Mid-South Spotlight: Prospects on the rise


Mid-South Spotlight: Prospects on the rise

The offseason circuit is warming up all over the country with marquee events taking place every weekend. In the Mid-South region, many prospects have backed up their lofty rankings while others work to impress and improve their stock.

Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman highlights five prospects in the Southeast that have already boosted their stock this offseason.

THIS SERIES: Offseason risers in the Midwest | Southeast | Florida | West

Barnes from Dallas-area powerhouse Duncanville (Texas) High is in line for a massive rankings boost. The three-star prospect enjoyed a breakthrough junior season this fall, then followed it up with an eye-catching performance at UA Next in Dallas. Barnes is long and fluid – and was able to win with power, using quick hands and an array of different pass-rush moves to trick up opposing offensive tackles.

Barnes is pesky working off the edge and has a twitchy get-off. He’s a prospect at a premium position making a compelling case for a rankings rise.

Darby led Louisiana in receiving yardage as a junior at Shreveport (La.) Airline and his stock continues to rise into the offseason. The prolific downfield playmaker from The Boot gets off the line with authority and is very polished on the receiving end.

Darby, who committed to LSU at the end of his junior season, has fantastic hands and adjusts well to the football. He’s a crafty route-runner able to consistently gain separation or maneuver through coverage. After more live evals, Darby is proving to be one of the best in America.

Goodwin made a compelling case to be considered among the best at a premium position during our first in-person eval of the touted Arkansas lineman. Goodwin has a massive 6-foot-6, 315-pound frame and packs a powerful punch with enough strength to overpower opposing defensive linemen.

Goodwin has heavy feet, room to continue to grow and the position versatility to play either tackle spot or even work inside. At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, not many offensive linemen in the country are equipped with the size, length and physical tools like Goodwin, a strong contender for a rankings boost.

James has some of the best tape in the country and has taken the Sooner State by storm in recent months. After turning heads at UA Next Dallas, James put himself on the radar in a big way. The talented receiver from Norman (Okla.) North saw snaps outside and in the slot, and easily navigated downfield for big receptions.

He is seamless working in and out of his breaks and separating from opposing defensive backs. The touted receiver is a crafty route-runner with short-area quickness and is excellent firing back to the football and making plays in contested catch situations. His strong in-person eval followed some electric film.

It’s easy to like Miles’ trajectory. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds with a broad, filled-out frame, the three-star prospect is a skilled route-runner who is talented enough to working outside the numbers and also in the middle of the field.

Miles is capable of operating in tight windows with size and a catch radius big enough to be open even when he’s not. Miles is also physical enough to work in the middle of the field consistently. We like this receiver’s upside and should continue to see a bump in the 2026 rankings.

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