Takeaways from Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game practice
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 2021 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game practices are underway with the game scheduled for noon Saturday.
On3 took in the team Mississippi practice Wednesday morning. The first takeaway was that in 20-plus years in the business, Mississippi has the largest defensive line for a game such as this ever seen. The three starters will average 6-foot-6 1/2 and around 330 pounds.
But there is also a lot of speed on the Mississippi squad led by one of the country’s top returning sprinters. Here are On3 National Analyst Gerry Hamilton‘s takeaways from the morning practice.
Mississippi defensive line is massive
The state of Mississippi produces some very large human beings on an annual basis, but the 2022 cycle is as impressive as On3 has seen in a few years.
On3 Consensus four-star defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis of Columbia, Miss., was somewhat interested in one-on-one reps and throughout practice. But when he’s engaged, his combination of quickness, flexibility and power is evident. He’s carrying too much weight, which is an example of just how high his ceiling is. The Alabama commitment told On3 he will head to Tuscaloosa for an official visit at the conclusion of the game Saturday. Ole Miss and Mississippi State have been working hard on the flip, especially Ole Miss. All the Ole Miss commits are working on Oatis.
Ole Miss commits Zxavian Harris of Madison (Miss.) Germantown and Jaracarius Clayton of Tupelo, Miss., rounded out the starting three-man front at practice.
The 6-foot-8, 350-pound Harris has very quick feet and hands for his size. On3 believes his highest ceiling is at offensive tackle, but he attacks off the ball like a talented defensive lineman. He flashed first-step quickness, quick hands and the ability to rip and swim to win.
The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Clayton was a pleasant surprise. On3 saw his ability in flashes, but those flashes have plenty of upside. He possesses high-end ankle flexion and flexibility for his size.
Both players will affect the passing game more with massive wingspans in a quarterbacks vision more than pass rushing.
The top EDGE prospect on the stacked defensive squad is also the top uncommitted prospect in the state. On3 Consensus four star EDGE Trevion Williams of Crystal Springs, Miss., showed first step quickness and overall explosive athletic ability throughout the practice.
Combined with a 6-foot-3.5 frame with long arms, and Williams is one of the highest ceiling prospects in the state. He cruised around the practice field with Mississippi State gloves and cleats on.
The Bulldogs are considered the favorite over Ole Miss and Florida State. All three head coaches have made in-home visits. Williams will announce his decision on Dec. 15.
On3 Consensus four-star defensive line and Texas commit Aaron Bryant of Southaven, Miss., also impressed Tuesday morning. He plays with an ideal motor and has enough size at 6-foot-3, and 285-290. Bryant displayed ideal twitch for an interior prospect and quick hands. He’s a play through the whistle prospect.
Another Ole Miss commit impressed
The Rebels also have a very talented offensive tackle commit in Bryson Hurst of Gautier, Miss. Hurst is another massive Ole Miss commitment. At 6-foot-5.5’ish and 300-plus pounds, Hurst possesses tackle arm length and athleticism. Hurst can tend to overset at times and is technically a work in progress with hand placement. He could begin his career at guard to get him on the field quicker and then kick out to tackle after a year of Power 5 ball. Make no mistake, he has an NFL frame and upside.
Kentucky commit is fastest on Mississippi team
When asking all the defensive backs who the fastest player on the Mississippi squad is, the answer was the same. Kentucky wide receiver commit Jordan Anthony of Tylertown, Miss., is why the speed-demon term blur is used.
Yes, he runs in the 10.2-second 100-meter dash times but it also carries over to the field. He consistently raced by coverage, and when he sticks the foot in the ground, creates instant separation. Most important, he displayed arms extended pass-catching ability in practice. He still needs to work on consistency in that regard.
Mississippi State still making a run at Miami verbal
The home state Mississippi State Bulldogs are working hard to flip Miami commit Khamauri Rogers (Madison, Miss./Holmes County). The On3 Consensus four-star cornerback made an official visit to Mississippi State last weekend. With the game on Saturday, it’s unlikely he can get to Miami before Dec. 15. This recruitment will come down to the wire for Miami and Mississippi State.