STARKVILLE — In an offseason between a state championship game loss and a season expected to end with a better result, Starkville High School knew it would have to fulfill that dream with a new set of wide receivers.
The Yellow Jackets leaned on three seniors in its top five receivers last year; then the No. 4 receiver, Tonorris Brookins II, suffered a knee injury in the spring. All that was left was Rufus Harvey, then in between his sophomore and junior seasons.
Harvey has not disappointed.
In Brookins’ absence, Harvey has undeniably been one of the most important pieces of Starkville’s offense, leading the team with 39 catches for 670 yards and five touchdowns. Even with Brookins back, catching his first pass last week, Warren Central (4-4, 3-2 region) will have to pay attention to Harvey 7 p.m. Friday in Starkville penultimate Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Region 2 game.
“He’s really good. He’s kind of like the silent assassin: he don’t do a while bunch of talking and let’s the game speak for himself,” Starkville coach Chris Jones said. “He’s quietly confident in his abilities, he doesn’t feel like anybody can hold him 1-on-1. He does his job and he’s more than a receiver catching the ball, he’s always blocking.
“He’s a competitor and I’m happy he plays for us.”
That attitude helped him shoulder a load when he had no other choice. Not only was Starkville dealing with Brookins’ injury, but its promising addition — Malik Brown — had to acclimate to the position after transitioning from quarterback.
The Yellow Jackets (8-1, 4-1 region) have gotten help from two previously unproven juniors, Joshua Aka and Jatavious Lucious, but they have combined for 520 yards; Harvey has 670 by himself.
“I expected a big load on my back, but I expected (Brookins) to be there with me,” Harvey said. “With him being out I knew I would have to take more for me and him. I think I did a good job with it.
“I came in trying to make more plays than I did last year, trying to be better than last year.”
Harvey said he has seen teams adjust their coverage to account for him — double teams and more — and producing through that is what Starkville needs to advance in the playoffs.
A team that runs as well as the Yellow Jackets have is going to attract attention from the secondary in run support. With running back Dreke Clark averaging 6.8 yards per carry and already 17 touchdowns in with two regular season games left, there are going to be opportunities outside; Jones is looking to Harvey to make defenses pay.
“You always need playmakers, you always need that established playmakers on the perimeter,” Jones said. “A lot of times we get crowded boxes and that’s when you have 1-on-1 outside. That’s when you need somebody you can throw it to on the outside or get it to them right now in space and he can get you 40 or 50 yards. He’s that type of guy.
“He’s a special talent, he’s only a junior and I feel like his better days are to come. He’s a big part of the puzzle, just like he was last year.”
The best part for Jones is Harvey can handle whatever adjustment Jones wants to make with him. With a playmaker of his capability, Harvey is likely to be deployed in several ways to ensure he gets the ball. Jones has done it before and is almost certain to do it again when the games become win or go home.
“He’s a smart kid on- and off-the-field, so it’s easy to install a new play this week or something special him because he can pick it up really well,” Jones said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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