Nate Blount, Brandon, Senior, Running back (twitter: @IvBlount)
The 5-foot-10, 216-pound Blount – who has committed to Louisiana-Monroe – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson first team at running back last season.
He gained 2,103 yards on 303 carries – 6.6 yards per carry – and scored 26 touchdowns and helped Brandon to a 12-2 record and a MHSAA Class 6A state runner-up finish last season as a junior.
Blount gained 1,442 yards on 246 carries – 5.9 yards per carry – and scored 17 TDs despite missing three games with an injury and helped Brandon to a 11-3 record and the 6A state runner-up finish two years ago as a sophomore.
He is on the Elite 11 for the second consecutive season. Blount was one of three sophomores on the All-Metro Jackson team first team two years ago.
Blount also has Division I offers from Jackson State, Navy, Arkansas State, Nevada-Las Vegas and Mercer.
“Nate has been one of the best players in the state for the last two years,” Brandon coach Sam Williams said. “We will go as he goes, and he will set the tone for our team offensively. We go fast, but we are a physical team by trade. Nate sets the tone; the rest of the team follows.”
Brandon opens the season Aug. 25 against Picayune at home.
Jaeden Calender, Brandon, Senior, Linebacker-defensive lineman (twitter: @jaeden_calender)
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Calender was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson second team as a defensive lineman last season.
He had 155 tackles (11.1 per game), 23 tackles for loss, 8 sacks for 67 yards, 22 hurries, 3 caused fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and scored 1 safety and helped Brandon to a 12-2 record and its second consecutive MHSAA Class 6A state runner-up finish.
Calender had 31 tackles, 2.2 tackles for loss, 1 pass deflection and 1 fumble recovery and helped Brandon to a 11-3 record and a Class 6A state runner-up finish two years ago as a sophomore.
Calender has offers from many of the Mississippi Community Colleges.
“Calender was an all-state performer last year as an undersized defensive lineman,” Brandon coach Sam Williams said. “This year he will move to a more natural position off the ball where he can utilize his athleticism even more. Jaeden is one of the most intense football players I’ve been around, and I expect a lot out of him this year as a player and a leader.”
Brandon opens the season Aug. 25 against Picayune at home.
Gavin Griffin, Velma Jackson, Senior, Running back (twitter: @gavingriffin1_)
The 5-11, 195-pound Griffin was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson second team as a running back last season.
He gained 1,663 yards on 183 carries (a 9.1-yard average) and scored 25 TDs in 10 games and led Velma Jackson to a 8-5 record and the MHSAA Class 2A semifinals last season as a junior. Griffin had nine games where he gained 100 or more rushing yards. He also returned 11 kickoffs for a 28.1-yard average.
Griffin had transferred to Hartfield Academy in the summer of 2022 but transferred back to Velma Jackson and started playing in the fourth game of the season. Velma went on a five-game winning streak and had 8-2 record with Griffin in the lineup. Griffin gained 271 yards and scored four TDs in a 45-0 victory over Yazoo City in his first game back last season. He gained a career-high 303 yards and scored six TDs in a 49-29 victory over Leake Central in his second game back.
He gained 1,156 yards on 147 carries, a 10.3-yard average, and scored 16 TDs last season and led Velma Jackson to an 8-3 record and a No. 5 final ranking in Class 2A in MaxPreps two years ago as a sophomore.
Griffin has offers from Alcorn State, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley, Alabama State, and Southern Ilinois.
“Gavin had a sensational season for our team last year,” Velma Jackson coach Bernard Euell said. “His return sparked the beginning of a very productive individual and team season last year. Gavin accounted for more than 1,600 yards and 25 TDs for our team. That’s being productive no matter where you play. He is a very versatile back that can not only get downhill and be explosive, but he’s also a really good route runner and catches the ball extremely well. We feel his versatility will definitely help create opportunities for our offense to be even more explosive this season. This summer, Gavin has definitely been putting in the work that will hopefully by season end have him considered as one of the best backs in Mississippi this season, no matter the classification. He’s bigger, faster, and even more explosive than last year. I’m very excited about the opportunities that’s before this team. Gavin will definitely have to play a huge role if we are going to reach out goal of becoming state champions.”
Velma Jackson opens the season Aug. 25 against Canton at home.
Reed Jesiolowski, Hartfield Academy, Senior, Running back-wide receiver-return specialist (Twitter: @reedjesiolowski)
The 6-4, 217-pound Jesiolowski – who has committed to Southern Miss – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson second team as an all-purpose player last season.
He had 916 yards on 125 carries (7.3 yards per carry) and 13 TDs, 34 catches for 427 yards and 7 TDs and 3 kickoff returns for 178 yards (a 59.3-yard average) and 1 TD and helped Hartfield to a 9-3 record and the MAIS Class 6A semifinals as a junior last season.
Jesiolowski ran for a school-record 292 yards on 23 carries and scored three TDs to lead Hartfield to a 31-28 victory over MRA, ending MRA’s streak of 19 consecutive wins against MAIS competition and a 26-game winning streak in regular season conference games. MRA had won 50 of its last 51 games against MAIS teams before Jesiolowski’s big game.
In addition to Southern Miss, Jesioloswki’s other Division I offer is Alabama-Birmingham.
He is rated as the No. 39 player in Mississippi and the No. 85 tight end in the country in the Class of 2024 by 247 Sports.
“I have been watching Reed grow and train since he was in the eighth grade,” Hartfield coach Craig Bowman said. “He is constantly trying to make himself the best he can possibly be. Reed has had a great offseason and I am looking forward to seeing Reed perform at a very high level this fall. Reed is the ultimate team player and I’m willing to do whatever it takes for his team to win.”
Hartfield Academy opens the season Friday at Heritage Academy in Columbus.
Chris Jones, Hartfield Academy, Senior, Defensive lineman-linebacker (twitter: @jone5hristopher)
The 6-foot-1, 221-pound Jones – who has committed to Southern Miss – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson second team as a defensive lineman last season.
He had 75 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 1 interception in 10 games and helped Hartfield to a 9-3 record and the MAIS Class 6A semifinals as a junior last season.
Jones is rated the No. 29 player in Mississippi and No. 92 linebacker in the country in the Class of 2024 by 247 composite rankings.
In addition to Southern Miss, Jones has Division I offers from Jackson State, Memphis, Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Rhode Island and Campbell.
“Chris has spent this past offseason focusing on his lateral movement and coverage skills,” Hartfield coach Craig Bowman said. “Chris loves to work on his craft and has put a lot of energy into the weight room leading into his senior season. Chris has a great understanding of our defense and will lead this unit in the fall.”
Hartfield Academy opens the season Friday at Heritage Academy in Columbus.
Joe Koury, MRA, Senior, Offensive lineman (twitter: @joekoury_)
The 6-foot-1, 285-pound Koury – who transferred from Madison Central – was member of the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard first team as an offensive lineman last season.
Koury was the starting center and helped Madison Central to an 8-4 record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs. He was also on the Jaguar powerlifting team. Koury’s personal highs are 345 pounds on the bench press, 715 pounds on the squat. Koury holds the record for total score and squat at North state.
“Joe is very intelligent, quick and moves well,” MRA coach Herbert Davis said. “He will play center for us. Joe is sound fundamentally and is a great competitor. I’m expecting him to be a leader for us this season.”
MRA opens the season Thursday at Parklane Academy in McComb.
Javontae Mosley, Callaway, Senior, Defensive Back (twitter: @Javontaemosley1)
The 6-3, 175-pound Mosley was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson first team as a defensive back last season.
He had 32 tackles, 3 interceptions, 8 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery and helped Callaway to a 9-3 record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 5A state playoffs, six wins better than in 2021 and the first winning season since 2016.
Mosley had 10 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups in five games two years ago as a sophomore. He stepped into the starting lineup after the starting senior defensive back went down with an injury.
”Javontae is long, athletic and fast,” said Callaway coach Dameon Brown, who was the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Coach of the Year last season. “He played a vital role for us in the secondary last year. We plan on using Ja’vontae on both sides of the ball this year.”
Grambling is Mosley’s only Division I offer. He also has offers from many of Mississippi’s community colleges.
Callaway opens the season Aug. 25 against Provine at Hughes Field.
Connor Mullins, Brandon, Senior, Punter-Kicker (Twitter: @connormullins0)
The 5-10, 170-pound Mullins – who transferred from Hartfield Academy – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson first team as a punter last season.
Mullins averaged 41.6 yards on 27 punts, made 7 of 9 field goal attempts and 47 of 51 extra point attempts and had 37 touchbacks on 65 kickoffs in 12 games and helped Hartfield to a 9-3 record and the MAIS Class 6A semifinals. Mullins’ longest punt was 64 punts and longest field goal was a school-record 53 yards, tied for 11th longest in the country and longest in Mississippi last season, according to MaxPreps. He kicked a 39-yard field goal on the game’s last play to give Hartfield a 31-28 victory over three-time defending MAIS 6A state champion Madison-Ridgeland Academy, ending MRA’s streak of 19 consecutive wins against MAIS competition and a 26-game winning streak in regular season conference games, dating back to 2017. MRA had won 50 of its last 51 games against MAIS teams before Mullin’s game-winning kick.
“Connor has an extremely powerful leg,” Brandon coach Sam Williams said. “He is a great kickoff guy and is very consistent with his field goal kicking. Connor and (senior) Wyatt Salter (a 36.6-yard average on 16 punts with a long of 51 yards last season) will give us one of the best kicker-punter tandems in the state.”
Brandon opens the season Aug. 25 against Picayune at home.
Landon Varnes, Brandon, Senior, Quarterback (twitter: @landonvarnes)
The 5-11, 184-pound Varnes – who has committed to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson first team as a quarterback last season.
He completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,368 yards – third highest in Mississippi, according to MaxPreps – and 26 touchdowns with nine interceptions and helped Brandon to a 12-2 record and its second consecutive MHSAA Class 6A state runner-up finish last season as a junior.
Varnes passed for a career-high 349 yards and two touchdowns and led Brandon to a 34-31 victory over previously undefeated Ocean Springs in the 6A state semifinals at Ocean Springs. He took Brandon on the winning drive in the final 26 seconds – he completed two passes for 52 yards – to set up the winning field goal on the last play of the game.
Varnes completed 55.7 percent of his passes for 2,547 yards and 19 TDs with 11 interceptions and helped Brandon to a 11-3 record and the MHSAA Class 6A runner-up finish as a sophomore two year ago.
“Landon is the quarterback and the captain of our ship,” Brandon coach Sam Williams said. “This is his third year as a starter. Landon has to be able to make all the calls and checks to make us right. He has great leadership skills and great players around him right. I look for a big year for Landon.”
Brandon opens the season Aug. 25 against Picayune at home.
Reginald Vaughn, Hartfield Academy, Junior, Defensive lineman (twitter: @reginaldvaugh48)
The 6-3, 250-pound Vaughn – who transferred from Madison St. Joseph – was named to the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson second team as a defensive lineman last season.
Vaughn had 89 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 force fumbles and 1 touchdown and helped St. Joe to a 6-6 record as a sophomore last season.
He is rated as the No. 7 player in Mississippi and the No. 17 defensive lineman in the country in the Class of 2025 by 247 Sports.
Vaughn was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the MAIS Futures Game in December and was named the Defensive Player of the Game in the Magnolia Sports Association Future Sophomore Game in January.
Vaughn has Division I offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Jackson State, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Penn State, Texas, Georgia State, Tulsa, and Akron.
“Reggie has been a great addition to this football team,” Hartfield coach Craig Bowman said. “He is highly skilled, but loves being coached and is eager to learn more. From the moment, Reggie stepped on campus, we have spent a lot of time with him in the weight room and are starting to see the fruits of his work ethic. Reggie is a very selfless player and has a way of elevating the level of play of his teammates.”
Hartfield Academy opens the season Aug. 11 at Heritage Academy in Columbus.
John White, MRA, Senior, Quarterback (twitter: @whitejohn2004)
The 6-foot, 204-pound White – who has committed to Southern Miss – completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,175 yards (highest in MAIS and fifth highest in Mississippi) and 28 TDs with eight interceptions and led MRA to a 10-4 record and a MAIS Class 6A runner-up finish.
He completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,935 yards and 39 TDs and 14 interceptions and helped MRA to an 11-3 record and its third straight 6A state title as a sophomore two years ago.
White is on the Elite 11 for the second straight season. He was one of three sophomores to make the All-Metro Jackson team first team two years ago.
White has 11,510 career passing yards, a MAIS record, including 7,110 in two seasons at MRA and 4,400 yards in two seasons at Winona Christian as an eighth and ninth grader. Myles Brennan is the Mississippi record holder with 15,138 career yards at St. Stanislaus from 2013-16. White is sixth in the career list behind Brennan, Ty Keyes from Taylorsville (14,525 from 2017-2020), Dylan Favre from St. Stanislaus (12,559 from 2007-2009), Jack Abraham from Oxford (12,027 from 2012-2015) and Keon Howard from Laurel (11,532 from 2012-2015).
In addition to Southern Miss, White has Division I offers from Syracuse, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Tulane, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Liberty, Florida Atlantic, Toledo, and Alabama A&M. He is rated as the No. 3 quarterback in Mississippi, No. 84 quarterback in the country and No. 34 player in Mississippi in the Class of 2024 by the 247 composite rankings.
“John has deadly accuracy. That’s his deal,” MRA coach Herbert Davis said. “He has always been accurate with the underneath ball and he’s getting more accurate with the deep ball. We went back and looked, and he would have had the same accuracy (67.9 percent) as a sophomore if it wasn’t for all the dropped balls. We hope our receivers will be better this year and we will have more cohesion, and that is proving to be true this summer in camps at Mississippi State and LSU.”
MRA opens the season Thursday at Parklane Academy in McComb.
