Five VHS Football Players Signed Collegiate Scholarship on National Signing Day

Vicksburg, Miss.-Five Vicksburg High School football players signed collegiate scholarships on National Signing Day. Mincer Minor IV, DeCorey Knight Jr., Mickell Jones, Willie Edmond III, and Dennis Battle all secured their future on Wednesday. All five athletes played under Head Coach Christopher Lacey.

Defensive Players: Minor and Battle:

Minor:

Mincer Minor IV was the eye in secondary that VHS needed over the last couple of years. He capped off his senior year with 20 tackles, 9 solos, 11 ast, 3 Pass Deflections, 2 int, 1 TD, and 1 Fumble Recovery.

Although his numbers were favorable, his true athletic ability can be seen on the field as he had a good reputation for shutting down wide receivers on Friday night.

Minor decided to sign with Mississippiy Delta Community College.

“It was the best fit for me and I was able to grow a bond with those coaches down there and they were first to give me an opportunity,” Minor said. “I have to give a shoutout to God, my family, coaches, and supporters.”

Minor chose Mississippi Delta CC over John Melvin University and a host of other offers. 

Battle

Dennis Battle Jr. has signed with Southwest Mississippi Community College. 

“When I went for the visit it felt like home and some of their coaches are from Vicksburg and I know they can get me to the next level,” Battle said.“I want to thank my coaches, friends, and family but most of all I want to thank my mom because even though she has passed away, it was her motivation that kept me going.”

Battle is a 3-year starter who dominated at the linebacker position and finished his high school career with over 200 tackles. He was the team’s lead tackler as a sophomore where he racked up 96 tackles and has since made the All-District team twice.

Battle signed to Southwest CC over Mississippi Valley State.

Offensive Players: Knight, Jones, and Edmond:

Knight:

Knight quickly became the star of the show at VHS. He finished his time on the Gator football field as the school’s All-Time lead rusher as he wrapped up his career with a total of 3,028 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.

Throughout his high school career, he helped VHS to a district title, two playoff appearances, and a North State Championship Appearance. He was also selected as the District’s Athlete of the Year.

Knight chose Holmes CC as his next destination.

“It’s a family culture out there and the staff reminds me of my high school coaches,” Knight said. “I want to thank God, my parents, my family, and my teammates.”

Knight chose Holmes over schools like Millsaps, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, and Itawamba CC.

Edmond:

Edmond is known as a true athlete inside the trenches for VHS. In his senior year, he blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard passer as he received All-District and All-State honors.

Edmond chose to sign with Southwest Mississippi CC.

“I signed there because they have an amazing coaching staff and I believe they can develop me into the player I want to be,” Edmond said. “I want to thank God for this opportunity, my parents, coaches, and the community.”

Edmond signed with Southwest over schools like Millsaps and Co-Lin.

Jones:

Jones also starred on the offensive line for VHS as he chose to sign with a four-year school. He also paved the way for a 1,000-rusher and 1,000-yard passer.

Jones signed with Clark Atlanta University.

“God led me to this decision and I feel I did what was best for me,” Jones said. “

Jones recalls that one of his best games was against Ridgeland which paved the way for multiple yards. He chose Clark Atlanta over Millsaps and Louisiana Christian.