When Jackson State hired the incomparable Deion Sanders, Coach Prime promised to change the culture of recruiting in the SWAC. And after corraling a few signees and transfers prior to “Early Signing Day” and then adding some very nice pieces on that day, he’s keeping his promise.
#TRUTH @DeionSanders pic.twitter.com/NJKYmUfAud
— 21st and Prime (@21standprime) December 22, 2020
This class that he’s reeled in is the top and highest-rated in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), in fact, it also ranks 40th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the best ever class for an HBCU.
It includes players like his son Shedeur Sanders, a four-star pro-style quarterback who de-committed from Florida Atlantic and former FSU coach Willie Taggart once his dad got the job at Jackson State.
Prime landed one other 4-star recruit and four 3-star recruits as well. In addition, Sanders and his staff also made some noise in the transfer portal where they added his other son Shilo, a former 3-star safety recruit who transfers from South Carolina following the firing of Will Muschamp in Columbia.
Coach Prime also added some quality interior lineman depth by bringing in former 3-star offensive tackle Dylan Spencer from Mizzou.
Sanders prides himself on playmaking so it’s only right that he got himself a former 4-star wide receiver recruit from his alma Mater (FSU). In Isaiah Bolden, he’s getting a 6’2 burner expected to be an explosive deep threat in their passing attack.
That’s 10 recruits who signed early with more to come on “National Signing Day” which is in February. This class stands at (82.4) points beating out Northern Arizona’s (80.92).
READ MORE: Words From A HS Coach: College Football Early Signing Day Hits Different During Pandemic
NAU, along with three Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale and Princeton) all signed classes ranging from 14 to 18 players. So Coach Prime has plenty of time to improve on this already historical crop of recruits.
Sanders is priding himself on going into every area possible to get recruits. His mission is to convince potential D-1 players that they can now choose to come to Jackson, Mississippi instead of always going to an “Autonomy Five” program.
Jackson State student-athletes are getting quality coaching from experienced staff with plenty of NFL connections. The quality of education that comes along with attending a legendary HBCU is also a big deal.
As a member of the HBCU family, I find it very satisfying to see young black athletes choosing to play for schools that so many distinguished and accomplished Blacks — from Morgan Freeman to P. Diddy to Walter Payton “aka” Sweetness to Oprah Winfrey and Taraji P. Henson. — attended.
My hope is that Sanders and his staff are supported by the administration in all endeavors in order to bring in the best talent possible.
“Neon Deion” is laying the groundwork and definitely bringing more visibility to Jackson State, the SWAC and HBCU football. Now, let’s see if it translates to the gridiron.
#PoVMasonSports
