Friday Night Highlights: Willie Gay continues to flex All-American muscle

After Starkville suffered its first loss since last season’s opener, four-star Ole Miss commit and U.S. Army All-American Willie Gay still wasn’t able to get his team back on the winning track against Northwest Rankin despite a great performance. The No. 9 outside linebacker in the country had 10 tackles in the game.

The No. 3 player in the state of Mississippi did his best to keep the Yellowjackets in it, but the SHS offense struggled to put up points. Offense won’t be Gay’s concern once he arrives in Oxford, though. He will be counted on big-time due to the inconsistencies in the Rebels’ linebacker recruiting and lack of quality depth. The 6’2, 215-pounder already has 49 tackles, one interception, five tackles for a loss, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles through six games.

Ben Garrett tweeted that Gay was on campus for an unofficial visit during the Memphis game Saturday, making it his third trip in as many weeks. Also, 247Sports is reporting that Gay will receive his US Army All-American Bowl jersey on Thursday ahead of Starkville’s Friday night meeting with Greenville. The ceremony will take place at SHS. The US Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Alamodome.

Next game: Friday, October 7, 7 p.m. CT vs. Greenville (Miss.)

Ole Miss commit doing a little bit of everything

Three-star defensive back A.J. Harris will be holding down the back end for coach Jason Jones when he dons the red and blue in college. But for now he is also playing offense while he dons the red and blue in high school.

The 6’0, 190-pound safety has been extremely active for Bob Jones and has lead them to a 5-2 record. Through seven games, Harris has over 50 tackles , three interceptions and seven pass breakups. Offensively, the No. 34 safety in the country has accounted for over 500 all-purpose yards.

Next game: Friday, October 7, 7 p.m. CT vs. Gadsden City (Ala.)

3-star Jones continues to terrorize opponents

The Rebels will be looking to replace John Youngblood and potentially Marquis Haynes, and we still don’t know what Fadol Brown’s status is for next season. But three-star defensive end Bryan Jones is wanting to put his name into the hat. The big fella from Baton Rouge has been a monster for Madison Prep Academy all season and this week was no different.

The 6’5, 240-pounder helped Madison Prep Academy blow out East Feliciana by a score of 56-6. Since committing to the Rebs, his stock has skyrocketed and his offer sheet continues to grow (Georgia, Miami, Texas A&M, Southern Cal, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). The No. 15 strong-side defensive end now has 9.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss through five games.

Next game: Friday, October 7, 7 p.m. CT vs. Northeast (La.)

Clarke is on a mission on the field and off

Despite a rough start to the season, three-star Josh Clarke has continued to lead Riverdale’s defense. The 6’3, 225-pound outside linebacker garners a lot of attention from opponents’ offensive lines, but he still continues to put up big numbers. Through five games he now has over 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles.

Clarke is also out here correcting Yancy Porter on his preferred linebacker position.

Along with wrecking folks’ backfields, the No. 33 outside linebacker in the country has been extremely active on the recruiting trail. Some of his top targets are close to home. Clarke maintains constant communication with four-star athlete Patrick Queen and four-star defensive back Todd Harris. With LSU’s coaching situation up in the air now after Les Miles was canned, Clarke might be turning up the heat on the crootin.

Next game: Saturday, October 8, 7 p.m. CT at Easton (La.)