Auburn signees highlight Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

MOBILE, Ala. — The 2024 edition of the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game week continues on Wednesday as blue-chip talent from both states took the field before arriving on college campuses nationwide.

Rivals will be live on-site with daily updates from practices throughout the week — with the annual contest set to kick off at noon CT on Saturday, December 14 from Hancock Whitney Stadium on South Alabama’s campus.

Top performers from Day 2 of All-Star practice were headlined by several Auburn signees like Anquon Fegans. and Jared Smith.

Here’s more from Rivals National Recruiting Analysts John Garcia, Jr. and Sam Spiegelman:

Anquon Fegans saw action at multiple positions in the secondary during Day 2 of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices. The Auburn signee out of Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson is at his best working in the slot and also over the top. Fegans is sticky in coverage with plus quickness and instincts patrolling the back end of the defense. Fegans showed extremely well in coverage in various reps throughout Wednesday’s action, earning at least one interception and breaking up other passes along the way.

Jared Smith has continued to be a force off the edge of the Alabama All-Star defensive line. Smith is a physical EDGE defender with outstanding length and a massive wingspan, which presents ample issues for opposing offenses. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Smith is a dangerous pass-catcher with the reach to impact plays even if he can’t reach the quarterback. Smith provides consistent pressure off the edge and has a knack for completely derailing offensive plans, which continued into Day 2 of practices.

Carde Smith continues to check off boxes as a pass-protector. The uber-athletic offensive tackle from Mobile (Ala.) Williamson inked with Colorado this month, where he’ll have a chance to compete for playing time early. Smith saw action at both tackle spots and shined working on the right side. Smith is fluid dropping back in pass sets and plays with excellent leverage. He’s bendy with great feet. He certainly has the tools and the frame to develop into a very solid tackle in pass pro and run blocker.

Zion Grady enjoyed his best day of practice on South Alabama’s campus during Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices. The top-100 DE who inked with Ohio State was twitchy working off the edge and consistently conjured up splash plays in one-on-ones as well as in the live portion of workouts. Grady plays a major chip on his shoulder and comes downhill in a hurry. The four-star DE has power rush moves that became more and more devastating and effective as workouts went on.

Malik Autry packs so much athleticism and power in a 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame. The four-star Auburn signee pops off the ball and is bouncy working inside of the defensive line. During Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices, Autry was a handful to contain. His explosive first step and ability to generate a pass rush from the middle of the defensive line set the stage for big splash plays behind the line of scrimmage, which has been his M.O. during this week of practices so far.

Tyler Miller is a brick wall manning the left tackle spot for the Mississippi All-Star Team. The massive OL is nimble and is immensely powerful. We love Miller’s frame and athletic profile. During Day 2 of practice, Miller shined in pass protection again and was unshakable in one-on-ones with one misstep during Wednesday’s action. Overall, the four-star OL from from Laurel (Miss.) High School plays with good leverage and has immense power to contain rushers off the edge. The LSU signee is one of the most intriguing prospects at a premium position in this 2025 cycle.

Mal Waldrep is working multiple offensive line spots this week but he has settled at left tackle for the primary unit for the all-star team. While it may not be where he projects best at the next level, there is a high-floor feel with his game. Waldrep is game for a scrap at the point of contact and he anchors well thereafter. When defenders try to beat him with speed, he has no issue redirecting with his balance and base. The 300-pounder continues to work as the safest bet among the offensive linemen, most of which are also committed within the Power 4 ranks.

Our first few in-person evaluations of Tyler Lockhart have been eye-catching. The dynamic hybrid defender from Mississippi fires off the ball at a high clip and plays downhill off the edge. He plays like a man on fire, which gives defensive coordinator added firepower on crucial downs. Lockhart has been excellent rushing from a two-point stance and closing quickly. He’s also been a force defending the run and doing his best damage playing in the box.

Deuce Knight has been the driving force of the Lucedale (Miss.) George County offense for years. The dynamic quarterback headed to the Plains has continued to shine with his quick delivery and outstanding decision-making. That was on display during Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practice. Knight ripped throws to multiple levels of the field and impressed with the timing on several passes. The future Tiger always possesses the threat of running the football or extending plays in his back pocket. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, his mobility is an X-factor that will haunt defensive coordinators in the SEC for years to come. Knight has elevated his game to such great heights over the past few years.

Eric Winters continues to showcase his versatility, even in this setting with so many elite athletes lined up all over the placer. In our viewing, he has worked anywhere from off-ball linebacker to sub defender (nickel) all the way to deep safety and he has found success in each spot. Winters looks to be around 205 pounds and despite being the largest secondary player, he moves about as well as any from a lateral and transition standpoint, allowing him to cover speedy backs and slot types alike. Winters is quite comfortable in space and his closing speed allows for wide-ranging responsibility in zone looks, too.