Mississippi's Top Athlete Waiting for Signing Day

Derek Pegues is one of the top athletes on a U.S. Army All-American team that is loaded with top athletes had to postpone one official visit to get here, but he has made the most of his time already.

Derek Pegues had a great day in practice today at defensive back in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and he is getting his chance to showcase his college position even more after also being the starting quarterback for back to back State Champion South Panola High School in Mississippi.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m., Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen.

Pegues went 30-0 as the starting quarterback of South Panola and won two State Titles. He put in time at defensive back in high school, and he will make the transition full time in college. Pegues will get a taste of what it will be like in college in the Army All-American Bowl.

"I'm playing corner in this game," said Pegues. "That's what I'll be playing in college. Everyone is recruiting me at corner and wanted me to play a little bit of offense."

Pegues is looking forward to play against the best of the best.

"I found out I was going to be in this game during the summer. It felt pretty good to be recommended to play with the top players in the nation. I was looking forward to meeting the players and get to see where I stand with the top players in the nation and see if I can play with them at all."

After rushing for 1,649 yards and 31 touchdowns from his quarterback position, one might think that Pegues is a little hesitant to move to defense, but that's not the case.

"Yeah, I want to play corner. I don't need the ball in my hand to make a play."

Pegues proved that today with a leaping interceptions on an under thrown ball fighting a much bigger David Nelson.

Where will Pegues take his talents to the next level? Three schools are still in the hunt. Pegues was supposed to visit Mississippi State this weekend, but he had to reschedule it to make the Bowl practices.

"I'm going on the 21st to Mississippi State. I went to Tennessee already. I'm going to Ole Miss on the 28th. It's those three, and they're all even right now."

The quiet and reserved Pegues laughed a bit when asked when he might make his final decision.

"February 2nd. I'm going to make everyone sweat it out."

The quiet laugh was about as brash as the reserved Pegues would get off the field, and he is going to make someone a fine player on the next level.