Royce Blackledge, OL, 6-4, 270, Laurel, Miss. (Northeast Jones) - Named first-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger on the offensive line following his senior season at Northeast Jones High School in Laurel, Miss. . . . Ranked with the top 40 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Earned first-team, all-Region 5-4A honors as selected by the region coaches for head coach Randy Martin . . . Was named district most valuable lineman . . . Played both offensive guard and tackle during his prep career . . . Credited with running a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash by TheInsiders.com . . . Solid student in the high school classroom.
Eric Butler, TE, 6-3, 225, Moss Point, Miss. (Moss Point) - Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . Caught 21 passes for 475 yards, a 22.6-yard average, and five touchdowns during a breakout senior season . . . Credited with running a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches all-region team at tight end . . . Also a standout baseball player at Moss Point . . . Solid student in the classroom on the prep level.
Corey Clark, DL, 6-3, 285, Collins, Miss. (Collins) - Rated with the top 50 defensive linemen in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Rated the 56th best defensive lineman in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Ranked No. 8 on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger list of the state's top 10 prep prospects . . . Considered one of the top two defensive line prospects in the state by the Clarion-Ledger . . . First-team, all-state on the defensive line by that newspaper . . . Named to the Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen, the top 12 players in the state, heading into his senior season . . . Credited with running a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash and bench pressing 385 pounds by that paper . . . Also named first-team, all-state in Class 3A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . The region coaches named him the Most Valuable Player in Region 6-3A . . . Rated the No. 13 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue, the second-best interior defensive lineman in its rankings . . . Two-time all-state performer for head coach Bruce Merchant at Collins (Miss.) High School . . . He helped his high school team to back-to-back state titles, including a 15-0 record during his senior campaign . . . Registered 102 tackles as a senior, including 17 quarterback sacks . . . Led Collins to a 13-2 mark in his junior year . . . Registered 45 tackles and 12 quarterback sacks that season.
Omarr Conner, QB, 6-0, 205, Macon, Miss. (Noxubee County) - Named Mr. Football in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . Rated the 8th best quarterback in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Listed No. 5 on that newspaper's ranking of the state's 40 best football recruits . . . Tom Lemming has him ranked as the No. 13 quarterback prospect in the country on ESPN.com . . . Named first-team, all-state at the quarterback position by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Credited with running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash by that newspaper . . . Named to the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen as one of the state's top 12 prospects prior to his senior season . . . Ranked with the top 30 quarterbacks in the nation by Phil Grosz in the preseason G&W Recruiting Report . . . Rated among the top 10 quarterbacks in the Southeast by PrepStar magazine prior to his senior campaign . . . Called the top QB prospect in Mississippi by that publication . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 10 quarterbacks mentioned on that prestigious team . . . Rated the No. 7 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue, the top-rated quarterback . . . Cited as the Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Region 2-4A most valuable player, and first-team, all-state in that division following the 2002 season . . . Accounted for 9,506 total yards and 110 touchdowns over his four seasons at Noxubee County, including 6,599 passing yards and 59 TD passes . . . Led his prep team to a 26-10 record and three consecutive state playoff appearances during his final three seasons at the prep level . . . Accounted for 4,146 yards and a state-record 54 touchdowns during a star-studded senior season for head coach M.C. Miller at Noxubee County High School . . . Completed 173-of-303 passes (57.1 percent) for 3,443 yards and 31 touchdowns, and rushed for 703 yards on 120 carries (5.9 per rush) and 23 more scores in '02 . . . Led the state in passing yardage . . . Led his team to a 10-2 record and into the second round of the state playoffs as a senior, helping Noxubee County lead the state's Class 4A schools in total offense (4,933 yards) . . . Was second-team, all-state as a junior . . . Paced the team to a 10-2 mark in '01 as well, accounting for 2,561 yards and 33 touchdowns . . . He completed 87-of-156 passes (.558) for 1,549 yards and 16 touchdowns . . . Rushed 113 times for 1,012 yards, an 8.9-yard per carry average, and 17 touchdowns . . . Also a standout basketball player on the prep level.
Quinton Culberson, DB, 6-0, 210, Jackson, Miss. (Provine) - Named to the Parade All-America team, one of just four defensive backs listed . . . Named to the USA Today Super 25 prior to his senior season, one of just three defensive backs mentioned, and to that newspaper's second-team, all-America list at defensive back following his senior year . . . TheInsiders.com has him rated as the 4th best safety in the nation . . . Tom Lemming has him ranked as the No. 3 safety in the country for ESPN.com . . . Ranked as the No. 10 defensive prospect, regardless of position, in the country and with the top 20 defensive backs in the nation by Phil Grosz in the preseason G&W Recruiting Report . . . Positioned at No. 6 in the Southeast's top players by G&W following his senior season . . . Rated with the top six defensive backs in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Considered the top overall prospect in the state by that publication . . . Named second-team, all-South by Fox Sports Net as one of the top athletes in the South . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 14 defensive backs mentioned on that prestigious team . . . Rated the No. 3 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue, the top-rated defensive back . . . That publication has him ranked No. 31 on its all-America listing of the nation's top defensive backs . . . Named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen as one of the state's top 12 prospects prior to his senior season . . . Ranked No. 1 on the Clarion-Ledger list of the state's 10 most wanted football prospects . . . Named first-team, all-state in the defensive backfield by the Clarion-Ledger following his senior season . . . Was also named the metro Jackson player of the year by that newspaper . . . Credited with running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash with a 295-pound bench press by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Named first-team, all-state in Class 4A at the safety position by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Registered 10 interceptions during his prep career, helping head coach Willie Collins' Provine High School in Jackson to a 26-9 three-year record . . . Recorded 64 tackles, three pass interceptions and two fumble recoveries in '02 . . . Also blocked a pair of punts . . . Helped his high school team to an 8-3 record during his senior season . . . Standout on both sides of the ball, he had 22 pass receptions for 430 yards and 10 touchdowns during the '02 season . . . Was first-team, all-state and all-metro by the Clarion-Ledger as a junior and was named the Class 4A defensive player of the year following his junior campaign . . . Helped lead Provine to an 11-1 mark during his junior campaign . . . Made 48 tackles, three fumble recoveries and had five pass interceptions in '01 . . . Grabbed 17 passes for 259 yards, a 15.2-yard average, and seven touchdowns during his junior year . . . Was a three-time all-metro selection . . . Also a state champion in the Class 4A high jump competition with a 6-10 personal best . . . Solid student in the classroom.
Donovan Davis, OL, 6-7, 330, Jackson, Miss. (Callaway) - Named to the Parade All-America team, one of just 17 linemen nationwide selected . . . Tom Lemming has him ranked as the No. 5 offensive tackle prospect in the country on ESPN.com . . . Ranked as the No. 40 offensive prospect, regardless of position, in the country and with the top 50 offensive linemen in the nation by Phil Grosz in the preseason G&W Recruiting Report . . . TheInsiders.com ranks him as the 29th best offensive line prospect in the nation . . . Positioned at No. 20 in the Southeast's top players by G&W following his senior season . . . Credited with a 380-pound bench press and an 82-inch wingspan by that publication . . . Named to the second-team offense of the Fox Sports Net All-South team . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 14 offensive linemen mentioned on that prestigious team . . . Rated with the top 40 offensive linemen in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Considered possibly the top offensive lineman in the state by that publication . . . Rated the No. 2 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue, the top-rated offensive lineman . . . That publication also has him ranked No. 41 in the country among offensive lineman . . . Named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen as one of the state's top 12 prospects prior to his senior season for head coach Gerry Anderson at Callaway High School in Jackson, Miss.. . . Ranked No. 2 on the Clarion-Ledger's list of the state's top 40 recruits following his senior season . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Clarion-Ledger on the offensive line following his senior season and called one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects . . . Received all-Region 2-5A recognition by the region coaches . . . Also named all-metro Jackson by the Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . A two-time all-league, all-metro Jackson and all-state performer . . . Had 83 pancake blocks as a junior . . . A three-year prep starter . . . Solid academic student on the prep level.
Lance Fremin, OL, 6-1, 270, Starkville, Miss. (Starkville) - Ranked No. 20 among the top 25 players in Mississippi by BorderWars.com . . . Rated with the top 75 offensive and defensive linemen in the Southeast in the G&W preseason recruiting magazine . . . Credited with a 360-pound bench press and a 4.9 clocking in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Awarded Class 5A first-team, all-state honors by the Mississippi Association of Coaches at offensive guard following the 2002 season . . . Named second-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger on the offensive line following his senior season . . . Ranked with the top 40 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Two-time all-region, he was an honorable mention all-state as a junior . . . Three-year starter on the offensive line, playing his senior season for coach Ronnie Cuevas at Starkville (Miss.) High School . . . Graded out over 85 percent in each game during his senior campaign . . . Helped lead Starkville to the state championship during his junior season by recording 115 pancake blocks.
Eric Fuller, DB, 6-2, 195, Clinton, S.C. (Clinton/Independence [Kan.] CC) - Named first-team all-Jayhawk Conference following his sophomore season on the junior college level . . . Recorded 38 tackles and three interceptions during the '02 season . . . Also returned punts and kickoffs . . . Led that conference in interceptions during his freshman season . . . Played for head coach Kent Keith at Independence (Kan.) Community College . . . Played at Clinton (S.C.) High School . . . A first-team Class 3A All-State selection as a defensive back by the High School Sports Report and S.C. Prep Football ... Rated as one of the state's Top 10 defensive backs . . . Rushed for 754 yards and 11 touchdowns (9.2 yards per carry) as a quarterback . . . Caught two passes for 33 yards and a score . . . Threw for 154 yards and three touchdowns . . . Picked off three passes and recovered a fumble on defense . . . Named Defensive Most Valuable Player in the annual S.C. North/South All-Star Game in Myrtle Beach . . . Picked off two passes in that contest . . . Averaged 12.4 yards per punt return on the season . . . An All-Region selection.
Adrian Griffin, DB, 5-11, 170, LaGrange, Ga. (LaGrange) - Ranked the 13th best cornerback in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 14 defensive backs mentioned on that prestigious team . . . The Atlanta paper also listed him among the top 50 players in the Peach State, one of just eight defensive backs . . . Named third-team, all-South by Fox Sports Net as an athlete . . . Rated with the top 50 defensive backs in the southeast by PrepStar magazine in its preseason issue . . . Credited with running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Rated the No. 19 player and 3rd best cornerback in the state of Georgia by BorderWars.com . . . Rated the No. 24 player overall in the state of Georgia by SuperPrep in its season-ending, all-America issue, the fourth-rated cornerback in its rankings . . . Helped coach Steve Pardue's LaGrange (Ga.) High School team to a 12-1 overall record during his senior season and to a Class 3A state championship . . . Made 45 tackles that year, helping the LaGrange defense shut out seven opponents during the season . . . Made 73 tackles and had five interceptions in helping LaGrange to a state title during his junior campaign as well . . . Solid student on the prep level.
Devrick Hampton, DL, 6-3, 275, Greenville, Miss. (Greenville-Weston) - Ranked the 19th best defensive end in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 20 defensive linemen mentioned on that prestigious team . . . Rated with the top 50 defensive linemen in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Credited with running 4.8 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Awarded Class 5A first-team, all-state honors by the Mississippi Association of Coaches at defensive tackle following the 2002 season . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . Named second-team, all-state on the defensive line by the Clarion-Ledger following a standout senior season . . . Made 14 quarterback sacks and 12 tackles for loss during his junior season.
Avery Hannibal, DL, 6-2, 255, LaGrange, Ga. (Troup County) - Ranked the 96th best defensive end in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Credited with running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash by that recruiting service . . . Rated with the top 50 defensive linemen in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Credited with a 350-pound bench press by that publication . . . Three-year starter at defensive tackle for head coach Tommy Walburn at Troup County (Ga.) High School in LaGrange . . . A two-time, all-state selection in the Georgia Class 4A ranks . . . Made 125 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, 10 of which were sacks during his junior season, leading his team to an 11-3 record . . . Also forced three fumbles . . . Was the Georgia Class 4-A state champion wrestler at the 215-pound weight class during his freshman and junior years . . . Gave up the sport during his senior season to concentrate on football despite ranking third nationally in his weight division . . . Outstanding high school student on the prep level.
David Heard, DB, 6-0, 180, Vicksburg, Miss. (Vicksburg) Originally signed with Mississippi State in February 2002 and reported for two-a-day practices in August . . . Suffered a ligament injury in his foot during those drills and underwent surgery . . . Was not enrolled at MSU full-time in fall 2002 . . . Two-time, all-county and all-district performer . . . A member of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger top 40 recruits list following his high school career . . . Made more than 200 tackles with 12 interceptions and five fumble recoveries during his high school career . . . Scored three defensive touchdowns and blocked two punts during his career . . . Totaled 86 tackles during his senior season for head coach Alonzo Stevens at Vicksburg (Miss.) High School . . . Helped lead Vicksburg to a 9-4 record his final prep campaign by recording three pass interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries . . . Also blocked one punt . . . Scored two defensive touchdowns . . . Was third on the team with 86 tackles . . . Selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell North-South All-Star Classic . . . An outstanding student on the high school level . . . Born David Chong Heard, 2-13-84, in Seoul, South Korea . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Heard.
Michael Heard, LB, 6-3, 225, Lovejoy, Ga. (Lovejoy) - Rated No. 99 among the nation's outside linebacker prospects by TheInsiders.com on-line service . . . Credited with running a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at the Nike Camp . . . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution listed him among the top 50 players in the Peach State, one of just eight linebackers mentioned . . . Named to the Southern Crescent Super 11 Team . . . Two-time, all-state selection . . .Totaled 117 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback sacks during his junior season.
Phernando "Rex" Hill, DL, 6-3, 295, Marathon, Fla. (Marathon) - Ranked No. 96 on the list of the top 100 prospects in the state of Florida, regardless of position, by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper . . . Ranked No. 83 on the list of top 100 prospects in the state of Florida by TheInsiders.com . . . Registered 92 tackles, including 22 for loss and five sacks during a standout senior season . . . Played in the Florida-California High School all-star game as a defensive end and tallied four tackles and a quarterback sack . . . Showed his versatility on the high school level by also playing offensive guard for head coach Jerry Jones at Marathon . . . Was named the No. 73rd best defensive tackle prospect in the country by TheInsiders.com . . . Also a standout basketball player on the prep level . . . Native of Cleveland, Miss., who lived in the Magnolia State until age 5.
Brad Horton, LB, 6-1, 230, Columbus, Ga. (Spencer) - Tallied 136 tackles and forced two fumbles during a standout senior season for head coach Collins Jones at Spencer High School in Columbus, Ga. . . . Also rushed for 300 yards and had 200 yards receiving with three touchdowns playing on the offensive side of the ball . . . Saw action at tight end, tailback, wingback, and middle linebacker on the prep level . . . Was a finalist for the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year award and nominated for the Wendy's Heisman Trophy award . . . Four-sport athlete and four-year starter in football at Spencer . . . Made 156 tackles during his junior season . . . Batted .427 during his junior season as a baseball player . . . Also an Eagle scout . . . Outstanding high school student who has been named to the National Honor Society and to Who's Who in America . . . Brad's late father played football at Morehouse.
Jason Husband, WR, 6-3, 200, Jackson, Miss. (Jim Hill) - Ranked with the top 45 wide receivers in the Southeast by PrepStar magazine . . . Called the No. 1 wide receiver prospect in the state by that publication . . . Credited with running a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash by PrepStar . . . Rated the No. 14 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue, the top true wide receiver in its rankings . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . Helped lead Jim Hill High School to an 11-2 overall record during his senior season with 35 catches for 534 yards, a 15.3-yard average, and nine touchdowns . . . Made 35 catches for 572 yards, a 16.3-yard average, and six TDs during his junior campaign . . . An outstanding athlete, he also started at free safety, punter and kicker for head coach Daryl Jones at Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Miss. . . . Recorded 31 tackles and four pass interceptions during his junior year on defense . . . Solid student on the high school level.
Jeramie Johnson, DB, 6-0, 185, Atlanta, Ga. (Booker T. Washington) - Ranked No. 11 on TheInsiders.com list of the nation's top cornerbacks . . . Considered the No. 2 cornerback in the Southeast by The Insiders recruiting analyst Jamie Newburg . . . Also ranked as the No. 7 player regardless of position in the state of Georgia by BorderWars.com . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, a list of the top 100 players in the South . . . Was one of just 14 defensive backs mentioned on that prestigious team . . . The Atlanta paper also listed him among the top 50 players in the Peach State, one of just eight defensive backs . . . Named second-team, all-South by Fox Sports Net at one cornerback position . . . Rated the No. 21 player overall in the state of Georgia by SuperPrep in its season-ending, all-America issue, the second-rated cornerback . . . Rated with the top 50 defensive backs in the southeast by PrepStar magazine in its preseason issue . . . Credited with running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Helped his high school team to an 8-2-1 record during his senior season . . . Registered 50 tackles and four pass interceptions from his defensive backfield position . . . Also had more than 500 yards in punt returns and brought back two kickoffs for scores . . . Made 64 tackles and a state-leading nine pass interceptions during his junior season . . . A three-year starter for coach Rodney Cofield at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, he was a two-time all-district honoree . . . A solid student in the high school classroom.
Jason Jude, RB, 6-0, 235, Athens, Ala. (Athens) - Ranked as the No. 51 running back prospect in the country by TheInsiders.com . . . Tom Lemming has him ranked as the No. 17 fullback prospect in the country on ESPN.com . . . Named one of the top 35 running backs in the Southeast by PrepStar magazine . . . Credited with running a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and a 300-pound bench press by that publication . . . Ranked with the top 50 senior prospects in Alabama by the G&W Recruiting Report prior to his senior season . . . Played in just four games during his senior campaign before having that season cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury . . . Rushed for 1,650 yards and 19 touchdowns during his junior season for head coach Allen Creasy at Athens (Ala.) High School . . . Solid student in the classroom during his high school career . . . His father is a minister.
Akeem Lofton, WR, 5-10, 180, Waynesboro, Miss. (Wayne County) - Cited as the Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year following the 2002 season . . . Named first-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion Ledger as an all-purpose threat following a stellar senior season . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Accounted for 2,971 yards and 38 touchdowns as a quarterback in leading Marcus Boyles' Wayne County High School team to the Class 5A state championship . . . His 1,562 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns scored were the third-highest marks in the state of Mississippi . . . Completed 71-of-132 passes (.538) for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns . . . Helped pace Wayne County to more than 5,700 yards of offense, the best mark in the state . . . Received all-Region 3-5A recognition by the region coaches . . . Three-sport standout on the prep level.
Andrew Powell, DL, 6-2, 290, Clewiston, Fla. (Clewiston) - Ranked with the top 75 offensive and defensive linemen in the Southeast in the G&W preseason recruiting magazine . . . Rated the 96th best defensive lineman in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Credited with a 380-pound bench press and a 4.9 time in the 40-yard dash by G&W . . . Ranked No. 61 on the list of the top 100 prospects in the state of Florida, regardless of position, by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper . . . Named most valuable defensive lineman for Southwest Florida . . . Three-year starter for head coach Pete Walker at Clewiston (Fla.) High School . . . Played on both the offensive and defensive lines in high school . . . Two-time, all-league and all-district selection . . . Registered 74 tackles, including eight for lost yardage during his junior campaign.
David Price, OL, 6-4, 315, Jacksonville, Fla. (Mandarin) - Rated the No. 15 offensive tackle in the country, the No. 80 player regardless of position in the Southeast, and the No. 34 player in the state of Florida, irrespective of position, by Rivals.com . . . Ranked with the top 75 offensive and defensive linemen in the Southeast in the G&W preseason recruiting magazine . . . Credited with a 360-pound bench press by G&W . . . Considered one of the top 10 offensive line prospects in the state of Florida heading into his senior season by that publication . . . Rated with the top 40 offensive linemen in the Southeast in Rivals/PrepStar preseason magazine . . . Rated the No. 46 player overall in the state of Florida by SuperPrep in its season-ending all-America issue . . . Has the ability to play guard or tackle according to SuperPrep . . . Named second-team, all-state on the offensive line following his senior season at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla., for head coach Richard Burnoski. . . Played in the Florida-California High School all-star game . . . Two-time, all-league and all-district, he was a two-time all-Jacksonville choice . . . Credited with 60 pancake blocks during his junior season . . . A three-year starter for the Class 6A program . . . Solid student on the high school level.
Sandy Quinn, DL, 6-4, 240, Jackson, Miss. (Provine) - Rated as the No. 38 defensive end in the country following his prep career at Provine High School in Jackson, Miss. . . . Listed No. 26 among Mississippi's top 30 players by Rivals . . . Credited with running a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash by TheInsiders.com recruiting service . . . Registered 91 tackles and seven quarterback sacks during his junior season for head coach Willie Collins.
Carlton Rice, LB, 6-1, 210, Huntsville, Ala. (Johnson) Considered one of the top three linebacker prospects in the state of Alabama prior to his senior season by The G&W Recruiting Report . . . Credited with running a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Concluded his career with 3,056 yards and 39 career touchdowns, and 176 total tackles . . . Made 85 tackles and had three pass interceptions as a two-way standout for head coach Harold Wells at J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Ala. . . . Also rushed for 1,440 yards on 168 carries (8.6 yards per rush) and scored 17 touchdowns while on offense . . . Named all-state following his final season . . . Had 91 tackles, three quarterback sacks and two interceptions during his junior campaign when he earned honorable mention all-state recognition . . . Also rushed for 976 yards on 103 carries (9.5 yards per attempt), scoring 12 touchdowns, and had another 330 receiving yards . . . Rushed 80 times for 640 yards (8.0 average) and 10 TDs as a sophomore . . . Bench-pressed 185 pounds 15 times prior to his senior season, according to PrepStar recruiting magazine . . . National Honor Society student in the classroom.
Deljuan Robinson, DL, 6-5, 290, Hernando, Miss. (Miss.) - Originally signed with Mississippi State in February 2002, he did not attend school due to football-unrelated surgery . . . Rated the No. 8 defensive end in the nation by TheInsiders.com recruiting service . . . Named first-team, all-America by The G&W Recruiting Report at linebacker in its postseason publication a year ago . . . Ranked No. 13 on that recruiting newsletter's list of the top 25 players in the Southeast, regardless of position . . . Listed as the 19th-best defensive prospect in the nation by G&W . . . Ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the country, regardless of position, on Bobby Burton's list of the nation's top 100 players for thesportingnews.com . . . He was the fourth-ranked defensive lineman in Burton's listing . . . Ranked as the No. 55 prospect in the country, regardless of position, on Tom Lemming's list of the nation's top 100 players for ESPN.com . . . Ranked with the top five defensive end prospects in the country by Max Emfinger in his postseason national bluechips newsletter . . . Earned an honorable mention berth on the postseason Orlando Sentinel all-Southern team, an all-star unit selected from 12 southern states . . . Named first-team, all-state at tight end by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Listed No. 4 among linebackers in the southeast by PrepStar magazine/CBS Sportsline.com . . . Credited with running a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Called possibly "the best defensive end/linebacker" in the South by PrepStar . . . Also credited with a 315-pound bench press by PrepStar . . . Ranked No. 5 on the Clarion-Ledger's list of the state's top 10 recruits . . . Also named to the Clarion-Ledger's preseason Dandy Dozen, symbolic of being one of top 12 players in the state of Mississippi . . . Earned "Defensive Player of the Year" and first-team all-state at linebacker on the Mississippi Association of Coaches' Class 4A season-ending team . . . Also named Most Valuable Defensive Player in Region 1-4A in a vote of region coaches . . . Ranked No. 7 on Superprep's list of the top players in Mississippi following his senior season, the top-ranked linebacker in the state . . . He was ranked No. 29 on Superprep's list of the nation's top linebackers . . . Named the Memphis Touchdown Club Player of the Year following his standout senior season . . . Made 139 tackles, including 96 solo stops with 10 quarterback sacks, while playing linebacker during his senior season for head coach Anthony Jenkins at Hernando (Miss.) High School . . . Helped lead his team to an 8-3 record in 2000 . . . Selected to play in the Mississippi-Alabama High School All-Star game . . . Registered 127 tackles as a junior, including 10 quarterback sacks and two pass interceptions.
Joey Sanders, WR, 6-2, 200, Macon, Miss. (Noxubee County) - Named first-team, all-state by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger at wide receiver following a standout senior season for head coach M.C. Miller at Noxubee County High School . . . Rated No. 80 nationally among all wide receivers by TheInsiders.com . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Named first-team, all-state at one wide receiver position by the Mississippi Association of Coaches in the Class 4A division . . . Named the Region 2-4A Offensive Most Valuable Player by the region's coaches . . . Caught 67 passes for 1,609 yards, a 24.0-yard per catch average, and 19 touchdowns during his final season at Noxubee County . . . Led the state's Class 4A pass catchers in receptions . . . Also a standout basketball player on the prep level.
Dezmond Sherrod, TE, 6-4, 225, Caledonia, Miss. (Caledonia) - Listed as the No. 57 tight end prospect in the country coming out of high school by TheInsiders.com . . . He was listed No. 22 regardless of position among the top 30 players in the state of Mississippi by that recruiting service . . . Credited with running a 4.8 40-yard dash with a 35-inch vertical leap and a 270-pound bench press by Rivals . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper . . . Caught 11 passes for 134 yards, a 12.2-yard average, and four touchdowns during his senior campaign . . . Also a starter for his prep team's basketball squad . . . Had 24 catches for 425 yards, a 17.7-yard average, during his junior season . . . Outstanding high school student.
Chris Swain, DB, 6-0, 180, Stone Mountain, Ga. (Redan/Jones [MS] CC) Ranked with the top five free safeties in the country coming out of junior college by Max Emfinger in his postseason all-America listing . . . Also mentioned as a cornerback possibility by other junior college publications . . . Credited with running a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash by Emfinger . . . Helped his junior college squad earn the state juco championship with a 10-1 overall record during his initial season for coach Parker Dykes at Jones (Miss.) Community College . . . Jones was ranked No. 6 in the final National Junior College Athletic Association poll in 2001 . . . Made 82 tackles with 17 for loss, five forced fumbles and one interception during his freshman season . . . Helped Jones to an 8-4 mark in '02 and a No. 15 ranking in the NJCAA ratings . . . Made 60 tackles during his sophomore campaign, including six for loss (minus 15 yards), four of which were quarterback sacks (minus 31 yards) . . . Registered three pass interceptions (94 yards in returns) . . . Caused one fumble and recovered one other. . . Starred for head coach Steve Davenport at Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Ga.
Tyler Threadgill, QB, 5-11, 175, Philadelphia, Miss. (Philadelphia) - Rated the No. 12 player overall in the state of Mississippi by SuperPrep in its season-ending, all-America issue, the top-rated wide receiver . . . Awarded Class 3A first-team, all-state honors by the Mississippi Association of Coaches at punter following the 2002 season . . . Named the co-Best Offensive Back in Region 5-3A by the region coaches . . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger . . . Named second-team, all-state punter by the Clarion-Ledger following his senior season for head coach Marcus Woods at Philadelphia (Miss.) High School . . . Averaged 39.5 yards per kick on 37 punts with a season-long, 61-yarder . . . Also made a 32-yard field goal . . . Completed 38-of-80 passes (.475) for 576 yards and nine touchdowns . . . Credited with running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Paced his high school team to an 8-3 mark during his senior season, scoring 25 touchdowns overall . . . Also rushed for 807 yards during his senior campaign . . . Led Philadelphia to a 7-5 mark during his junior campaign, scoring touchdowns on a state-record 99-yard run and a 98-yard kickoff return . . . In all, he tallied eight touchdowns of 37 yards or more . . . Rushed for nearly 2,000 yards, scored more than 20 touchdowns and kicked six field goals during his high school career . . . Son of former Mississippi State quarterback great Bruce Threadgill (1975-77).
Rickey Wright, DB, 6-0, 185, Batesville, Miss. (South Panola) - Ranked the No. 26 safety in the nation by TheInsiders.com . . . Rated with the top 50 defensive backs in the southeast by PrepStar magazine in its preseason issue . . . Credited with running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash by that publication . . . Considered the No. 2 cornerback in the state by PrepStar . . . Named first-team, all-state in the defensive secondary by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger following his senior season. . . Ranked with the top 25 recruits in the state of Mississippi by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Also was an offensive standout on the prep level, accounting for over 1,900 yards and 27 touchdowns at quarterback for South Panola . . . In fact, he was named second-team, all-state at quarterback by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Led his team to 14 wins during his final season and into the state finals . . . Played running back as a junior, gaining 612 yards on 110 carries, a 5.6-yard average, and eight touchdowns . . . His cousin is current MSU defensive back Demetric Wright.