Alabama vs. Mississippi: All-Star awards
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Payne is a bull in a china shop. He comes off the ball knocking over anything and everything in his way to the quarterback or whoever may have the ball. He was consistently one of the top, if not the top, defensive linemen on the Alabama squad, and he was a force in the middle of the defense. If he did not make the play he re-routed its direction with his constant presence in the backfield.
Best Hands
Raphael Leonard | Starkville (Miss.)
Leonard's hands were showcased on game day as he made two great touchdown receptions. He made a couple of quick adjustments which required some strong hands. His first was a leaping touchdown grab where he reached back and grabbed the ball over an Alabama defender and then extended it over the pylon for the score. The second saw him get physical with a defensive back before making a diving catch across the ground in the middle of the endzone.
Best Routes
Keenan Barnes | Madison (Miss.) Madison Central
Barnes ran solid routes all week during practice. He was quick in his cuts and created separation between him and the defender. He had a solid performance in the game with three receptions for 36 yards, but his week was stronger than his game day performance.
Best Arm
Brady Davis | Starkville (Miss.)
Davis may not have the strongest arm but he did throw with accuracy all week. At one point during the game he was 12 for 12 with three touchdowns, and he was looking like the MVP of the Mississippi squad. He throws a nice, catchable ball and he showed how he was able to post big numbers at Starkville during the season.
Strongest Arm
J'Mar Smith | Meridian (Miss.)
When it comes to throwing the fastball, J'Mar Smith showed he can sling it. His arm strength was on full display. You can question certain aspects of his game, but he can put some mustard on the football. His accuracy was not always there, but he did fit the ball into some tight windows throughout the week.
Most Explosive
Kerryon Johnson | Madison (Ala.) Madison Academy
Johnson was close to grabbing the fastest player, but we opted to go with Mixon. However, Johnson is as explosive as they come. He runs with surprising strength and he hits the hole with a great burst. He reaches top speed in a hurry as everyone found out in Alabama practices and on game day.
Best Physically
Leo Lewis | Brookhaven (Miss.)
Leo Lewis definitely passes the eyeball test. He just has the look of a college linebacker. He has the size and framework you look for in an inside linebacker, and he has that Mike Singletary-like stare that is capable of stopping anyone in their tracks.
Best Blocker
Lester Cotton | Smiths (Ala.) Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Central
On a strong Alabama offensive line Lester Cotton lived up to the billing of the highest ranked lineman in the group. He did have some moments which were less than great, but overall he showed the strength and feet which make him one of the top offensive linemen in the country. He also likes to grind his opponent into the ground and that is always a great quality to have as a lineman.
Best Tackler
Amonte Caban | Smiths (Ala.) Smiths Station
There were some big hits on game day, which was really the only live action either team saw all week, and Amonte Caban's physical play stood out. He recorded six solo tackles and one assist with three tackles for loss. He patrols the middle of the defense and he is a sure tackler. He wraps up and he drives through the ball carrier. He makes sure his guy is going to the ground.
Biggest Surprise
Terence Davis | Southaven (Miss.)
Surprise may not be the best word. After all, we are talking about a Rivals150 basketball prospect. However, his week was nothing short of impressive from beginning to end. He was among the top players in the game on either squad. If things do not work out in basketball he appears to have a strong future in football.
Biggest Playmaker
Justin Johnson | Hoover (Ala.)
Time was ticking down and overtime appeared to be in the future for both teams. The Alabama squad had just received a penalty for intentional grounding after spiking the ball from the shotgun formation. A field goal would not be a given. Then Justin Johnson, who had delivered key blocks on two Kerryon Johnson touchdown runs, stepped up and went deep. He was covered but he he was not stopped as he fought for the touchdown reception and kept his body in bounds as the clock hit zero. With that, the game was over and Alabama left with the win.
Rob Cassidy
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Jason Howell
Mid-South Recruiting Analyst
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