Oak Grove football continues to show off its talent as seven players signed early for the next level on Wednesday.
Six of those players will be heading to Division I schools.
MADDOX AND WOODLAND
Quarterback AJ Maddox is staying close to home after choosing Ole Miss. Maddox flipped his commitment this past week after having been committed to Texas A&M since February.
“The comradery, the bond and brotherhood they have as a team is unbreakable,” said Maddox on why he chose Ole Miss. “It’s always good for the opportunity to have your hometown people come to watch you play football.”
In Oak Grove’s state championship season, Maddox threw for 3,268 yards, 35 touchdowns, four interceptions and completed 65% of his passes. He also ran for 451 yards and nine touchdowns.
“It’s a blessing. I couldn’t be more proud of my teammates and coaching staff getting me to this point,” Maddox said. “I’m super grateful for it. I’m glad that the recruiting process is over with. It’s been long and stressful, but I’m happy for the opportunity.”
Woodland will also be going to an SEC school, as the defensive back chose LSU.
“We’ll be suiting up again, but it’ll be on opposite teams, so it’ll be great,” said Woodland on potentially facing Maddox in college.
“Growing up we had always been talking about this. Me and these guys are just blessed to be at the Division I level.”
Woodland split time between wide receiver and defensive back. At receiver, he hauled in 63 catches for 1,357 yards and 10 touchdowns, while on defense, Woodland made 59 tackles and came down with five interceptions.
“It’s a business decision,” said Woodland on why he chose LSU. “We liked the hospitality they gave us.
“They welcomed me and showed me a good time. They welcomed me and my family. I just have to continue working.”
SOUTHERN MISS SIGNEES
Luke Stewart, Caleb Moore and Jalen Owens will be staying in the Hattiesburg area as the trio opted to sign with Southern Miss.
“We are excited about all three of them,” Southern Miss coach Will Hall said. “We have signed really good players from Oak Grove since we have been here.”
Caleb Moore, a defensive lineman, recorded 101 tackles, 20 TFLs, 10 sacks and forced out four fumbles this season. Jalen Owns, who is also a defensive lineman, put up 60 tackles, nine TFLs, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception, and scored a touchdown this past year.
“We are excited about Caleb,” Hall said. “Caleb is an older kid that’s 19 already. He is a really mature young man on the defensive line. He’s an early enrollee that comes in seasoned.
“Jalen Owens is young at 17. He’s not done growing. He has a lot of size in his family and genes. We think he’s not a finished product, but the sky is the limit for him, and can grow to become.”
Stewart handled both punting and kicking duties for Oak Grove. As a kicker, he went 11-for-15 with his field goals, which included a long of 48 yards, and was 65-for-67 on PATs. As a punter, he averaged 38.7 yards per punt with a long of 70 yards.
“Luke was without question the best player in the state of Mississippi,” Stewart said. “Everybody knew that. All of his kickoffs went out of the endzone. All of his extra points went over the net. He also has great punting ability. We just think he is a dynamic talent as well.”
Also staying local is defensive back Chase Pinkston, who signed with Jones College. Pinkston recorded 75 tackles and came up with three interceptions for the Warriors this year.
