Who are the area’s next recruiting stars? Here are seven to watch.

On Wednesday, local stars like Justyn Ross and Caleb Johnson grabbed the spotlight as part of National Signing Day. Now that they’re moving on, the recruiting focus will switch to members of the Class of 2019.

Here are seven local standouts to pay attention to in the next year:

Cal’von Harris, running back, Harris County High School - Harris did a little bit of everything for the Tigers in 2017, rushing for 1,606 yards and 16 touchdowns, catching a touchdown, running two kicks back for a touchdown and taking one punt back for a score. Harris attended Auburn’s Junior Day on Feb. 3, and another impressive year could put him on track for some major attention.

Emmanuel Mann, quarterback, Jordan Vocational High School - Mann made play after a play for the Red Jackets in his junior year, which saw him go over 1,000 yards rushing and passing and pile up 23 total touchdowns. Mann attended the Army National Combine in San Antonio in January, and he has received interest from Alabama, Georgia and Tulane. Mann’s only offer to date is Savannah State, but it’s safe to say he’s on track for many more in the next 12 months.

Peter Parrish, quarterback, Central High School - Parrish was behind center for the majority of the Red Devils’ big plays last season, and he ended the year with 1,454 passing yards and 17 touchdowns to go with 697 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Parrish’s strong arm and track-star speed has already caught the attention of Mississippi State, Cincinnati and Virginia, among other schools who have already offered. It wouldn’t be surprising for Parrish to flourish in 2018 and have his pick of schools.

A’montae Spivey, running back, Central High School - Spivey split carries with a few other Red Devils -- including older brother Jamaar -- but he still led the way with 944 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Spivey has already heard from Florida and holds offers from South Alabama and Youngstown State, which should be just the start for the rising senior.

Jarius Thomas, tight end, Carver High School - Thomas played in an inconsistent Tigers offense last fall but still put up 21 receptions, 524 yards and five touchdowns. His 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame makes him ideal for the next level, which led Southern Mississippi and Eastern Kentucky to already offer. Carver has a great history of players succeeding at the college level, and Thomas looks like he could extend that streak in 2019.

Ray Thornton, defensive back, Central High School - Thornton didn’t miss a beat transferring from Columbus to Central before last season, notching 47 tackles and making 2 interceptions for a dominant Red Devils defense. Thornton’s recruitment is already heating up with offers from Duke and Mississippi State, and he could prove to be the area’s premier defender.

Dacorrion West, offensive/defensive lineman, Carver High School - West plays defensive line for the Tigers, but he drew a lot of praise for his potential on offense during i-Dare U’s camp in Columbus last July. At 6-foot-3, 295 pounds, West’s size can put him in the mix for some prominent schools; whether he makes their radar or not will be up to his play.

This story was originally published February 8, 2018 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Who are the area’s next recruiting stars? Here are seven to watch.."