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 is the TOP returning players in the “Southern Six” from last season.

A pair of versatile linemen who are expected to be forces to be reckoned with up front this season landed in Pearl River County and each has picked up “honorable mention” status on the list.

Picayune’s Mitchell Smith began his career with the Maroon Tide program but played last season in Florida which made him ineligible for the “Sweet 16 in the Southern 6” list.

The senior Mitchell recently committed to Vanderbilt, over offers from several other Southeastern Conference schools and Florida State.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound behemoth is ranked as the No. 68 offensive tackle in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite ranking. The service also says “but his unique blend of size and athleticism make him a seemingly underrated talent. His massive frame is obviously helpful in moving around defenders, especially at the high school level, but Smith’s footwork and ability to stay in front of defenders is what sets him apart as a prospect.”

Poplarville’s Sam LeJeune is back in action in the “Southern Six” again after a tumultuous season last year that started off at St. Stanislaus. However, he was dismissed from the school and the team mid-season, making him ineligible for the “Sweet 16 in the Southern 6” list this season.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound junior LeJeune is rated a four star recruit by some services. He tallied 17 hurries, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a freshman for the Rock-a-Chaws while also playing on the offensive line most of the season as well.

LeJeune is ranked as the 130th best recruit in the class of 2027 and is ranked as a top 10 defensive tackle in the class as well. In addition, LeJeune is listed as a top 10 recruit in the state of Mississippi and is listed as the number two DT in the state of Mississippi in that class.

He heads into this season with offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State and Arkansas among others.