Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is one of the top junior college programs in the nation. Since 2005, the Bulldogs have gone 108-50 winning seven MACJC South Division Titles, three MACJC State Championships, and one NJCAA National Championship.
On National Signing Day, MGCCC signed 28 players that new head coach Jack Wright hopes can help lead the Bulldogs to junior college football glory.
MGCCC’s Top Signees
Shaun Anderson – RB
The Bulldogs landed a stud back.
Anderson, a Picayune, Mississippi native, rushed for 2,349 yards on 252 carries with 29 touchdowns last season at Picayune High School. He also caught seven passes for 169 yards and three scores and added 181 yards on 12 returns.
For his excellent play, he was selected to the MAC Class 5A First Team Offense and the Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Team.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound running back will look to help MGCCC on the ground this fall.
Austin Bolton – RB
The Bulldogs bring another back into the fold.
Bolton, a Poplarville, Mississippi native, rushed for 2,300 yards on 213 carries with 30 touchdowns last year at Poplarville High School. He also caught three passes for 113 yards.
For his superb play, he selected to the MAC Class 4A First Team Offense and Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Team and named a Bernard Blackwell South All-Star.
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound running back expects to make an early impact for MGCCC next season.
Tijuane Bolton – DL
The Bulldogs add to its defensive line.
Bolton, a New Augusta, Mississippi native, was named Region 8-2A Defensive MVP and a Bernard Blackwell South All-Star and selected to the MAC Class 2A Second Team Defense and Hattiesburg American All-Area Team for his fine play last season at Perry Central High School.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound pass rusher will look to terrorize opposing offenses this fall.
Jackson Byrd – OL/DL
The Bulldogs continue to fortify the trenches.
Byrd, a Pascagoula, Mississippi native, played on both sides of the ball last year at Resurrection Catholic High School.
On offense, he recorded 47 pancake blocks. On defense, he finished with 107 tackles, 38 of those for loss, three fumble recoveries, and 10 sacks.
For his outstanding play, Byrd was named Class 1A Defensive Player of the Year and selected to its First Team Defense as well as the Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Team. He was also chosen as a Bernard Blackwell South All-Star.
The versatility of the 6-foot-1, 285-pound lineman will be asset for MGCCC next season.
T.J. Ficklin – Safety
The Bulldogs’ secondary got better.
Ficklin, a Brandon, Mississippi native, compiled 128 tackles, with 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, five interceptions, and 10 pass deflections last season at Brandon High School.
For his standout play, he was named a Mississippi All-Star and selected to the MAC Class 6A and Clarion Ledger First Team Defense.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety is a solid addition for MGCCC as they look to replace Alabama signee Saivion Smith.
Cole Freeman – Center
The Bulldogs’ offensive line is solidified.
Freeman, a Collinsville, Mississippi native, was a strength last year for West Lauderdale High School.
For his tremendous play, he was selected to the MAC Class 4A First Team Offense.
The 6-foot-2, 292-pound lineman is a welcome piece up front for MGCCC.
Maljon Joor – OT
The Lions add another lineman to the mix.
Joor, a Jackson, Mississippi native, recorded 19 pancake blocks last season at Callaway High School.
For his terrific play, he was named a Mississippi All-Star and selected to the ALL-USA Mississippi and Clarion Ledger Second Team.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound offensive tackle brings much needed size and skill to MGCCC’s offensive line.
Perry Keyes – WR
Whoever the signal-caller is for MGCCC this fall, they have a new weapon to work with.
Keyes, a Taylorsville, Mississippi native, caught 71 passes for 1,260 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at Taylorsville High School.
For his fantastic play, he was selected to the MAC Class 2A and Clarion Ledger First Team Offense and named a Bernard Blackwell South All-Star.
The 6-foot-3, 172-pound pass-catcher will be a playmaker MGCCC will look to take advantage of next season.
Chance Lovertich – QB/Punter
A multi-talented prospect is headed to MGCCC.
Lovertich, a Jackson, Mississippi native, threw for 2,274 yards with 32 touchdowns and only three interceptions last season at Jackson Prep. He also punted 15 times for 636 yards with a 42.4 yard average.
For his impressive play, Lovertich was selected to the Clarion Ledger Second Team as a quarterback.
The 5-foot-11, 182-pound athlete will look to help the Bulldogs on offense and special teams this fall.
Mystikal McGhee – WR
The Bulldogs are surrounding their quarterback with quality talent.
McGhee, a Pensacola, Florida native, caught 51 passes for 862 yards and seven touchdowns last year at Booker T. Washington High School.
For his marvelous play, he was named a Subway High School All-Star and selected to the WEAR All-Northwest Florida Team and Pensacola News Journal All-Area Team.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound wideout will be called upon to produce big plays for MGCCC’s offense next season.
Brandon Tartavoulle – OL
The Bulldogs filled their offensive line needs.
Tartavoulle, a Bay St. Louis, Mississippi native, was stout up front last year for St. Stanislaus High School.
For his exceptional play, he was named a Mississippi All-Star and selected to the Clarion Ledger Second Team and Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Team.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman gives MGCCC another talented player along the offensive line.
Cameron Young – DL
MGCCC will be a force in the trenches.
Young, a Meadville, Mississippi native, amassed 61 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and 11 sacks last season at Franklin County High School.
For his great play, he was selected to the MAC Class 3A Second Team Defense and Natchez Deomocrat All-Metro Third Team Defense and named a Bernard Blackwell South All-Star.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive lineman has the potential to be a top pass rusher for the Bulldogs’ defense this fall.
2018 MGCCC Recruiting Class
MGCCC has a long history of producing college football and NFL players. From the likes of Tremaine Brock and Justin Evans to Martinas Rankin and Isaiah Buggs, the Bulldogs have shown they know how to develop talent.
As MGCCC looks to capture their second national title next season, several players from the 2018 class will probably be contributors on offense, defense, and special teams.
Junior college football isn’t for the faint of heart. With players looking to get in and get out, MGCCC is a school where they can maximize their potential.
