By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

SouthMiss6 Sports is rolling out its annual roster of the top returning 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.

Next up on the list is a solid secondary standout in the Class 7A ranks:

Dean Hunter

West Harrison | 6-2, 175 | Senior

Hunter, a defensive back, hopes to be an integral part of what could be an historic season for the Hurricanes as they still continue to chase that elusive first ever state playoff berth in football in school history.

Last season, as a junior, Hunter had 54 total tackles, five interceptions, and four pass breakups as well as a forced fumble as West Harrison came just short of qualifying for the postseason.

He just committed to Navy after also getting offers from Army and Alcorn State, as well as several jucos.

Hunter’s five pick offs last season was tied for the most in the “Southern Six”. He helped guide his Hurricanes to a program record six wins, as WHHS finished 6-4 last year.

The Hurricane Hunter and his teammates kick off the 2026 season on Fri., Aug. 28th at home hosting Poplarville. Last season, in the first ever meeting between the two teams, West Harrison dumped the then defending Class 4A state champion Hornets 34-18 on the road.

That win ignited a fast 5-0 start to the season for the Hurricanes, which marked the longest ever win streak in program history.

SouthMiss6 Sports Sweet 16 in the Southern 6″ 2026 list:

1. Ty Keys/Running Back/ Poplarville | 6-1, 190 | Senior
2. Sam LeJeune/Lineman/Poplarville/6-3, 280/Senior
3. Jordan Walley/Quarterback,Cornerback/D’Iberville/5-9, 160/Senior
4. Xavier Dennis/Running Back/Picayune/5-9, 155/Senior
5. Paris Trivillion/Quarterback/Pass Christian/6-1, 180/Senior
6. Titus Feaster/Quarterback/Pearl River Central/6-2, 195/Junior
7. Malik Ward/Defensive End/Gautier/6-5, 225/Senior
8. Chalmers Berglind/Quarterback/Ocean Springs/6-1, 175/Junior
9. Lawrence Robertson/Defensive lineman/Gulfport/6-0, 275/Senior
10. Ayden Green/ Running Back/Stone/5-8, 155/Junior
11. Keon McNeil/Quarterback/Gautier/6-0, 155/Sophomore
12. Deandre Williams/Linebacker/Gulfport/5-11, 190/Senior
13. Sean Norvel/Running back/Pascagoula/6-0, 190/Senior
14. Julian Morris/Offensive lineman/D’Iberville/6-3, 260/Senior
15. Kevin Marshall/Two-way athlete/Pascagoula/ 6-1, 180/Senior
16. Dean Hunter/Defensive back/West Harrison/6-2, 180/Senior