Autry poised for breakout year

Over the past few years East Mississippi (Scooba, Miss.) CC has produced some of the best junior college prospects anywhere. Defensive end Denico Autry, looks to add his name to the list. The talented 6-foot-6, 245-pounder is piling up early offers and is poised to be the top prospect in the Mississippi JUCO ranks for 2012.

EMCC head coach Buddy Stephens took time away from the recruiting trail to talk to MagnoliaPreps.com about the talented defender.

"He's the best defensive lineman I've ever coached and I've had some good ones," Stephens said. "I feel like he was the best defensive lineman in the state this year, and he'll be even better next year."

Autry a native of Albemarle, NC where he played at tiny Albemarle High.

"We lucked up on him," Stephens said. "We heard a little about him from a contact in North Carolina and he was playing at a 1A school. But, we went and looked at him and he's been a big find for us."

Major colleges are starting to take notice.

"Arkansas watched four plays on video and made him an offer," Stephens said. "Mississippi State offered him without even watching film. Florida State has offered and yesterday Houston Nutt from Ole Miss offered him."

With four majors offers in hand and more to come expect Autry's stock to soar heading into the mid-semester break and as winter work-outs begin.

"We've had a number of rivals four stars come through the program," Stephens said. "If those guys were four stars, then Nico is a five-star."

Another factor that will make Autry even more attractive is that he is scheduled to graduate in Dec. 2011, and will be a mid-year transfer.

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