Jalen Anderson is an incredibly fluid athlete within the 2025 class. He’s outstanding on either side of the ball, dominating after the catch on offense and eliminating half the field on defense. Anderson plays at wide receiver and defensive back; he works out of the slot on offense and primarily lines up at safety, typically in deep alignment, when on defense.
His offensive snaps are great, but he projects best as a roaming defender at the next level. He can play from within the slot, at outside corner, within the box and his normal position- at free safety. Anderson is comparable to Tyrann Mathieu, with him being an undersized DB (5’9, 170 pounds) with great versatility. He’s also a phenomenal special teamer, with multiple blown up punts in his career. He should be able to provide a day one impact to whatever college should look to pick him up.
Starting with his offensive looks: Anderson has great fluidity on offense, which allows him to break tackles and gain plenty of yards after the catch. Despite his size, his ball-tracking ability makes him fantastic at the catch point- which translates to both his defensive and offensive looks. Anderson is also smart with the ball, keeping it high and tight, preventing fumbles. He possesses outlandish speed, running an official 4.46 40-yard dash.
Anderson quickly accelerates, which when combined with his fluidity and speed, allows him to separate easily from the defenders. He has quick, smooth cuts that allow him to sharply create space, and soft hands that let him reel in catches with ease. Anderson’s smoothness can’t be understated- he has Alvin Kamara like acceleration, which makes separation look effortless from him. However, as talented as he is on offense, his defensive looks are even better.
Anderson has the talent to be a roaming, middle safety. He can align practically at any defensive back spot, but excels as a free safety. His range is second to none; the best demonstration of this is on his Hudl, where he cleared over 30-yards of distance to pick off a pass on the far sideline. As mentioned earlier, he’s fantastic at the catch point, despite his size, which means he can intercept any kind of pass, whether it’s intended for a wide receiver or tight-end. He’s also a tremendous tackler, demonstrating great technique and good power every time he brings a defender down.
Anderson is great when it comes to open field tackles, allowing his team to rely on him in run support and single high looks. He aggressively attacks downfield, with an accurate pursuit angle, making him dangerous against the run. He’s also difficult to fake out, adding to his ability as a tackler. Anderson is also calm within the chaos and is able to find the ball at the line of scrimmage, which is espeically important when it comes to finding fumbles. This ability has allowed him to scoop and score several fumbled balls.
Anderson can line up anywhere, but it doesn’t matter- wherever he is, he’ll fly around the field to make a play. He might be undersized, but he is one of the best defensive players in Mississippi- and would be a major addition for any college program.
Lastly, Anderson is a great special teamer. He is able to use his defensive ability to load one side of the line of scrimmage, then find an open lane to the punter. He has blown up several punts in his career, and has the build (plus receiving ability) to offer something as a returner too. Special teams is an underrated part of football, but equally important- Anderson would offer an instant boost to whatever college should pick him up. His size also allows him to slip past all the chaos occurring at the line, which is again reminiscent of Mathieu.
Anderson is a WR/FS in the 2025 class. He is 5’9, 170 pounds and has great athleticism. Although he is undersized, he has been one of the most important players for Biloxi high school, and would be a major addition for any power five college. He makes plays all over the field and is constantly elevating his team. His final season is approaching, and although he is lacking any offers right now, every major institution will want to have him on their radar.
Below is a QnA between Anderson and me:
What is your height and weight?
5’9 170lbs
What are some things you have overcome in life?
I have overcame the thought that’s things should be given to me, instead they need to be worked for.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
-MVP team all region, 1st team all region, top 100 in my class academically.
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
Tyrann Mathieu because we are both undersized, physical and very smart players. And, Alvin Kamara because we both have great vision, can catch very well and we have sneaky speed
What are your plans once you’re done with football and why?
I want to retire playing football or I want to get into the business field.
What is your GPA?
4.0
What do you like about the sport of football and how is it significant to you?
It teaches me responsibility and that you can only control yourself. Also it helps me take my mind off of everything else around me.
Do you have any offers, if so where?
No, I do not have any offers.
Do you play any other sports, if so which ones?
I run track.
What is an interesting fact about you outside of football?
I am smart in the classroom.
What are your stats throughout your football career?
-1189all purpose/ 918rec yards/ 52rec/ 10tds, 78tkls/ 4ints/ 5 FR/ 1 blk punt
How do you feel about blocking? Whether it be downfield or more at the LOS?
I love blocking. I like when I make a good block and the runner gets a lot more yards.
What is your primary alignment?
WR- slot; DB- deep
How would you describe your game?
WR- shifty and instinctive; DB- ball skills and technical
What is your 40 speed, 10-yard speed Broad, Vert, Shuttle, ETC
4.46 40, 9.7 broad, 4.34 shuttle
What is your dream school to play for in college?
My dream school is LSU.
What are your current football goals?
7ints/ 3pick 6s/ 10tds/ 1000yds/ 300yds rushing/ win a playoff football game
What’s something you’re working to improve ?
Route running and press man
What is a strength you have in the game?
Instincts and ball skills
What’s your favorite activity outside of football?
Playing my video game (PS5)
What’s something football taught you?
Football has taught me how to interact with others. Football has also taught me you can only control your part.
