2020 Early Signing Day Signee Breakdown

[KOdawg1]

Figured I'd organize this so people don't have to comb through threads to see who we got.

QB

Will Rogers - Brandon High School
6'2, 200 lbs. QB
3*

Offers: Troy, Tulane, Washington St.
https://247sports.com/player/will-rogers-46052851/

RB

Jo'Quavious Marks - Carver High School
5'10, 190 lbs. RB
4*

Offers: Wisconsin, Bama, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, FSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Miami
https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Jo...ruitInterests/ (https://247sports.com/player/joquavious-marks-46041108/)


Dillon Johnson - St. Joseph in Greenville, MS
6'0, 192 lbs. RB
4*

Offers: Ole Miss, Oregon, Arkansas
https://247sports.com/player/dillon-johnson-46053816/

WR

Lideatrick Griffin - Philadelphia HS
5'10, 170 lbs. WR
4*

Offers: Ole Miss, Auburn, Maryland
https://247sports.com/player/lideatrick-griffin-46054282/


Malik Heath - Copiah Lincoln CC
6'3, 210 lbs. WR
4*

Offers: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas
https://247sports.com/player/malik-heath-85252/


Jaden Walley - D'Iberville HS
6'1, 175 lbs. WR
3*

Offers: Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss
https://247sports.com/player/jaden-walley-46053896/


Caleb Ducking - Holmes CC
6'5, 195 lbs. WR
3*

https://247sports.com/player/caleb-ducking-46085295/

OL

Grant Jackson - West Lincoln School
6'6, 305 lbs. OL
3 *

Offers: FSU, ULL, La Tech, Ark St.
https://247sports.com/player/grant-jackson-46057261/


Calvin McMillian - Houston High School
6'5, 300 lbs. OL
3*

Offers: Indiana, Tennessee, USM
https://247sports.com/player/calvin-mcmillian-46059086/

DL

Jordan Davis - Copiah-Lincoln CC
6'5, 250 lbs. DE
4*

Signed with Bama out of high school

Offers: Alabama, Tennessee, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon
https://247sports.com/Player/Jordan-Davis-91082/


Ben Key - East Los Angeles College
6'5, 280 lbs. DT
3*

Offers: Oregon, Arizona, Utah
https://247sports.com/player/benjamin-key-46082886/


Tre Lawson - Gulf Coast CC
6'6, 240 lbs. DE
3*

Offers: South Alabama
https://247sports.com/player/tre-lawson-88156/


Jevon Banks - Olive Branch High School
6'2, 260 lbs. DE/DT
3*

Offers: Memphis, Nebraska, Tennessee
https://247sports.com/Player/Jevon-Banks-46053878/


Armondous Cooley - Wayne County HS
6'4, 280 lbs. DT
3*

Offers: Oregon, Arkansas St.
https://247sports.com/player/armondous-cooley-46081580/

LB

Rodney Groce - Pleasant Grove High School
6'1, 240 lbs. MLB
3*

Offers: Nebraska, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, UK, Ole Miss, Oklahoma
https://247sports.com/Player/Rodney-Groce-Jr-46051888/


Tyrus Wheat - Copiah-Lincoln CC
6'2, 245 lbs. MLB
3*

Offers: Baylor, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina
https://247sports.com/player/tyrus-wheat-46041869/

DB

Emmanuel Forbes - Grenada High School
6'2, 170 lbs. CB
4*

Offers: Ole Miss, Nebraska, Tennessee, Memphis
https://247sports.com/Player/Emmanuel-Forbes-46080858/


Javorrius Selmon - Provine High School
5'10, 170 lbs. CB
3*

Offers: Auburn, Florida, Louisville
https://247sports.com/player/javorrius-selmon-46053820/


Decamerion Richardson - Bossier City, Louisiana
6'2, 175 lbs. CB
3*

Offers: Tennessee, Houston, South Carolina
https://247sports.com/Player/Decamerion-Richardson-46095001/


Cameron Threatt - Lewisburg HS
5'11, 165 lbs. CB
3*

Offers: Arkansas St, Kentucky, La Tech
https://247sports.com/player/cameron-threatt-46056657/


Janari Dean - South Panola HS
6', 190 lbs. S
3*, criminal that he's not a 4*

Offers: Georgia, Bama, South Carolina, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Tennessee
https://247sports.com/Player/Janari-Dean-46046825/

K

Brandon Ruiz, Transfer from Arizona State
5'10, 165 lbs.
https://247sports.com/Player/Brandon-Ruiz-90396/

Can't be stated enough how huge it is that all 22 guys signed in the early signing period. Focus can now be applied to finishing up on the OL and OLB. This is a good, well-rounded class.

[msstate7]

Nice job. Thanks

[FISHDAWG]

rep given ... thanks

[HoopsDawg]

6 instant impact players, possibly 8. The rest should redshirt.

1. Ruiz: hopefully a guy that can put every opponent on the 25 and possibly win the FG job

2. Heath: instant starter at outside WR, please simplify the damn offense Joe

3. Jordan Davis: 2 deep at DE, maybe a starter if Spencer slides down

4. Lawson: Probable 2 deep at DE

5. Wheat: 2 Deep at LB, possible starter if Gay or Thompson go pro

6. Marks: Rotation at RB, big play threat

7. Dean: Possible special teamer and 2 deep at SS/Nickel.

8. Griffin: Maybe 2 deep at Slot, return man

[KOdawg1]

Pretty cool story here with Lawson. I had forgotten he signed with FSU out of high school. He'll provide much needed speed off the edge in a Montez Sweat role. I love this DL class paired with Pickering from last year's class.

1207354352693698560

[Commercecomet24]

Good work on this KO! Thanks for posting! Good job by Joe on the early signing period. Now go coach em joe,

[KOdawg1]

This one is special. Country boy from Mississippi who works his tail off. Severely underrated, but that's okay. Give me a team full of Janari Dean's and we'd be set

1207365831958466560

[LC Dawg]

Thanks for all the great info.
It doesn't really matter but Lawson went to Gulf Coast, not Co-Lin.

[DogsofAnarchy]

There are several 3 Star players that are actually 4 Star players. This class is better than advertised.

[KOdawg1]

Thanks for all the great info.
It doesn't really matter but Lawson went to Gulf Coast, not Co-Lin.

Thanks, I'll fix it.

[TStationDawg]

I seem to recall alot of "other offers" from UT, Indiana, Oregon and Nebraska?! Seems an odd mix. Anyone else surprised by this? I haven't delved into it too deeply, just off top of my head. But it seemed odd to me who else were after our guys. To be proactive, I'm insuiting anything and admittedly, I don't follow that closely, just from reading today.

[TheLostDawg]

Awesome. Thanks

[TheLostDawg]

I seem to recall alot of "other offers" from UT, Indiana, Oregon and Nebraska?! Seems an odd mix. Anyone else surprised by this? I haven't delved into it too deeply, just off top of my head. But it seemed odd to me who else were after our guys. To be proactive, I'm insuiting anything and admittedly, I don't follow that closely, just from reading today.

That's going to happen with coaching turmoil and no team really sticking out in the state. 3 of top 5 aren't committed to then and they only have 3 of the top 15 committed and they are the only major school in the state. That's why everyone is so upset we didn't capitalize the past few years with ole Miss being down. We could have become the "flagship" yet somehow people still see ole Miss as it. That should tell you everything you need to know about why other schools are coming over

[Ari Gold]

The Ari Gold Grades

QB. B- Will Rogers solid pick up.

OL. C- Still unfinished , but wasn’t a huge position of need but have to sign more than 2 . That’s Hevesy territory. I do like the Jackson kid . Need one more guy to get this grade up

RB.. A.. Marks is a SEC back. And he is a EE.. that’s huge for next year, and went out of the state to get him.. also with Dillion he is arguably the best back in the state.

TE: NA

WR.. A: Land the number one juco Wr and the best Wr in the state. Hopefully we get good production from one if not both next year

DL.. A: one of the Biggest areas of need DE. And with Davis and Lawson you get that day one..NFL type guys . Also Huge get with Key. Big upside there with him. Big and athletic .. And with the 2 high school kids it balances out the position and they can both redshirt

LB: C+ / B- .. hopefully it’s unfinished as well , but Wheat fills a need and is impact Player day 1. If we land Cooper or someone else with good potential this grade goes up for sure

DB: A .. Forbes will be a good one. I love Dean and think he is most underrated player in the state. And with the late addition of Richardson.. 6’2 180 with length and speed . Could be the steal of the class

ST: A .. the transfer from ASU is a NFL talent kicker

The most impressive thing is they all signed with zero hiccups and one late addition. Great job by Joe and staff there.
Now let’s get to work . Hopefully with a New S&C coach

[SailingDawg]

Why isn't JT Zakkak from Gulfport listed?

https://twitter.com/ghs_athletics/status/1207314169076371456

[KOdawg1]

Why isn't JT Zakkak from Gulfport listed?

https://twitter.com/ghs_athletics/status/1207314169076371456

Probably a walk-on

[No BS Dawg]

Why isn't JT Zakkak from Gulfport listed?

https://twitter.com/ghs_athletics/status/1207314169076371456

It's my understanding that he is a preferred walk-on.

[SailingDawg]

It's my understanding that he is a preferred walk-on.

Ok, thanks!

[defiantdog]

I still believe Dean was scouted as an offensive guy and that's why his grade is only a 3*. If he was strictly a safety then his grade would easily be a 4*.

[Ari Gold]

6 instant impact players, possibly 8. The rest should redshirt.

1. Ruiz: hopefully a guy that can put every opponent on the 25 and possibly win the FG job

2. Heath: instant starter at outside WR, please simplify the damn offense Joe

3. Jordan Davis: 2 deep at DE, maybe a starter if Spencer slides down

4. Lawson: Probable 2 deep at DE

5. Wheat: 2 Deep at LB, possible starter if Gay or Thompson go pro

6. Marks: Rotation at RB, big play threat

7. Dean: Possible special teamer and 2 deep at SS/Nickel.

8. Griffin: Maybe 2 deep at Slot, return man

Davis is a starter no matter what decide to do with Spencer. He would have started for us this year .
I was told by a coach Lawson is a NFL talent .
I think that’s your bookends next year and we do slide Spencer inside or at worse Lawson is the 3rd down rush end

[Sienfield]

and to top it off maybe we signed an inside connection to the Outback Bowl.***

[Jarius]

Davis is a starter no matter what decide to do with Spencer. He would have started for us this year .
I was told by a coach Lawson is a NFL talent .
I think that?s your bookends next year and we do slide Spencer inside or at worse Lawson is the 3rd down rush end

Kobe Jones, DeMonte Russell, Jordan Davis, and Lawson are 4 really really really good defensive ends. Moving spencer inside along with Key coming in and the continued development on Fabo, Pickering, and Crumedy will make for an outstanding front 4. It looks like Wilie and E will be coming back as well, so the addition of Wheat will make us pretty damn special on the front 7 once again. We need someone besides Murphy to step up in the secondary and Emerson/Jones/Williams have to take a step forward on the back end to be truly special on defense......offensively, well that's another story. Not much confidence in basically anyone on that side of the ball. I do think our OL will be much better than people think with a 5 star OT and Dolla bill stepping in. No confidence in RB/WR/TE or QB to be good.

[msstate7]

Kobe Jones, DeMonte Russell, Jordan Davis, and Lawson are 4 really really really good defensive ends. Moving spencer inside along with Key coming in and the continued development on Fabo, Pickering, and Crumedy will make for an outstanding front 4. It looks like Wilie and E will be coming back as well, so the addition of Wheat will make us pretty damn special on the front 7 once again. We need someone besides Murphy to step up in the secondary and Emerson/Jones/Williams have to take a step forward on the back end to be truly special on defense......offensively, well that's another story. Not much confidence in basically anyone on that side of the ball. I do think our OL will be much better than people think with a 5 star OT and Dolla bill stepping in. No confidence in RB/WR/TE or QB to be good.

Think Russell will be an every down guy or pass rush specialist next season? I have no idea on his current weight

[dawgday166]

Kobe Jones, DeMonte Russell, Jordan Davis, and Lawson are 4 really really really good defensive ends. Moving spencer inside along with Key coming in and the continued development on Fabo, Pickering, and Crumedy will make for an outstanding front 4. It looks like Wilie and E will be coming back as well, so the addition of Wheat will make us pretty damn special on the front 7 once again. We need someone besides Murphy to step up in the secondary and Emerson/Jones/Williams have to take a step forward on the back end to be truly special on defense......offensively, well that's another story. Not much confidence in basically anyone on that side of the ball. I do think our OL will be much better than people think with a 5 star OT and Dolla bill stepping in. No confidence in RB/WR/TE or QB to be good.

I think it's very possible our D will be much better next year. Shoop will probably save Joe yet again. On O ... young QB and young OL. Bad combo there. OL (especially C & OT) is 2nd toughest position to play on the field. Joe has struggled with experienced O personnel. Next year he will really be challenged.

[Lumpy Chucklelips]

For those of you talking about their individual ranking, keep an eye out tomorrow on 247. They are supposedly changing some grades and you should see a bump for 2-3-4 guys.

Not much being said on Lawson's video. Man, that is awesome. Somebody that is humble like that and has his priorities straight. You know he is motivated to make his second chance a successful one. I'll be following him closely and pulling for him to succeed. Great job young man. Now, go make dad proud.

[Jarius]

I think it's very possible our D will be much better next year. Shoop will probably save Joe yet again. On O ... young QB and young OL. Bad combo there. OL (especially C & OT) is 2nd toughest position to play on the field. Joe has struggled with experienced O personnel. Next year he will really be challenged.

Shoop is one of the best coaches in the country. If not for those suspensions I think we have another outstanding D this year. Playing that many young guys is going to kill any defense. I'm pretty optimistic on Laquinston Sharp and Charles Cross. Those are 2 really good football players that should step in nicely next year. I have zero expectations for anything else working on O though. I am in the minority but I don't like our young qb nearly as much as others do. Hope I'm wrong.

[dawgday166]

Shoop is one of the best coaches in the country. If not for those suspensions I think we have another outstanding D this year. Playing that many young guys is going to kill any defense. I'm pretty optimistic on Laquinston Sharp and Charles Cross. Those are 2 really good football players that should step in nicely next year. I have zero expectations for anything else working on O though. I am in the minority but I don't like our young qb nearly as much as others do. Hope I'm wrong.

I'm not looking for Shrader to be the savior yet either. He has some very good potential, but will have to work at it to develop himself. It'll probably be a pretty bumpy ride next year for him I'm thinking.

[Jack Lambert]

Shoop is one of the best coaches in the country. If not for those suspensions I think we have another outstanding D this year. Playing that many young guys is going to kill any defense. I'm pretty optimistic on Laquinston Sharp and Charles Cross. Those are 2 really good football players that should step in nicely next year. I have zero expectations for anything else working on O though. I am in the minority but I don't like our young qb nearly as much as others do. Hope I'm wrong.

He proved to me this past Egg Bowl that he was good.

[Jarius]

Think Russell will be an every down guy or pass rush specialist next season? I have no idea on his current weight

I know we needed him to put on 20 pounds or so to get to the weight we wanted him to play at. IYOK may be better equipped to let you know where he is in that process. I know he is Montez Sweat Jr. if he plays up to his potential.

[Scared_Hitless]

Think Russell will be an every down guy or pass rush specialist next season? I have no idea on his current weight

I think he will be a primary pass rusher next season. Hopefully the car accident does not delay his spring. I like you wanna see his weight before thinking he can play full-time.