One of the most talented programs in Mississippi over the past few seasons has been Macon (Miss.) Noxubee County. Patrick Patterson already contributing as a freshman wide receiver at Ole Miss. Vincent Sanders looks poised to make a similar leap to the next level in the class of 2010. In the 2011 class at Noxubee County though, one of its top prospects is on the defensive side of the ball.

The Tigers have pitched shutouts in six of their first eight games and part of the reason for that defensive success has been the play of junior linebacker Corey Williams.

"We've been doing pretty good," Williams said. "We're in pretty good shape. We've been coming out and playing hard and we're playing strong now. We're 7-1. Last year we weren't making as many mistakes as we are this year. We were having some difficulties on both sides of the ball but we're getting those things taken care of week by week."

Noxubee County has a lot to live up to after last season when it finished 14-0 and won the 4A state championship. For a couple of weeks, it had to make those strides without Williams in the lineup due to an injury. Now that he's working his way back to healthy, the Tigers are geared up for another deep playoff run.

"I sprained my MCL back on Sept. 18," he said. "I'm back playing now but I'm still having problems with it. It bothers me when I play but I'm doing everything to the best of my ability. I'm working in practice every day and I'm getting better as the weeks come on."

Williams is likely to be a target of several colleges by the time his senior season comes along but at this point he does not hold any official offers. That is not to say that there aren't schools that have shown him interest.

"Mostly I've been getting basic letters from Southern Miss and LSU so far but not too much else," he said. "I guess I haven't started sending my film out but my linebackers coach, he's trying to help me with that.

"Right now I'm kind of interested in Southern Miss because they're really sending me letters and are interested in me. Right now I'd say southern miss but this next year I'll have to see what goes on."

Noxubee County has also been without star receiver Vincent Sanders for a few games this season, but the four-star is now back and healthy. With Sanders and Williams both ready for the playoffs, a deep run could once again be in the works.