By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

SouthMiss6 Sports is rolling out its annual roster of the top standout prep football players in our coverage area. The “Sweet 16 in the Southern Six” list was compiled by coaches and sports writers who have been following the action on the gridiron in South Mississippi for the past three decades.

Several factors are considered in selecting he prestigious list, but just a small part of that is the number of “stars” a player carries with his name. This list is compiled of what we feel are the TOP returning players in the “Southern Six” from last season.

One player will be revealed and added to the list each day beginning today and over the next 14 days.

Next up is a highly recruited defensive lineman in the Class 6A ranks:

(2) Nolan Wilson

Picayune | 6-4, 240 | Defensive line| Senior

Wilson is a four-star and the No. 3 recruit in Mississippi and No. 6 overall defensive lineman. As a junior, he had 68 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, with six sacks and seven forced fumbles.

He committed to Alabama recently, choosing the Crimson Tide over Miami, Ole Miss, Florida and Auburn. He also had offers from Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida State, Southern Cal, Texas A&M and Auburn among many others.

But before heading to The Capstone, Wilson is expected to be a key factor for the Maroon Tide this season as head coach Cody Stogner’s squad looks to reach its fifth straight South State championship game.

Last season, Picayune went 11-3 and fell at home in exciting fashion 39-35 to Hattiesburg in the Class 6A South State championship game.

One recruiting site describes him like this “one of the most highly sought after talents in the nation on that side of the ball. He is an athletic pass rusher and is fierce at the point of attack as a run stopper. While the Picayune native may need a bit of time to refine his game from a technique standpoint, the physical tools are undeniable.”

Wilson earned Second Team Class 6A All-State honors last season.

(1) Tylan Wilson

Pascagoula | 6-2, 185 | Defensive back| Senior

The four-star is rated as the No. 11 recruit in Mississippi and No. 21 overall safety. Wilson produced 73 tackles with two for loss had six interceptions and six pass deflections last season.

He has narrowed his next destination down to Arkansas, Texas A&M and Clemson, and will make a decision next week. He also had offers from He holds offers from Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Miami, among others.