-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following that season . . . Started four straight years at linebacker for Starkville . . . Born Jason M. Clark, 4-23-82, in Starkville, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Clark.

Jared Cook, QB/P, 5-11, 175, Columbus, Ga. (Jordan) -- Named one of the top punter/place-kickers in the state of Georgia by Pigskin Preps recruiting magazine . . . Had an outstanding football career for head coach Leo Ellerbe at Jordan High School in Columbus, Ga. . . . A three-year starter at quarterbakc and punter . . . Averaged 45.6 yards per punt, and started at quarterback and played in the defensive secondary during his senior season . . . Averaged 43.4 yards per punt as a junior . . . Was named the state of Georgia's all-state punter his final two prep seasons . . . Also a three-year starter in baseball at Jordan . . . Hit .462 as a junior . . . An honor society student, he has a 4.0 GPA . . . Born Jared Steven Cook, 10-3-81, in Columbus, Ga. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Cook.

Ronald Fields, DL, 6-3, 293, Bogalusa, La. (Bogalusa) -- Rated with the top players in Louisiana by Pigskin Preps recruiting magazine . . . Credited with running 4.8 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Named Class 4A, all-district during a breakout senior season . . . Registered 97 tackles, including 18 hits behind the line of scrimmage . . . Also recovered five fumbles . . . Credited with a 370-pound bench press . . . Recorded 65 tackles with five sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three caused fumbles as a junior . . . Played for head football coach Calvin Hymel at Bogalusa (La.) High School . . . Born Ronald Fields, 9-13-81, in Bogalusa, La . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weary. . . His cousin is Ken Allen, who plays defensive line at LSU.

Chris Giacone, QB, 6-1, 185, Westfield, N.J. (Westfield) -- Named first-team, all-Union County and all-area by the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger . . . Played for head coach Ed Tranchina at Westfield (N.J.) High School . . . Selected his team's Most Valuable Player . . . Rushed 88 times for 614 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns during his senior season . . . Completed 21-of-76 passes for 292 yards and two TDs . . . Also played defensive back for his prep team . . . Selected to play in the New Jersey North/South All-Star Game . . . Credited with a 275-pound bench press . . . Also a spring sports star on the prep level . . . A standout sprinter on the track team, he has run 4.35 in the 40-yard dash and 6.43 in the 55 meters . . . Qualified for the state of New Jersey Group Four Championship . . . Outstanding all-around baseball player at Westfield . . . Hit .430 as a junior and was successful on 30-of-30 base-stealing attempts . . . Also a top pitcher in the New Jersey prep ranks, with a fastball clocked consistently at 88 miles per hour . . . Born Christopher Joseph Giacone, 8-7-82, in Summit, N.J. . . . Son of Mr.and Mrs. Mario Giacone, Sr.

J.J. Grant, LB, 6-3, 220, Clinton, Miss. (Clinton) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Listed as the No. 59 prospect in Dixie, regardless of position, by Allen Wallace in his Superprep preseason recruiting magazine . . . Considered a "sleeper" prospect at the time . . . Credited with a 335-pound bench press and a 555-pound squat by Pigskin Preps recruiting publication . . . Named to the Super Southern 100 listing of the top prospects in the South by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, one of just 14 defensive linemen mentioned . . . Listed No. 34 among the state of Mississippi's top prospects by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Rated the No. 20 defensive end in the South on Max Emfinger's Super Dixie postseason recruiting guide . . . Rated among the top eight defensive ends in the South in Emfinger's Super Dixie Bluechips postseason newsletter . . . Credited with running a 4.57 in the 40 by that publication . . . Rated No. 40 among the nation's top defensive ends and ranked among the top 16 linebackers in the southeast by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Ranked No. 11 among all outside linebackers in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting . . . Listed with the top linebackers in the Southeast prior to his senior season by the G&W Recruiting Report . . . Ranked among the top 22 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Considered among the top 40 recruits in Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Named first-team, Class 5A all-state at inside linebacker by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following his senior campaign . . . A two-time, all-metro pick by that newspaper . . . Versatile player who can also play at the line of scrimmage . . . Finished an outstanding senior season with 102 tackles, 11 and one-half sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovery and one pass interception . . . Also credited with 13 quarterback hurries . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Recorded 89 tackles with nine sacks and 16 quarterback pressures during a productive junior season for coach David Bradberry at Clinton (Miss.) High School . . . It was his first season of playing football at the high school level . . . Also a standout basketball player as a prepster . . . Grew up in Huntsville, Ala., and moved to Clinton, Miss., in the 10th grade . . . Born Jeuranathan M. Grant, 7-29-81, in Dothan, Ala. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Grant.

Julius Griffith, DB, 5-11, 175, Magee, Miss. (Magee/Copiah-Lincoln [MS] CC) -- Recorded 56 tackles, including two tackles for loss, during his sophomore season at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College . . . Registered one pass interception and one fumble recovery . . . Ranked with the top 124 junior college players in the country by Max Emfinger in his report of the nation's two-year schools . . . He was the second free safety listed on Emfinger's ranking . . . Credited with running a 4.4 in the 40 by that publication . . . Named honorable mention all-state in Mississippi's junior college ranks by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Helped lead his prep team to the Class 3A state championship during a standout senior season for head coach Danny Cowart at Magee (Miss.) High School . . . Regular member of the Magee defensive backfield, he also returned kicks during his final prep campaign . . . Returned one punt 70 yards for a touchdown . . . Also had one fumble recovery return for 75 yards and a score . . . Intercepted 10 passes during his high school career, including six during his junior season . . . Totalled 86 tackles during his senior campaign . . . Made 82 stops as a junior . . . Helped his team to a two-year 25-3 mark . . . Born Julius Mondrel Griffith, 7-21-80 in Magee, Miss. . . . Son of Rev. and Mrs. Lowery Griffith . . . His fraternal twin is Justin.

Slovakia Griffith, DB, 5-11, 180, Magee, Miss. (Magee) -- Named first-team, all-state at cornerback in Class 3A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Rated among the top 40 recruits in the state of Mississippi following a standout senior season by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Intercepted five passes, recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown and also returned a fumble for a score during a productive senior season for head coach Larry Kinslow at Magee (Miss.) High School . . . Registered 87 tackles during his final prep campaign . . . Named Most Valuable Defensive Back in Class 3A, Division 7 and his team's Most Valuable Player . . . Born Slovakia Kentral Griffith, 12-11-81, in Magee, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Etta Griffth . . . His twin cousins are Bulldogs Justin and Julius Griffith.

Dale Hall, DB, 5-9, 180, Miami, Fla. (Southridge/Garden City [KS] CC) -- A two-time, all-Jayhawk Conference and two-time all-region performer at Garden City (Kansas) Community College for head coach Jim Gush . . . Recorded 19 tackles and 11 pass deflections during his sophomore season at Garden City . . . Helped lead his JUCO team to a 10-2 record overall . . . Recorded 37 tackles and had four interceptions during his freshman season at Garden City . . . Also made 14 pass deflections . . . Helped lead his team into the national junior college playoffs despite playing with a broken arm in the postseason . . . Ranked No. 11 on The National Recruiting Advisor's list of the country's top cornerbacks following his final prep season . . . Listed as one of the top 20 prospects in the state of Florida by Superprep recruiting magazine . . . One of the top two cornerback prospects in that publication . . . Recognized as a prep all-American in that periodical's season-ending All-America Issue . . . Cited to Prepstar recruiting magazine's preseason all-America team . . . Named to that publication's postseason all-region team . . . Named to the top 30 list in the state of Florida by the Gainesville (Fla.) Sun newspaper . . . Listed as the No. 5 prospect in Dade County and the No. 14 prospect in the state of Florida by the Miami Herald . . . Named second-team Class 6A all-state and first-team, all-Dade County by that newspaper . . . Signed with Kansas State out of high school . . . Lettered three times in football for coach Mark Guandolo at Southridge High School in Miami, Fla. . . . A Nike all-star game participant, he was also selected to play in the Florida-Georgia High School All-Star game . . . Recorded 46 tackles with one interception and 15 passes broken up during a senior season in which few opponents threw his direction . . . Made 34 tackles and four interceptions as a junior . . . Also returned kickoffs and punts for Southridge, averaging 32 yards on punt returns and 27 yards per kickoff return . . . Clocked at 10.4 in the 100 meters and 21.4 in the 200 meters as a four-year track letterman . . . Born Johnnie Darryl Hall, 4-6-80, in Miami, Fla. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Hall . . . Goes by the nickname Dale.

Antonio Hargro, WR, 6-4, 185, Gautier, Miss. (Gautier) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Listed No. 25 on Bobby Burton's national ranking of the top wide receivers in the country for The Sporting News . . . Rated as the No. 1 speed flanker in the South by Max Emfinger in his postseason Super Dixie Bluechips newsletter . . . Ranked with the top 12 speed flankers in the country by Emfinger in his in-season national rating . . . Was on his preseason Top 10 list in that category . . . Recognized as the No. 3 wide receiver in the South by Pigskin Preps postseason recruiting magazine . . . Ranked as the No. 4 wide receiver in the Southeast by Prep Star magazine in its postseason edition . . . Credited with running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash by that recruiting periodical . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 listing of the South's top prospects . . . One of just 15 wide receivers mentioned . . . Rated with the top 17 wide receivers in the western part of the southeast (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas) by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Called a "sleeping giant" by that publication, having the "size, speed, and athleticism to dominate" . . . That tag may be the result of playing just two years of high school football . . . Ranked sixth on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger chart of the state's top 10 prospects in its postseason listing . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger, the lone wide receiver on the team . . . Named to that paper's preseason Dandy Dozen, symbolic of the top 12 performers in the state . . . Named second-team, Class 4A all-state at wide receiver by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Listed No. 8 among the state's top prospects by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Considered the top wide receiver in the state by that recruiting service . . . Ranked No. 34 nationally by Superprep at wide receiver in that postseason edition . . . Recognized as one of the top eight performers in the state by Jeff Whitaker in his Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . The No. 10 prospect in the state by Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Caught 30 passes for 666 yards (22.2-yard average) and 12 touchdowns during a standout senior season for head coach Don Nelson at Gautier (Miss.) High School . . . Scored five touchdowns for the Gators during his junior season . . . Also a track standout in the spring, he has cleared 6-10 in the high jump . . . Born Antonio Trunell Hargro, 10-29-81, in Natchez, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Laura Hargro.

Darnell Jones, FB, 6-1, 235, Greenwood, Miss. (Greenwood) -- Ranked No. 4 among all fullbacks in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting magazine, and considered the state of Mississippi's top fullback prospect . . . Ranked with the top six fullbacks in the South by Max Emfinger in his postseason Super Dixie Bluechips recruiting magazine . . . His 40 time is listed at 4.5 by Emfinger . . . Ranked as the No. 30 player, regardless of position, in Mississippi by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Credited with a 340-pound bench press and a 575-pound squat by that publication . . . Ranked among the top 25 players, regardless of position, by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger in the paper's postseason listing of the state's top recruits . . . Carried 118 times as a senior for 1,054 yards (an 8.9-yard average) and 17 touchdowns . . . Also had two TDs on receptions . . . Also a standout defensively for coach Charles Brady at Greenwood (Miss.) High School, registering 93 tackles during his final prep campaign . . . Named Class 4A, Division 3 first-team at running back . . . A two-time, all-conference selection, he was honorable mention all-state following his senior season . . . Born Darnell D. Jones, 12-16-81, in Greenwood, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Ruth Jones.

Courtney Lee, OL, 6-4, 328, Austin, Texas (L.B. Johnson/Blinn [TX] CC) -- Selected first-team junior college all-America by the J.C. Gridwire recruiting magazine . . . Named second-team National Junior College all-America on the offensive line by the National Junior College Athletic Association . . . Listed as the top offensive guard in the nation's junior colleges by Max Emfinger in his Super Bluechip listing of the best 124 JC players in the country . . . Credited with running a 5.2 in the 40 and benching over 400 pounds by that publication . . . Picked to the Southwest Junior College Football Conference first-team offensive line . . . Starred on the offensive line for head coach Jim Davis at Lyndon Baines Johnson High School in Austin, Texas, during his prep career . . . Named all-district 26 4-A following his senior season . . . Born Courtney Allen Patridge-Lee, 7-4-80 in Austin, Texas . . . Son of Mrs. Rhonda Patridge and Mr. Darrell Lee.

John Michael Marlin, PK, 5-10, 155, Tupelo, Miss. (Tupelo) -- Listed among the top eight kickers in the Southeast by Max Emfinger in his postseason Super Dixie recruiting newsletter . . . Ranked No. 8 among all place-kickers in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting . . . Ranked as the No. 27 player, regardless of position, in Mississippi by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Named second-team, all-state place-kicker by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Considered a "Player To Watch" during his senior prep season by that newspaper in its preseason edition . . . Was the highest ranked place-kicking specialist in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Connected on 35-of-36 extra point attempts and nine-of-22 field goals during his senior season for coach Johnny Hill at Tupelo (Miss.) High School . . . Season-long three-pointer was a 47-yarder, although he had a converted 54-yard field goal wiped out by penalty . . . Named first-team, all-state Class 5A kicker by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . He was the all-Region 1-5A Most Valuable Special Teams Player . . . Finished second in Class 5A in kick scoring with 62 points . . . Also handled the punting chores for Tupelo, averaging better than 40 yards per punt, during his senior season . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Converted seven-of-12 field goals, including both a 50- and 51-yarder, during his junior season . . . Also made 25-of-31 extra point attempts . . . Born John Michael Marlin, 2-26-82, in Columbus, Ga. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Marlin.

Cory Miley, DL, 6-3, 250, Mendenhall, Miss. (Mendenhall) -- Originally signed with Mississippi State last spring . . . Enrolled part-time at MSU this past fall semester . . . Suffered a broken leg in practice prior to the Mississippi-Alabama High School all-star game and did not play football this past fall . . . Listed as the No. 113 player in Dixie, regardless of position, by Superprep in its postseason issue, after suffering through an injury-plagued senior season . . . Credited with running a 4.9 in the 40 by Allen Wallace of Superprep . . . Rated the No. 49 player in Dixie in Superprep's preseason magazine . . . Listed 10th on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's ranking of the state's top high school players . . . Ranked 37th on recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson's list of the top players in Mississippi . . .Two-way performer who also excelled at tight end and as the team's long snapper . . . Suffered a knee injury during his senior season which limited his playing time to just two games . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School all-star game . . . As a junior, he had 89 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks, seven fumble recoveries and six caused fumbles . . . His father, Mack, is a former Jackson State all-America . . . Born Cory M. Miley, 12-20-81, in Jackson, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Miley.

Marco Minor, DB, 6-4, 200, Natchez, Miss. (Natchez/Copiah-Lincoln [MS] CC) -- Listed as the top strong safety in the nation on Max Emfinger's ranking of the best 124 junior college players . . . Credited with running a 4.51 in the 40 by that publication . . . Ranked No. 25 on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's list of the state's top junior college players, the second-best defensive back in those rankings . . . Played wide receiver at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College . . . Finished second on the team with 20 catches for 197 yards in his sophomore campaign . . . Named honorable mention all-America at wide receiver by USA Today in its preseason high school football edition . . . Earned second-team, all-South at wide receiver and ranked as one of the top five players in the Magnolia State during preseason by Forrest Davis in his Football Recruiting Annual . . . Was the highest rated wide receiver in the state by that publication . . . Made third-team, all-South in Davis' postseason edition -- at defensive back . . . Listed among the top 29 wide receivers in the South during preseason by the Collegiate Football Recruiting Experts magazine . . . Rated among the top 40 flankers in the Southeast region by Max Emfinger in his preseason National Bluechips newsletter . . . Listed as the No. 88 prospect in the Southeast by SUPERPREP magazine in its all-America postseason edition . . . Mentioned among the top 27 wide receivers in the Southeast by the G&W Recruiting Report in its preseason publication . . . Ranked No. 9 on First Down Recruiting News' postseason list of the top prospects in Mississippi, the highest rated wide receiver on the chart . . . Rated one of the top 15 players in the state by Jeff Whitaker in his preseason Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Credited with running a 4.4 in the 40 and a 35-inch vertical leap by that publication . . . Called "one of the top offensive players in the South" by that magazine . . . Played for head coach Robert Raines at Natchez (Miss.) High School . . . Earned second-team, all-state honors from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger as a defensive back . . . Listed among the top 25 recruits in the state by that publication . . . Called "an Eric Moulds clone, one of the top wide receivers in the nation" by Magnolia State recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . Listed No. 5 on Henderson's ranking of the state's top prospects, the top wide receiver in the ranking . . . During his senior season, he led his team in receiving, grabbing 24 passes for 652 yards (27.2 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns . . . Also ran back five kicks for scores during a standout senior campaign . . . Opened recruiters' eyes during a sterling junior season, grabbing 21 passes for 536 yards (25.5 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns . . . Also starred on the defensive side of the ball that season, intercepting three passes . . . Lettered in track and is a standout three-year starter in basketball in addition to playing football . . . Born Marco Beindorf Minor, 11-10-78 in Natchez, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Minor.

Jadice Moore, DL, 6-4, 265, Port Gibson, Miss. (Port Gibson) -- Rated the No. 21 defensive tackle in the country coming out of high school by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com recruiting magazine . . . That ranking gained him high school all-America designation by the magazine . . . Also listed with the top five defensive ends in the Southeast by that periodical . . . Ranked with the top 25 defensive tackles in the country by the G&W Recruiting Report, one of the top 250 prospects overall . . . That publication had him listed with the top defensive linemen in the Southeast in its preseason magazine , crediting him with a 4.7 time in the 40 . . . Jamie Newberg of Border Wars recruiting service ranks him among the top five defensive ends in the western half of the Southeast region (Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama) . . . Credited with bench pressing 300 pounds, and squatting 525 pounds by Pigskin Preps recruiting publication . . . Rated among the top 15 defensive tackles in the South in Emfinger's Super Dixie Bluechips postseason newsletter . . . Ranked as the 44th-best defensive lineman in the country by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Ranked No. 15 among all defensive tackles in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting . . . Listed No. 5 among the state of Mississippi's top prospects by Superprep, the state's top-ranked defensive lineman . . . Ranked with the top defensive linemen in the Southeast by Prep Star magazine in its postseason edition . . . Rated the No.13 prospect in Mississippi by state recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson, the top defensive lineman in his ranking . . . Ranked among the top 30 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Named first-team, Class 3A all-state at defensive tackle by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named second-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger following his senior season . . . Rated with the top 25 players in the state of Mississippi by that newspaper, the top defensive lineman on its list . . . Named first-team, Class 3A, Division 6 on the defensive line . . . Registered 125 tackles, nine sacks, seven caused fumbles and four fumble recoveries during a standout senior season . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Was honorable mention all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following his junior campaign when he recorded 68 tackles with eight quarterback sacks and two caused fumbles . . . A two-way tackle standout at Port Gibson, he also graded out at better than 80 percent on the offensive side of the ball . . . Added tight end and place-kicker to his high school resume . . . Also recognized as a n outstanding prep student (3.4 GPA) . . . Played for coach Bo Wright at Port Gibson (Miss.) High School . . . Born Jadice Vernard Moore, 1-22-82, in Port Gibson, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Linda Moore.

Tarus Morgan, LB, 6-2, 225, Chattanooga, Tenn. (Hixson) -- Two-way standout at Hixson High School in Chattanooga, Tenn. . . . Starred at both tight end and linebacker at the prep level . . . Credited with running a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash by Rivals.com . . . Also lists a 310-pound bench press and a 385-pound squat . . . As a defensive player, he recorded 104 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, four of which were quarterback sacks and two interceptions, during his senior season for head coach Dan Duff at Hixson High School in suburban Chattanooga . . . He returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown . . . Also caused seven fumbles and recovered three . . . As an offensive player, he caught 10 passes with two touchdowns from his tight end position . . . Named all-county, all- Tri-State and honorable mention all-state . . . Also starred in basketball and track on the high school level . . .Born Tarus Darell Morgan, 5-14-82, in Chattanooga, Tenn. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Morgan.

Clarence Parker, WR, 6-3, 195, Natchez, Miss. (Natchez/Copiah-Lincoln [MS] CC) -- Ranked No. 17 on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's list of the state's top junior college players following a standout sophomore season at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College . . . Named second-team, all-Region 23 in the juco ranks . . . Finished his sophomore season with 31 catches for 449 yards (14.5 average) and four touchdowns . . . Credited with running a 4.5 in the 40 by FansOnly Recruiting . . . Starred at Natchez (Miss.) High School for head coach Robert Raines . . . Caught 27 passes for 430 yards, a 15.9 average, and five touchdowns following his senior prep season . . . Also scored three TDs on kick returns . . . Selected to the Mississippi-Alabama High School all-star game . . . Named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger first-team, all-state offense at wide receiver, the only one on the 22-man roster . . . Born Clarence Parker, 3-18-80 in Natchez, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Parker.

Fred Reid, RB, 5-10, 185, Tampa, Fla. (King) -- Honorable mention all-America by USA Today in that newspaper's postseason ranking of the country's top prep stars . . . Ranked as the 10th-best combination running back/ receiver in the South in Max Emfinger's postseason Super Dixie Bluechips recruiting newsletter . . . Credited with running a 4.45 in the 40 by Emfinger . . . Listed among the top prospects in the state of Florida by Pigskin Preps preseason recruiting magazine . . . Won the Guy Toph Award , indicative of the top football player in Hillsborough County (Florida) . . . Rushed for 2,043 yards in just 10 games during his senior season for coach Eric Thurston at King High School in Tampa . . . In so doing, he became the first county player ever to break the 2,000-yard mark in the regular season . . . He surpassed the 200-yard mark rushing seven times during his senior campaign . . . His top individual performance was a 363-yard, five-touchdown game . . . Born Fredrick T. Reid, 3-16-82, in Tampa, Fla. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Reid.

Will Rogers, OL, 6-5, 296, Fairburn, Ga. (Creekside) -- Ranked No. 28 among all offensive tackles in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting during preseason . . . Called "one of the Peach State's most sought after big men" by that publication . . . Credited with a 305-pound bench press by that recruiting magazine, and holds the school record with a 585-pound squat . . . Named all-metro Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the defensive line . . . Played his freshman season, but then sat out his sophomore year, before finishing his prep career his junior and senior seasons . . . Developed into a two-way star lineman at Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga., for head coach Amos McCreary . . . Helped lead his team to a 10-2 record and into the second round of the state playoffs during his final prep campaign . . . Was named all-South Atlanta . . . Turned in scintillating numbers on defense at Creekside during his senior year . . . Posted 12 quarterback sacks, 15 QB hurries and seven other tackles behind the line of scrimmage . . . Recovered four fumbles . . . Made 31 tackles during his junior season as a defensive lineman . . . Also a prep basketball standout . . . Outstanding high school student (3.5 GPA) . . . His cousin is National Football League defensive lineman Jumpy Geathers . . . Born William D. Rogers, 10-18-81, in Georgetown, S.C. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Rogers.

McKinley Scott, WR, 6-2, 185, Tunica, Miss. (Rosa Fort) -- Piled up 1,444 all-purpose yards during a standout senior season at Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Miss., for head coach Freeman Horton . . . He scored 13 touchdowns his senior campaign, including two punt returns for scores . . . Was named the Most Valuable Player, the Most Valuable Special Teams Player, and The Best Receiver in Class 3A, Division 3 . . . Named first-team, Class 3A all-state at wide receiver by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Stellar performer on both sides of the football, who was a three-time all-conference honoree . . . Hauled in 28 passes for 698 yards (24.9-yard average) and 10 touchdowns during a standout senior season . . . Also had 330 yards in kickoff returns (one TD) and 360 yards in punt returns (three TDs) . . . Rushed eight times for 56 yards (seven yards per carry) . . . Also had a 105-yard interception return for touchdown . . . Named first-team, all-district following his junior campaign . . . Made 20 catches for 494 yards (24.7-yard average) and 11 touchdowns as a junior . . . Added 15 rushes for 179 yards (11.9-yard average) and two additional scores . . . Had 10 touchdown receptions as a sophomore . . . Also a standout on the basketball court at Rosa Fort . . . He was the team's Most Valuable Player the past two seasons and is currently averaging 26 points per game this year . . . Born McKinley Mackeyo Scott, 11-13-81, in Clarksdale, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. McKinley Scott.

Bryan Shumaker, DB, 5-8, 185, Ackerman, Miss. (Ackerman) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Ranked as the No. 10 true cornerback in the country by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com recruiting magazine . . . That rating earned him a high school all-America label . . . Also ranked with the top 15 cornerbacks in the Southeast by that periodical . . . Credited with running a 4.4 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Ranked as the No. 15 defensive back in the country by Burton for The Sporting News . . . Rated the 17th-best defensive back in the country by Allen Wallace in his preseason Superprep recruiting annual . . . That designation gained him high school all-America recognition by that magazine . . . Also an outstanding kick returner . . . Credited with a 335-pound bench press (outstanding for a defensive back) and a 36-inch vertical leap by Superprep . . . Also considered the 30th-best player , regardless of position, in Dixie by Superprep . . . Was the fourth-best defensive back ranked in the region . . . Ranked as the 20th-best defensive back in the country by Superprep in its postseason All-America Issue . . . Ranked No. 2 among all wingbacks in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting . . . Listed No. 6 among the state of Mississippi's top prospects by Superprep, the top-ranked defensive back . . . Called a "natural cover corner" by that periodical . . . Ranked No. 41 nationally on the G&W Recruiting Report's postseason list of the country's top 50 defensive players . . . Ranked with the top 28 defensive backs in the country by the G&W Recruiting Report, one of the top 250 prospects overall . . . That publication had him listed with the top defensive backs in the Southeast in its preseason magazine . . . Also listed as the No. 20 player, regardless of position, in the SEC region by that publication . . . Was the sixth-highest listed defensive back in that rating . . . Ranked as the eighth-best cornerback on Max Emfinger's list of the top defensive backs in the South in his Super Dixie postseason newsletter . . . Earned Golden Nugget citation by that publication, representing the top 125 players overall in the South . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper Super Southern 100, a listing of the South's top players . . . One of only 13 defensive backs on the chart . . . Jamie Newberg of Border Wars recruiting service ranks him among the top 10 cornerbacks in the western half of the Southeast region (Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama) . . . Credited with squatting 445 pounds by that publication . . . Ranked No. 13 among all defensive backs in the Southeast by Prep Star magazine in its postseason edition . . . Rated the No.7 prospect in Mississippi by state recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson, the top defensive back in his ranking . . . Named a preseason Dandy Dozen pick and a postseason first-team, all-state performer in the defensive secondary by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Rated No.7 on that newspaper's postseason list of the top 40 recruits in Mississippi . . . Was named The Defensive Player of the Year in Class 2A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Also named first-team, all-state at cornerback by the MAC . . . Ranked among the top 22 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Made 74 tackles and recorded four interceptions at his cornerback position during his senior prep season . . . Also rushed for 1,320 yards on 134 carries (9.9 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Was named second-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following his junior campaign when he gained 1,212 yards on 111 carries (10.9 yards per carry) and scored 30 touchdowns . . . Also recorded 54 tackles and four interceptions that season despite playing with nagging injuries . . . Amassed more than 3,000 yards rushing and scored over 70 touchdowns during his high school career . . . Also a standout track performer on the prep level . . . Solid high school student (3.0 GPA) . . . Played for coach Ricky Woods at Ackerman (Miss.) High School . . . Born Bryan Allyn Shumaker, 12-7-81, in Ackerman, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Shumaker.

Jerry Slaughter, DL, 6-3, 250, Atlanta, Ga. (Washington) -- Ranked the No. 38 defensive tackle in the South by Pigskin Preps recruiting magazine in its preseason edition . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia 75 as one of the top players in the Peach State . . . One of just six defensive linemen recognized . . . Credited with running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash by Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . Recognized as one of the top seniors in the state of Georgia prior to his final prep campaign by the G&W Recruiting Report . . . A two-time, all-state performer, he was named the city of Atlanta's Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season . . . Totaled 110 tackles, including eight quarterback sacks . . . Recovered six fumbles and scored two touchdowns on defense . . . Also played tight end on offense . . . Recorded 15 pass receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns . . . Born Jerry Jerome Slaughter in Atlanta, Ga. . . . Son of Mrs. Delois Slaughter.

Robert Spivey, DL, 6-3, 220, Clarksdale, Miss. (Clarksdale) -- Named honorable mention all-America by USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Ranked No. 14 among all outside linebackers in the South by Pigskin Preps Recruiting in its preseason rating . . . Ranked with the top 23 weakside linebackers by Max Emfinger in his postseason Super Dixie Newsletter . . . Credited with running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash by Emfinger . . . Considered among the top 25 recruits in Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Named first-team, Class 4A all-state at defensive end by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following his senior campaign . . . Considered a player to watch by that newspaper in its preseason prospects edition . . . Listed No. 26 among the state of Mississippi's top prospects by Superprep in its postseason all-America issue . . . Ranked with the top seniors in the state of Mississippi in preseason by the G&W Recruiting Report . . . Named Most Valuable Defensive Player in Class 4A, Division 3 . . . Made 63 tackles during his final prep season, a total that includes 13 quarterback sacks . . . Led Clarksdale to an 11-3 overall record and into the Class 4A state championship game . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Tallied 21 QB falls as a junior . . . Played for head coach Jesse Murphree at Clarksdale (Miss.) High School . . . Born Robert Antoine Spivey, 9-30-81, in Cleveland, Miss. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Jefferson.

David Stewart, OL, 6-7, 285, Moulton, Ala. (Lawrence County) -- Rated with the top 10 offensive linemen in the western half of the southeast region (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas) by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Listed No. 21 at offensive tackle on Pigskin Preps' postseason ranking of the top prospects in the South . . . Said to have "as much potential as anyone in the state" by that publication . . . Credited with a 275-pound bench press and a 405-pound squat . . . Listed with the top 40 offensive linemen in the Southeast by Prep Star recruiting magazine in its postseason edition . . . Credited with running a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Ranked No. 122 in Dixie, regardless of position, by Allen Wallace in Superprep's preseason recruiting magazine . . . Rated the No. 18 prospect in Alabama by Superprep in its season-ending All-America Issue, the second offensive lineman listed . . . Said to have "excellent mobility and footwork" by that recruiting periodical . . . Ranked with the top 35 players in Alabama, again regardless of position, by Jeff Whitaker in his Deep South Recruiting Guide . . . Called the "sleeper of the year" in Alabama going into his senior season by Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson . . . A two-way tackle at the prep level for head coach Tim Gillespie at Lawrence County High School in Moulton, Ala. . . . Led Moulton to a 9-2 record during his senior season and into the first round of the state playoffs . . . Named first-team, Class 4A all-state on the offensive line by the Birmingham News . . . Born James David Stewart, 8-28-82, in Decatur, Ga. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Benny Stewart.

Marvin Vaughn, RB, 5-10, 180, Jackson, Miss. (Velma Jackson) -- Named honorable mention all-America by the USA Today, one of just 13 players from the state of Mississippi to gain such recognition . . . Selected the fifth-best back in the country during preseason by Phil Grosz in his G&W Recruiting Report . . . Named first-team, all-Southeast by that publication . . . Ranked No. 44 among the nation's top running backs, one of the top 11 running backs in the western half of the southeast region (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas), by Bobby Burton in his Rivals100.com preseason recruiting magazine . . . Regarded among the top 20 running backs in the South in Max Emfinger's Super Dixie Bluechips postseason newsletter . . . Ranked among the top 23 running backs in the South in Prep Star's postseason recruiting magazine . . . Listed No. 26 on the Pigskin Preps' postseason list of the South's top rushers . . . Credited with running a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash by Pigskin Preps . . . Also boasts a 250-pound bench press . . . Ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the state by Mississippi recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson, the top running back on the list . . . Ranked among the top 22 players in the state in Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide . . . Called the "best running back in Mississippi" by that publication . . . Selected to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen during preseason . . . Was named the Offensive Player of the Year in Class 3A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Named first-team all-state at running back by the MAC . . . Named first-team, all-state and all-metro Jackson following his senior season as a running back . . . Chosen to the Clarion-Ledger list of the state's top 40 football prospects . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Named Best Offensive Back in Class 3A, Division 5 . . . The state of Mississippi's all-time leading career rusher, shattering a record that had stood for 19 years . . . Gained 7,416 yards during his prep career, becoming only the second back in the state's high school history to exceed 6,000 yards and the first to top 7,000 . . . Gained 2,325 yards on just 229 carries (10.2-yard average) and scored 27 touchdowns during a standout senior season for coach Willie Young at Velma Jackson (Miss.) High School . . . Was second leading scorer in Class 3A with 182 points, including 10 two-point conversions . . . Rushed for a state-record 2,936 yards on 336 carries (an 8.7-yard average) and 35 touchdowns during a breakout junior season . . . Named second-team all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following that season . . . Gained 1,680 yards as a sophomore . . . Scored 83 career touchdowns . . . Solid in the classroom at Velma Jackson (3.3 GPA) . . . Born Marvin Marquis Vaughn, 2-27-81, in Jackson, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Gloria Vaughn.

Gabriel Wallace, DB, 6-0, 185, Greenwood, Miss. (Greenwood) -- Ranked among the top 40 players, regardless of position, by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger in the paper's postseason listing of the state's top recruits . . . Named second-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger following his senior season for head coach Charles Brady at Greenwood (Miss.) High School . . . Considered a "player to watch" by the newspaper prior to his final prep campaign . . . Named first-team, Class 4A Division 3 at defensive back . . . Also played tailback and wingback on the offensive side of the ball . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Caught 30 passes for 628 yards (20.9-yard average) and nine touchdowns during his senior season . . . Born Gabriel Gerard Wallace, 11-16-81, in Greenwood, Miss. . . . Son of Mrs. Lillian Wallace Hart.

Tommy Watson, OL, 6-5, 310, Thomaston, Ga. (Upson-Lee/Copiah-Lincoln [MS] CC) -- Played his sophomore season at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College . . . Was named all-region 23 after starting at left tackle . . . Ranked No. 8 on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger list of the state's top junior college recruits, the highest ranked offensive lineman . . . Ranked with the top 124 junior college players in the country by Max Emfinger in his report of the nation's two-year schools . . . Listed fourth on Emfinger's ranking of 16 offensive tackles coming out . . . Considered a dominant run blocker . . . Played his freshman season at Middle Georgia College . . . Helped lead GMC to an 11-1 record in 1998, a win over Northwest Mississippi in the Mineral Water Bowl, and a national top-10 finish in the national junior college poll . . . He keyed an offensive line that generated more than 400 yards in total offense in that win over Northwest Mississippi . . . Starred at tight end and defensive end for Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Ga. . . . Born Tommy Lee Watson, Jr., 3-29-79, in Thomaston, Ga. . . . Son of Ms. Molly Melton.

Demotto Youngblood, DL, 6-5, 265, College Park, Ga. (North Clayton/Hargrave [Va.] Academy) -- Listed with the top 20 strongside defensive ends in the country by Max Emfinger in his pre-signing day national bluechips newsletter in 1999 . . . Rated among the top eight defensive ends in the South in Emfinger's Super Dixie Bluechips postseason newsletter this season . . . Credited with running a 4.6 in the 40 in that publication . . . Ranked with the top 20 players, regardless of position, in the state of Georgia prior to his senior season by U.S.A. Today . . . Rated the No. 66 player in Dixie, regardless of position, by Allen Wallace in Superprep's preseason All-America Issue . . . Credited with running a 4.8 in the 40 and jumping 27 inches in the vertical leap by Superprep . . . Received special mention by the G&W Recruiting Report in its preseason edition prior to his senior campaign . . . Also credited with running a 4.8 by that publication . . . Starred on the defensive line, but also played tight end at the prep level . . . A four-year starter for coach Don Shockley at North Clayton (Ga.) High School . . . He helped his high school team reach the state playoffs four consecutive years, including a state quarterfinal appearance in his junior year . . . Started his freshman and sophomore seasons at defensive end, then was a two-way regular at defensive tackle and tight end his junior and senior campaigns . . . Was all-county his final three seasons . . . Made 82 tackles as a senior, including eight quarterback sacks . . . Deflected 11 passes at the line of scrimmage . . . Was named the state lineman of the week following a 12-tackle, two-sack, two-deflection single-game performance in his senior season . . . Tremendous all-around athlete on the prep level . . . Starred in basketball, lettering his final three seasons, and was recruited by schools interested in his basketball ability . . . Threw the shot put and the discus in track, again lettering his sophomore, junior and senior years . . . Was the county champion in both events, recording personal bests of 152 feet in the discus and 45 feet in the shot . . . Lettered four times on his high school's tennis team, helping that team to two county championships and three trips to the state tournament . . . Signed with Kentucky out of high school . . . Born Demotto Sonya' Youngblood, 2-15-80, in Atlanta, Ga. . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Lamont Cherry . . . His cousin, Willie McDay, played football at Southern Mississippi.