Two Olive Branch players on watch list for the state of Mississippi

This is from Rod Walker, who writes for the Courier-Ledger in Jackson. Follow him on Twitter at @rwalker1906

After talking to college recruiters and high school coaches, here are 20 players in the Class of 2014 in Mississippi you may want to keep an eye on for next season.  (Listed in alphabetical order. )

Curtis Akins, Byhalia, LB 6-2, 215
Akins recorded a whopping 245 tackles on his way to earning second-team All-State honors.

Genard Avery, Grenada, LB 6-2, 235
Blessed with power and size, Avery could play inside linebacker or  as an interior lineman in college. Recorded a team-best 111 tackles, including 5 TFLs and 6 sacks.

D.K. Buford, Lafayette, RB 6-0, 195
Versatile speedster accounted for 1,450 all-purpose yards and 16 TDs; Likely willl play slot receiver in college.

Alfred Dickens, Olive Branch, LB 6-1,195
Ball-hawking Dickens could move to safety in college; Recorded 132 tackles, including 9 TFLs as a junior.

Ken Edwards, Neshoba Central, DE 6-6, 255
Rockets’ DE recorded 86 tackles and 4 sacks as a junior.

Jamoral Graham, Newton County, WR/DB 5-11, 170
Speedy Graham can play on either side of the ball, but his confidence on defense may steer him to that side.

Gerri Green, Greenville, LB 6-4, 215
Recorded 89 tackles, including 7.5 TFLs. Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Auburn offers.

C.J. Hampton, Meridian, S 6-1, 195
Physical safety who is strong and loves to deliver the big hit. Committed to Ole Miss.

Grant Harris, Clinton, DE 6-5, 270
Rangy Harris has plenty of upside and already has offers from Ole Miss, MSU and West Virginia

Jesse Jackson, Petal, WR/DB 6-1, 190
Big-play receiver averaged 21.6 yards per catch (Caught 39 passes for 842 yards) and scored 11 TDs

Terrence Malone, South Panola, OL 6-4, 310
Malone has size and strength combo that has him next in line to be next big thing coming out of Batesville.

Chris Matthews, Olive Branch, LB 6-5, 225
Rangy Matthews will likely draw comparisons to former Olive Branch and current NFLer K.J. Wright.  Offered by Auburn.

Markell Pack, Purvis, WR 6-2, 180
Smooth, athletic receiver could be state’s most talented receiver next season. Caught 44 passes for 770 yards and 7 TDs as a junior.

Breeland Speaks, Callaway, LB 6-3, 255
Projected by some as a linebacker and others as a defensive tackle, recorded team-high 136 tackles as a junior. Offered by Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Rod Taylor, Callaway, OL 6-4, 315
Extremely athletic for his size, Taylor is arguably state’s top prospect in the Class of 2014. Already has offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama and Southern Cal.

Devin Voorhies, Wilkinson Co., ATH 6-2, 185
Playmaking Voorhies top skil position player in class. Rushed for 700 yards and threw for 1,530 yards. Committed to LSU.

Shareef White, Grenada, LB 6-1, 220
White, with plenty of speed, could play safety in college. Recorded 110 tackles and 4 sacks. Already offered by Ole Miss.

Aeris Williams, West Point, RB 6-1, 195
Strong, bruising runner rushed for 1,519 yards as a junior, leading Green Wave to the 5A semifinals.

Ronald Walker, Callaway, WR/DB 6-2, 195
Physical 2-way player recorded 80 tackles, 4 sacks and an interception. Committed to Ole Miss.

Tito Windham, Harrison Central, DB 6-0, 190
Super athletic Windham plays QB and DB for the Red Rebels, but likely will line up on defense in college. Plenty of speed. Started at safety at Hattiesburg as sophomore.