Derek Pegues
Encyclopedia
Derek Alan Pegues is an American football
defensive back
who is currently a free agent
.
Dwayne Rudd
. Pegues attended the same high school as Rudd, South Panola
, which also produced current Pittsburgh Steelers
starting Cornerback
Deshea Townsend
, Rudd's teammate in high school and college, at the University of Alabama
.
career at South Panola High School
in Batesville, Mississippi
. After starting at Cornerback
for the South Panola Tigers as a sophomore during the 2002 season, which saw the team go 14-1 with their only loss coming from Wayne County High School
in the MHSAA Class 5A (for Mississippi's largest schools) Championship game, by a score of 14-21, Pegues was moved to Quarterback
to replace departed starter Rickey Wright, who had signed a letter of intent to play football at Mississippi State
. In his first season at the helm of the Tigers' offense as a junior (2003), Pegues guided the team to a 15-0 record, the Class 5A State Championship and a #9 national ranking from USA Today
. South Panola routed previously unbeaten Oak Grove High School 33-14 in the 5A title game. Pegues received First-Team All-State recognition from the Clarion-Ledger
newspaper along with teammates Jamarca Sanford
and Peria Jerry
, former South Panola Linebackers went on to standout careers with University of Mississippi's football team
and now play in the NFL
.
reported that Pegues could bench press
an impressive 350 lb. and run a blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash. These numbers affirmed his talent as indicated by his accomplishments on the field and helped him earn scholarship offers from such elite college football programs as Alabama
, Michigan
, Auburn
, Tennessee
and Louisiana State
in addition to Mississippi State
.
Pegues again guided the Tigers to a perfect season (15-0) in 2004 with a second consecutive 5A State Championship (the school's 4th) and another top-ten finish in USA Today
's "Super 25" high school football rankings (#7). He was instrumental in the Tigers' 39-21 State Championship Game victory over Ocean Springs High School
as he rushed for 244 yards and 5 touchdown
s. No player before or since has scored 5 touchdowns in the Class 5A Championship Game. Pegues was again named First-Team All-State by the Clarion-Ledger, along with teammates Travis Sanford, a Wide Receiver
who signed with the Ole Miss Rebels
, and John Jerry, currently a starting Offensive Guard at Ole Miss
. He finished his high school career with a total of 4,104 rushing yards and 86 total touchdowns (passing, rushing, receiving, kick and punt returns and interception returns).
in San Antonio, Texas
on January 15, 2005. The game pits the nation's best high school seniors against one another in an East-vs.-West matchup. Pegues, a member of the West squad, was one of three Mississippians who played in the game, the most ever in the same year (the other two were Jerrell Powe, a former Ole Miss
signee, and Josh McNeil, currently the starting Center
for the Tennessee Volunteers
). Powe, McNeil and Pegues joined a star-studded West line-up, including names like Travis Beckum
, Jamaal Charles
, DeSean Jackson
, Rey Maualuga
, Ryan Perriloux, Ryan Reynolds
, Mark Sanchez
, Reggie Smith and Jonathan Stewart
, helping the West claim the victory, 35-3.
Pegues' performance in the game was spectacular; he intercepted a pass, ran for a first down on a fake punt and wowed viewers by shutting down two of the nation's best players in East Wide Receiver
s Fred Rouse
and Patrick Turner
, even though both players physically towered over his 5'10" frame at 6'3" and 6'5", respectively. His performance earned him "Defensive Player of the Game" honors.
in the Alabama
-Mississippi
All-Star Football Classic, which annually pits the best players from each state against one another. The game was held at its annual location, Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
, on June 4, 2005 (formerly a summer contest, it has since been moved to December).
Pegues picked up 15 carries for 106 yards (7.1 average) and a touchdown in a 21-18 Mississippi victory. He was again joined by his fellow Mississippi teammates from the Army Game
, Wayne County
's Jerrell Powe and Collins High
's Josh McNeil, as well as Brookhaven
's Jimmy Johns, an Alabama
signee who had beaten Pegues for the "Mr. Football" award annually bestowed upon the State's best player.
on defense, where he accumulated 14 tackles, forced a fumble, broke up two passes and intercepted one. Was also a starting kick return specialist; ran back 28 kicks for and average of 20 yards, including a long of 51.
. Returned 29 kickoffs an average of 23.7 yards, including a long of 61. Returned 25 punts for an average of 14 yards and one touchdown, including a long of 81. Was voted to the All-SEC
Second Team by the SEC Coaches.
was the difference in the game, which Mississippi State won for the first time since 2000
. Also started all 13 games as a kick and punt return specialist. Returned 24 kickoffs an average of 22.7 yards, including a long of 51. Returned 27 punts for an average of 9.9 yards, including a long of 75, which resulted in a touchdown that tied the 2007 Egg Bowl in the fourth quarter, allowing MSU to win the game on a last-second field goal. Was voted to the All-SEC
First Team by the Associated Press
and Second Team by the SEC Coaches. He intercepted two passes on his way to an MVP performance in the 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl
that helped his team win a defensive struggle over UCF by a score of 10-3.
performer (2006-2007
), Pegues has been a crucial piece of State's defense, one of the nation's most improved units in 2007. He will be a Cornerback
prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft
.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
who is currently a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
.
Personal
He is the cousin of former NFL LinebackerLinebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Dwayne Rudd
Dwayne Rudd
Dwayne Rudd is an American football linebacker who is a free agent in the National Football League, having not played in the NFL since 2003. During his career he played for the Minnesota Vikings, the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
. Pegues attended the same high school as Rudd, South Panola
South Panola School District
The South Panola School District is a public school district based in Batesville, Mississippi .In addition to Batesville, the district also serves the village of Pope, the town of Courtland, and the Panola County portion of Crowder as well as rural areas in southern Panola County.-Schools:*South...
, which also produced current Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
starting Cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Deshea Townsend
Deshea Townsend
Trevor Deshea Townsend is a former defensive back in the National Football League, and is currently a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals and most recently a player for the Indianapolis Colts...
, Rudd's teammate in high school and college, at the University of Alabama
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
.
2003 (Junior)
Pegues enjoyed an outstanding prepHigh school football
High school football, in North America, refers to the game of football as it is played in the United States and Canada. It ranks among the most popular interscholastic sports in both of these nations....
career at South Panola High School
South Panola School District
The South Panola School District is a public school district based in Batesville, Mississippi .In addition to Batesville, the district also serves the village of Pope, the town of Courtland, and the Panola County portion of Crowder as well as rural areas in southern Panola County.-Schools:*South...
in Batesville, Mississippi
Batesville, Mississippi
Batesville is a city in Panola County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 7,113 at the 2000 census.-History:The Land upon which present day Batesville is situated originally belonged to a Chickasaw Indian called Ish-Sho-Nu-Nah...
. After starting at Cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
for the South Panola Tigers as a sophomore during the 2002 season, which saw the team go 14-1 with their only loss coming from Wayne County High School
Wayne County School District (Mississippi)
The Wayne County School District is a public school district based in Waynesboro, Mississippi . The district's boundaries parallel that of Wayne County.-Schools:**Waynesboro Middle School *Waynesboro Elementary School...
in the MHSAA Class 5A (for Mississippi's largest schools) Championship game, by a score of 14-21, Pegues was moved to Quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
to replace departed starter Rickey Wright, who had signed a letter of intent to play football at Mississippi State
Mississippi State University
The Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science commonly known as Mississippi State University is a land-grant university located in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, United States, partially in the town of Starkville and partially in an unincorporated area...
. In his first season at the helm of the Tigers' offense as a junior (2003), Pegues guided the team to a 15-0 record, the Class 5A State Championship and a #9 national ranking from USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
. South Panola routed previously unbeaten Oak Grove High School 33-14 in the 5A title game. Pegues received First-Team All-State recognition from the Clarion-Ledger
The Clarion-Ledger
The Clarion-Ledger is the Pulitzer Prize winning daily newspaper of Jackson, Mississippi. It is the second oldest company in the state of Mississippi and is one of only a few newspapers in the nation that continues to circulate statewide...
newspaper along with teammates Jamarca Sanford
Jamarca Sanford
Jamarca Deshaun Sanford is an American football player for the Minnesota Vikings. He was drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the 231st pick...
and Peria Jerry
Peria Jerry
-Atlanta Falcons:Jerry was signed to a five-year contract by the Falcons on July 30, 2009. Jerry competed with Trey Lewis to replace Grady Jackson, who was not re-signed by the Falcons, at defensive tackle....
, former South Panola Linebackers went on to standout careers with University of Mississippi's football team
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
and now play in the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
.
2004 (Senior)
Prior to his 2004 senior season, Rivals.comRivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
reported that Pegues could bench press
Bench press
The bench press is an exercise of the upper body. For bodybuilding purposes, it is used to stimulate the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps. While on his or her back, the person performing the bench press lowers a weight to the level of the chest, then pushes it back up until the arm is straight...
an impressive 350 lb. and run a blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash. These numbers affirmed his talent as indicated by his accomplishments on the field and helped him earn scholarship offers from such elite college football programs as Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
, Michigan
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
, Auburn
Auburn Tigers football
Only Mohamed Amin Abughadir set the record with 1,890 yards in 1 season. He was the QB for Auburn in 1998.The Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in college football as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing in the Western Division of the...
, Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers football
The Tennessee Volunteers football team are an American college football team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville . The NCAA Division I team is also a member of the Southeastern Conference ....
and Louisiana State
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
in addition to Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are the athletic teams of Mississippi State University. They participate in NCAA's Division I in the competitive 12-member Southeastern Conference under the mascot Bulldogs and the school colors of maroon and white...
.
Pegues again guided the Tigers to a perfect season (15-0) in 2004 with a second consecutive 5A State Championship (the school's 4th) and another top-ten finish in USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
's "Super 25" high school football rankings (#7). He was instrumental in the Tigers' 39-21 State Championship Game victory over Ocean Springs High School
Ocean Springs High School
Ocean Springs High School is an IB-certified public high school in Ocean Springs, Mississippi . The school serves students in grades 9–12 and is part of the Ocean Springs School District...
as he rushed for 244 yards and 5 touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
s. No player before or since has scored 5 touchdowns in the Class 5A Championship Game. Pegues was again named First-Team All-State by the Clarion-Ledger, along with teammates Travis Sanford, a Wide Receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
who signed with the Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
, and John Jerry, currently a starting Offensive Guard at Ole Miss
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public, coeducational research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1844, the school is composed of the main campus in Oxford, four branch campuses located in Booneville, Grenada, Tupelo, and Southaven as well as the...
. He finished his high school career with a total of 4,104 rushing yards and 86 total touchdowns (passing, rushing, receiving, kick and punt returns and interception returns).
2005 Army All-American Game
Pegues was selected to play in the 5th annual U.S. Army All-American BowlU.S. Army All-American Bowl
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
on January 15, 2005. The game pits the nation's best high school seniors against one another in an East-vs.-West matchup. Pegues, a member of the West squad, was one of three Mississippians who played in the game, the most ever in the same year (the other two were Jerrell Powe, a former Ole Miss
Ole Miss Rebels football
The football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
signee, and Josh McNeil, currently the starting Center
Center (American football)
Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
for the Tennessee Volunteers
2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the college football season of 2007–2008. They won the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference before falling to the eventual national champion LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship Game...
). Powe, McNeil and Pegues joined a star-studded West line-up, including names like Travis Beckum
Travis Beckum
Travis Beckum is an American football tight end for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.-Early years:Travis Beckum played football for Oak Creek High School. He...
, Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles
Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
, Rey Maualuga
Rey Maualuga
Rey Maualuga is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
, Ryan Perriloux, Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds (American football)
Ryan Reynolds is a former linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was a four-year standout in football and judo in high school, both at Lake Havasu High School in Arizona and at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was recognized nationally.-High school career:Reynolds was a...
, Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
, Reggie Smith and Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
, helping the West claim the victory, 35-3.
Pegues' performance in the game was spectacular; he intercepted a pass, ran for a first down on a fake punt and wowed viewers by shutting down two of the nation's best players in East Wide Receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
s Fred Rouse
Fred Rouse
Fred Rouse is a wide receiver for the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL, formerly of the Lincoln High School, Florida State University, UTEP, and Concordia College, Selma football teams. He once declared that he would be the first player to jump straight from the High School level to the NFL...
and Patrick Turner
Patrick Turner
Patrick Turner is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
, even though both players physically towered over his 5'10" frame at 6'3" and 6'5", respectively. His performance earned him "Defensive Player of the Game" honors.
2005 Alabama-Mississippi Game
Later that year, Pegues would guide another team to an All-Star game victory. Pegues played Running BackRunning back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
in the Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
-Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
All-Star Football Classic, which annually pits the best players from each state against one another. The game was held at its annual location, Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
, on June 4, 2005 (formerly a summer contest, it has since been moved to December).
Pegues picked up 15 carries for 106 yards (7.1 average) and a touchdown in a 21-18 Mississippi victory. He was again joined by his fellow Mississippi teammates from the Army Game
U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
, Wayne County
Wayne County School District (Mississippi)
The Wayne County School District is a public school district based in Waynesboro, Mississippi . The district's boundaries parallel that of Wayne County.-Schools:**Waynesboro Middle School *Waynesboro Elementary School...
's Jerrell Powe and Collins High
Covington County School District (Mississippi)
The Covington County School District is a public school district based in Collins, Mississippi . The district’s boundaries parallel that of Covington County-Schools:*Collins High School *Carver Middle School...
's Josh McNeil, as well as Brookhaven
Brookhaven School District
The Brookhaven School District is a public school district based in Brookhaven, Mississippi .-Schools:*Brookhaven High School **1983-1984 National Blue Ribbon School *Alexander Junior High School...
's Jimmy Johns, an Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
signee who had beaten Pegues for the "Mr. Football" award annually bestowed upon the State's best player.
2005 (Freshman)
Saw action in all 11 games as a reserve CornerbackCornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
on defense, where he accumulated 14 tackles, forced a fumble, broke up two passes and intercepted one. Was also a starting kick return specialist; ran back 28 kicks for and average of 20 yards, including a long of 51.
2006 (Sophomore)
Started all 12 games at Cornerback on defense. Recorded 32 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, five pass deflections and four interceptions. Also started all 12 games as a kick and punt return specialistPunt returner
Punt returner is a position on special teams in American football.-Description:The role of a punt returner is to catch the ball after it is punted and to give his team good field position by returning it. Before catching the punted ball, the returner must assess the situation on the field while...
. Returned 29 kickoffs an average of 23.7 yards, including a long of 61. Returned 25 punts for an average of 14 yards and one touchdown, including a long of 81. Was voted to the All-SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
Second Team by the SEC Coaches.
2007 (Junior)
Started all 13 games at Free Safety on defense. Recorded 50 tackles, two tackles for a loss, recorved a fumble, deflected seven passes and intercepted five. His 20-yard interception return for a touchdown against Auburn2007 Auburn Tigers football team
The 2007 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Head coach Tommy Tuberville returned for his ninth season at Auburn, the third longest tenure among SEC head coaches in 2007. He was joined by returning offensive coordinator Al...
was the difference in the game, which Mississippi State won for the first time since 2000
2000 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with the Oklahoma Sooners claiming their first national championship and their first conference championship since the departure of head coach Barry Switzer....
. Also started all 13 games as a kick and punt return specialist. Returned 24 kickoffs an average of 22.7 yards, including a long of 51. Returned 27 punts for an average of 9.9 yards, including a long of 75, which resulted in a touchdown that tied the 2007 Egg Bowl in the fourth quarter, allowing MSU to win the game on a last-second field goal. Was voted to the All-SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
First Team by the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
and Second Team by the SEC Coaches. He intercepted two passes on his way to an MVP performance in the 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl
2007 Liberty Bowl
The 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, part of the 2007-08 NCAA football bowl games season, was played on December 29, 2007 at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee....
that helped his team win a defensive struggle over UCF by a score of 10-3.
2008 (Senior)
As a two-time All-SECSoutheastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
performer (2006-2007
2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on August 30, 2007, progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 7, 2008, where the top...
), Pegues has been a crucial piece of State's defense, one of the nation's most improved units in 2007. He will be a Cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft
NFL Draft
The National Football League Draft is an annual event in which the National Football League teams select eligible college football players and it is their most common source of player recruitment. The basic design of the draft is each team is given a position in the drafting order in reverse order...
.
NFL career
He actually shows a 4.69 forty yard dash according to the NFL Combine listing under cornerbacks http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers?tabIndex=0.High school
- Selected to play in the 2005 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star football game, leading the Mississippi team to a 21-18 victory
- Defensive Player of the Game in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American BowlU.S. Army All-American BowlThe U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
as a member of the West squad
- 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year in Mississippi
- Named one of three finalists for MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
's 2004 "Mr. Football" award, annually presented to the State's top player by the Clarion-Ledger, along with Ole MissOle Miss Rebels footballThe football history of the University of Mississippi , includes the formation of the first football team in the state and is 26th on the list of college football's all-time winning programs...
signee Jerrell Powe and current Alabama2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football teamThe 2007 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season trying to improve from a disappointing 6–7 record in the 2006 season. The Tide was led by its new head coach Nick Saban, a former head coach of rival LSU. Despite a...
player Jimmy Johns, who won the award
- First-Team All-State selection by the Jackson Clarion-LedgerThe Clarion-LedgerThe Clarion-Ledger is the Pulitzer Prize winning daily newspaper of Jackson, Mississippi. It is the second oldest company in the state of Mississippi and is one of only a few newspapers in the nation that continues to circulate statewide...
, 2003-2004
- First-Team Class 5A All-State selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) in 2004
- Named to the Clarion-Ledger 2004 "Dandy Dozen" list, representing the paper's selection of the State's top 12 players
- College Prospect Rankings
- #4 CornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
prospect, #2 MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
prospect, #35 overall prospect (Rivals.comRivals.comRivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
) - #5 CornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
prospect, #54 SoutheastSoutheastern United StatesThe Southeastern United States, colloquially referred to as the Southeast, is the eastern portion of the Southern United States. It is one of the most populous regions in the United States of America....
prospect (Scout.com) - #1 prospect in Mississippi according to the "10 Most Wanted" rankings by the Clarion-Ledger
- #4 CornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
prospect, #1 prospect in MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
(Superprep Magazine) - #3 prospect in MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
(BulldogBlitz.com) - #4 prospect in MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
(Dawgs' Bite Magazine)
- #4 Cornerback
College
- 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl2007 Liberty BowlThe 2007 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, part of the 2007-08 NCAA football bowl games season, was played on December 29, 2007 at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee....
MVP
- 2007 All-SECSoutheastern ConferenceThe Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
First Team (APAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
, Rivals.comRivals.comRivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
), Second Team (SEC Coaches)
- 2007 SECSoutheastern ConferenceThe Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
Weekly Awards- Week 3 Defensive Player of the Week
- Week 8 Outstanding Performer
- Week 13 Special Teams Player of the Week (13)
- 2007 Preseason All-SECSoutheastern ConferenceThe Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
First Team (SEC Coaches, Phil SteelePhil SteelePhil Steele is an American sportswriter and analyst who focuses exclusively on college and professional football. He currently writes a column for the Orlando Sentinel, and is considered a "highly respected prognosticator" within the sports media...
)
- 2006 All-SECSoutheastern ConferenceThe Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
Second Team (Coaches, Scout.com)
High School
- Passing
Comp Att % Yards TD INT 2003 (Jr.) 59 102 57.8 1,160 13 4 2004 (Sr.) - - - 637 6 - Total - - - 1,797 19 -
- Rushing
Att Yards Avg TD 2003 (Jr.) 138 1,460 10.5 28 2004 (Sr.) - 1,659 - 26 Total - 3,119 - 54
- Defense
Tckl BrkUp INT FR 2003 (Jr.) 45 15 7 2 2004 (Sr.) 51 - 5 - Total 96 - 12 -
College
- Defense
GP/GS TCKL TFL-YDS SCK-YDS FF/FR BRKUP INT-YDS 2005 (Fr.) 11/0 14 - - 1/0 2 1-3 2006 (So.) 12/12 32 1.5-6 - 0/0 5 4-95 2007 (Jr.) 13/13 50 2-3 - 0/1 7 5-120 Total 36/25 96 3.5-9 - 1/1 14 10-218
- Kick Return
GP/GS RET YARDS AVG TD LONG (OPP) 2005 (Fr.) 11/11 28 559 20 0 51 (Auburn) 2006 (So.) 12/12 29 687 23.7 0 61 (Tulane) 2007 (Jr.) 13/13 24 544 22.7 0 51 (West Virginia) Total 36/36 81 1790 22.1 0 61 (Tulane)
- Punt Return
GP/GS RET YARDS AVG TD LONG (OPP) 2005 (Fr.) 11/0 1 2 2 0 2 (Houston) 2006 (So.) 12/12 25 350 14 1 81 (Jacksonville St.) 2007 (Jr.) 13/13 27 268 9.9 1 75 (Ole Miss) Total 36/25 53 620 11.7 2 81 (Jacksonville St.)