[8/27/03]Vicksburg High linebacker Rory Johnson won’t be the only legitimate college blue chip at Viking Stadium on Friday night at 6 p.m. for the Red Carpet Bowl.

Johnson’s opponent, the Southaven Chargers, sport one of the top defensive backs in the country in Greg Hinds.

“(Greg) Hinds is the best cornerback, maybe the best player in Mississippi,” said Tom Lemming, a prep recruiter for ESPN.com and Prep Football Magazine. “People have been saying that this is a down year in Mississippi, but I don’t think so. Rory Johnson and Hinds are the best two out there, though.”

The defensive backfield is not the only place fans will see Hinds. The 6-foot-2, 218-pounder is also used at running back and on special teams.

“He plays offense, defense and special teams. I think he’s going to also sell popcorn to the Southaven fans at halftime,” Vicksburg coach Alonzo Stevens said with a chuckle.

Hinds won’t be the only star on defense, although he may be the most recognizable. Defensive ends Stephen and Michael Denning are both 6-foot-5. The twins provide a formidable pass rush for any offensive line.

“He is a great player, but they have some others that can play,” Stevens said. “But each team has their star. Atlanta has Mike Vick, Green Bay has Brett Favre and Southaven has theirs.”

The key, though, will be Hinds. He has yet to commit to a college, but has almost every school beating down his door.

“Greg reminds me a lot of Rory Johnson, physically,” Southaven coach Calvin Aldridge said. “Greg’s a little bit bigger, but they are both very good athletes.”

Hinds and the Chargers, ranked third in the state, aim to fluster first-year Vicksburg quarterback James Jackson.

“James has a lot of experience, just not game experience,” Stevens said. “He’s been in this program for three years behind Justin, and I think he’s ready.”

Southaven played at Warren Central last season in the playoffs, a victory that sent the Chargers to the North State semifinals.

The team lost several players from that team, including 1,000-yard rushers Chris Barnett and Adam Nester. Stevens said that despite the losses, the Chargers will provide a challenge on both sides of the ball.

“Those kids up there play hard,” Stevens said. “They were one step away last season and they have a lot of pride.

“We’ll have our hands full.”