By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

There were no major or many surprises at all throughout the “Southern Six” on Wednesday as “National Signing Day” was celebrated by senior student/athletes.

Prep football standouts from all across the “Southern Six” began to put pen to paper early Wednesday morning inking scholarship deals to eventually play on the next level.

A pair of stalwarts in the “Southern Six” inked with Southeastern Conference schools as George County quarterback Deuce Knight signed with Auburn and St. Stanislaus placekicker Evan Noel with Florida.

Noel, the program’s only five-star player ever, was previously committed to the University of Arkansas for to seasons before changing his commitment in November. 

Noel commented to SouthMiss6 Sports sports writer Joe Gex, “This is a dream come true. After seeing Myles Brennan do it, it has been a dream of mine to sign. To be able to sign in front of family and friends who have been there for me through thick and thin makes it even more special. I would not be in this position without their support.”

When asked why Florida, Noel responded, “When I went to visit, the team, the school, the people, it all just felt right. I am excited about what the next steps will. I am looking forward to being on my own, being a student-athlete, and playing in that atmosphere.”

During the 2024 season, Noel was 21-of-23 PATs and 11-for-20 on field goals. He also handled punting for the Rocks and had 36 punts for 1,477 yards for a 41.03 average with a long punt of 56 yards and five punts downed inside the 10-yard line. He had a career long punt of 65 yards. He also has scored 223 points in his career. 

Knight, the 5-star quarterback prospect with the Rebels, had been committed to the Tigers since October after he “flipped” from Notre Dame. There were widespread rumors that he might flip to Ole Miss at the last moment, but that didn’t happen.

“It was tough,” Knight said, in an interview after his announcement with several reporters including Creg Stephenson of Al.com. “I didn’t finally make a decision until last night. I talked with my family, and I just felt most comfortable at Auburn. The relationships I built with that staff, it just ultimately led me to decide to go to Auburn.”

In nine games at George County in 2024, Knight passed for 2,082 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions while also rushing for 450 yards and nine scores. He missed four regular season games with a hamstring injury, but returned in time to lead the Rebels to the second round of the Mississippi Class 6A playoffs.
Both Knight and Noel will play in the prestigious Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Football Classic on Saturday, December 14, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile.  Noel will report to Florida’s campus in June 2025 following graduation. Knight is expected to do that same on The Plains.

Knight’s teammate defensive back Kohl Bradley signed with South Alabama, while Rebels Brenn Moody signed with East Misissippi CC despite having an offer from Middle Tennessee State and his teammate Montrell Dortch is headed to Scooba as well.
Elsewhere, Picayune standout tailback Darrell Smith signed with Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday, and Pascagoula linebacker Jaylon Parnell inked with Louisiana Tech.
St. Martin defensive lineman Romane Grant signed with the United States Naval Academy, and Moss Point, standout lineman Deshawn Feazell inked with Southeastern Louisiana.
Ocean Springs defender B.J. Ausmer has been committed to the Lions as well for quite a while but Greyhound head coach Jake Bramlett indicated on Tuesday that Ausmer is going to wait until the February signing period to make his decision known.
Another pair of Jackson County products appear headed to Hattiesburg as possibly part of the struggling Southern Miss football program as both Pascagoula quarterback Silas Corder and Gautier linebacker Fredrick Nicholson participated “Signing Day” ceremonies at their respective schools.
Both were included on an abbreviated official “Signing Day List” of just five players released by the school late Wednesday afternoon. And, the future fate of each player at USM will be determined by the new Golden Eagles football coach when a new leader is named to that post.
On Tuesday night, sources close to both sides indicated to SouthMiss6 Sports that neither will be signing actual “Athletic Scholarships” with the school and that both are set to be “Preferred Walk-On’s” although there may be some academic scholarship possibilities for either also.