Some of the best high school football talent in the “Southern Six” made their college commitments official Wednesday on National Signing Day.
In Pearl River County, Picayune had a pair of stars sign Division I scholarships.
Jamonta Waller, a powerful edge rusher for the Maroon Tide, signed with Auburn University while running back Chris Davis is heading to Stanford University.
Both were instrumental in state championship runs for Picayune head coach Cody Stogner and the Maroon Tide over the last three seasons.
In his final season with the Maroon Tide, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Waller tallied 69 tackles – 22 of them for loss – with nine sacks, 21 quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles.
The No. 1 prep prospect and Mr. 6A Football in Mississippi, Waller originally committed to Florida but ultimately decided on the Tigers in November.
Davis, who battled through injuries his senior season, was the top-rated running back in Mississippi, according to Rivals, and still managed to rush for more than 900 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023.
“My favorite thing about Stanford is it’s not just a place where I can just ball and be great, it’s a place where I can learn, build, and grow with the people around me,” Davis told 247Sports. “They’ll push me in the classroom and they’ll push me on the field. I felt as if you couldn’t beat it. You get the best of both worlds.”
Maroon Tide head coach Cody Stogner, who guided Picayune to consecutive state championship titles with Waller and Davis, said both were integral to the success of the program.
“Chris and Jamonta were both huge for our program and I have no doubt they will continue to do the same at their respective schools,” Stogner said.
“I love to get to see these young men live out their dreams of playing at the next level.”
Ole Miss also added some Coast talent.
Lane Kiffin and the Rebels signed St. Martin four-star wide receiver Noreel White, former Harrison Central linebacker Raymond Collins, and Pascagoula four-star defensive lineman Jeffery Rush.
Pascagoula 6-foot-6, 275-pound offensive lineman Tristan Fortenberry will continue his playing career at Tulane.
Moss Point running back Taboris Charles inked with Southeastern Louisiana.
Gulfport quarterback Nico Williams also signed with the SLU Lions, while fellow Admiral Kai McClendon, a defensive lineman who had more than 60 tackles this season, inked with Mississippi State.
St. Stanislaus brothers Jacob and Joseph Bradford also inked Division I scholarships.
Jacob is heading to Louisiana Tech, while Joseph, who spent two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, signed with Nicholls State.
