Marquez McNair highlights group of six Southern Miss football signees
The Southern Miss football team stocked up on junior college receivers on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday.
USM announced six junior college signees, including four receivers. Three of the receivers are from in-state community colleges - Hinds CC's Marquez McNair and two receivers from East Mississippi CC, Allenzae Staggers and Isaiah Jones. The other receiver to sign is Shannon Smith of Northeast Oklahoma CC.
Itawamba CC quarterback Kwadra Griggs and Pearl River CC defensive back Tarvarius Moore also signed with the Golden Eagles Wednesday.
The name most familiar to Golden Eagle fans is McNair, who was USM's first verbal commitment back in February.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound McNair had his sophomore season come to an end early due to a knee injury, but he's still considered possibly the most talented addition for the 2016 season.
"It was a big relief," McNair said of signing on Wednesday. "We were ranked so high in the preseason and we had so many expectations going into the season and then I had the season-ending injury."
McNair said he's already received word that he will be granted three years of eligibility at USM due to the year lost to injury.
McNair said Wednesday that's already begun to do some running and plans to take part in spring practice at USM.
USM pursued junior college receivers to add depth to the corps and replace the production of seniors Casey Martin and Mike Thomas. The two have combined for 132 receptions, 2,056 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
McNair said that USM coaches have told him he'll be expected to replace Martin at slot receiver.
"Coach Monken really got the offense going this season," McNair said. "I hate that (former offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey) left, but we have (receivers coach John Wozniak) stepping in. Nothing is going to change. They're still going to throw the ball around."
McNair also held offers from Illinois, TCU and East Carolina.
The 6-3, 200-pound Jones was a late commit for the Golden Eagles after catching 19 passes for 239 yards and two scores at EMCC this year. Jones started his career at Florida State, pulling in two passes for 31 yards as a freshman. After being ruled academically ineligible for the 2014 season, Jones transferred to EMCC.
Staggers, who stands 6-1, 185 pounds, led EMCC with 37 receptions for 477 yards and five scores this season.
Smith started his college career at Middle Tennessee. He played in all 12 games for the Blue Raiders in 2014, pulling in nine receptions for 73 yards.
Griggs, who is rated a three-star prospect by Scout and Rivals, will be in a battle for the backup spot behind senior Nick Mullens for the 2016 campaign.
Griggs, who also had offers from Troy, Akron and Georgia State, will be a more athletic option at quarterback at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. He completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,138 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. He also rushed 44 times for 163 yards and three scores.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Moore is a former star quarterback at Quitman. Moore, who also claimed an offer from Louisville, will likely fit in at safety for USM.
South Panola defensive back Demetrius Market is expected to sign with USM within the next week.
This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Marquez McNair highlights group of six Southern Miss football signees ."