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Tennessee commit Tristen Keys makes debut for Hattiesburg (MS)

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo22 hours agoAndy_Villamarzo
Syndication: The Clarion-Ledger
Hattiesburg's Tristen Keys (5) returns for the Tigers during play against Grenada in the MHSAA 6A championship game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

The nation’s No. 1 wide receiver returned to action on Friday night and made an impact right away. Tennessee five-star wide receiver commit Tristen Keys made his 2025 debut in Hattiesburg (MS) 42-16 victory over Meridian.

Keys, who is ranked as the No. 1 player in Mississippi and seventh nationally according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, chipped in the victory with a touchdown in the first half of the game for the Tigers as Hattiesburg improves to 3-2 on the season.

The future Volunteer returns for his senior season is back after a stellar junior campaign for Hattiesburg, with Keys hauling in 58 passes for 1,275 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Keys was major contributor in helping lead the Tigers to the MHSAA Class 6A state championship game last fall.

“Contested catch maven who looks like the top wide receiver prospect early in the 2026 cycle. Has good size, measuring at very 6-foot-2, 185 pounds with good length as a junior,” said Rivals Scouting Director Charles Power. “Turned in a strong junior campaign, catching 58 passes for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading his team to a deep playoff run. 

“Excels in contested catch situations, elevating to come down with acrobatic grabs. Hangs in the air and is able to contort his body into favorable positions. Displays a huge catch radius, high-pointing the football and coming down with one-handed grabs. High-level ball tracker with the ability to locate and corral the ball over his shoulder. Shows some route-running nuance. Has some shake off the line of scrimmage and is able to stack corners with his releases. Runs hard after the catch. Able to attack all areas of the field with his well-rounded skill set. Made some huge plays in big contests as a junior.

“Also a star on the 7-on-7 circuit before his junior season. Good marks in track and field in the high jump (6-0 feet) and triple jump (43-2 feet). Also plays basketball. Can continue improving his top-end speed.”

Keys and Hattiesburg take a week off before returning to action on Oct. 9 against Jim Hill.

How to Follow Mississippi High School Football

For Mississippi high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Golden State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Magnolia State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Mississippi high school football excitement across the state.