Loaded Rockets Offense Set to Take Off
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Finishing 9-2 last year, the Neshoba Central Rockets were elevated by their high powered offense. Over the past three seasons, that offense was hinged on the play of running back Jarquez Hunter, who signed with Auburn in the 2021 cycle. Hunter finished his high school career with over 6,200 total yards of offense and 83 total TDs. However, Hunter was not the only rocket making plays. A loaded junior class helped keep the box light and defensive coordinators on their toes. With the addition of Philadelphia transfers Ja’Naylon Dupree Ja’Naylon Dupree 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS and Dedrick McWilliams Dedrick McWilliams 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS , one of the state’s most loaded offenses only got better this offseason. Let’s check out some of the key members below.
Eli Anderson Eli Anderson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS / QB
Serving as the field general for the Rockets, Anderson threw for modest statistics last season. It wasn’t hard to see that the game plan completely revolved around feeding the ball to Jarquez Hunter, but who wouldn’t?! Eli Anderson Eli Anderson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS ’s skillset kept defenses honest though. The 6’2″ 190 passer was very productive off of play action and sold fake well, allowing him to complete big time throws in the deep passing game. Anderson played composed in the pocket and did not seem to get flustered when pressure was in his face. His athleticism was an added bonus to his game. Capable of pulling a zone read for big chunks of yards, Anderson presented a challenge to stop for every team. This season, look for the reins to be handed over to Eli Anderson Eli Anderson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS and for him to throw a whole lot of touchdowns soon.
Ja’Naylon Dupree Ja’Naylon Dupree 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS / WR
Although he played last season for the Philadelphia Tornadoes, Ja’Naylon Dupree Ja’Naylon Dupree 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS made the decision to transfer to Neshoba Central for his senior season. The grandson of former Philadelphia HS legend and Oklahoma Sooner Marcus Dupree, Ja’Naylon’s athleticism is off the charts. Dupree could be the fastest player in Mississippi this year. There were few players in the state that could keep up with him as he used his speed to create huge plays for the Tornadoes. Although Dupree isn’t the biggest, he uses his quickness to separate off the line of scrimmage and make people miss in space. Reminding us closely of former Philadelphia Tornado and current Mississippi State Bulldog Tulu Griffin, look for Ja’Naylon Dupree Ja’Naylon Dupree 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS to pick up some offers soon. It’s going to be a blast watching him on deep balls this season.
Dedrick McWilliams Dedrick McWilliams 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS / WR
Similar to Dupree, Dedrick McWilliams Dedrick McWilliams 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS made the choice to transfer into Neshoba Central for his last year of high school football. McWilliams has an incredibly similar build to Dupree, but a very different skill set. While he has speed, McWilliams game is entirely based around finding open ground and letting the quarterback find him. The slot receiver is an incredibly cerebral and intelligent player capable of reading defenders alignment and positioning on every play. With his smooth and natural hands, McWilliams is a quarterback’s dream to find downfield. Look for Dedrick McWilliams Dedrick McWilliams 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS to serve very well as Eli Anderson Eli Anderson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS ’s reliable target this season.
Bryceton Spencer Bryceton Spencer 6'3" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS / WR
A stud basketball player and football player, Bryceton Spencer Bryceton Spencer 6'3" | 160 lbs | WR Neshoba Central | 2022 State MS was used as the long and wirey outside receiver in Neshoba Central’s offense. While only having some limited production last season, the 6’3 senior should have a big upcoming year. Last year, Spencer was primarily used as a blocker and receiver over the middle. He was very tenacious in the run game and cleared defensive backs out of the way for his running backs to have huge gains. As a receiver, Spencer was good in the quick game and on shots over the middle. He was not scared of contact or playing against linebackers on the run. After watching his basketball tape too, we believe that Spencer will be a late bloomer and have a big time senior season.