Theodore head football coach Eric Collier believes senior defensive back Will James can play on Sundays in the future.

Before he reaches the pro level, however, James will be playing on Saturdays in the SEC at Mississippi State.

The one-time Southern Miss commit signed with the Bulldogs on Wednesday, the opening day of the second national signing period. He received a late offer from the Mississippi State staff this past weekend.

“He’s one of the top two or three kids I’ve ever coached,” Collier said. “If he gets in the right program with the right people, he can definitely play on Sundays. Probably the best thing that has happened to him in the last year is that he has grown a lot as far as competing on every play. He battles every play.

“Will has phenomenal closing speed and good ball skills. He can play press man against anyone, but also is sharp enough football-wise that he can play zone and understand what a team is trying to do.”

James (6-1, 185) chose Mississippi State over UAB, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Indiana and others. He missed much of Theodore’s season after injuring his collarbone in the opening game. He finished with 20 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 blocked punts.

“Obviously, the injury really affected his recruitment,” Collier said. “I think some people kind of put him by the wayside, but he really played well when he came back. I think our local coaches around here really helped him as well.

“I know a number of guys repeated the same thing I told recruiters, and that is that Will is one of the best around. He’s a phenomenal kid and athlete. It’s one thing for these college guys to hear it from his head coach, but when coaches on other teams are saying the same things that is big.”

James returned for Theodore’s Week 10 game against eventual 6A champ Saraland and helped spark the Bobcats to a 27-26 win. He played a key role in the playoffs as well, running for 151 yards on just 5 carries in a quarterfinal win over St. Paul’s in place of injured tailback Brayden Jenkins.

Theodore lost the next week in a rematch against Saraland, finishing 13-1. Collier said James likely will play the nickel spot for Mississippi State.

“He can play at any level,” Collier said. “He runs a low 4.5, has good ball skills, his football IQ is good. I think he will go in and make an immediate impact.”

James, who also competed in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, is one of multiple players from Theodore’s Region 1 championship team headed to college. Wide receiver Kam Johnson signed with Vanderbilt during the early period. Jenkins, an All-State running back, is headed to West Alabama. DL Travis Bendolph will play at Pearl River. Cheerleader Kaylyn Weaver was honored for continuing her career at Spring Hill.

This post will be updated