Meridian celebrates seven local players competing in college football

The City of Meridian is celebrating seven football players with ties to Meridian-area high schools who are playing college football this fall, according to a city announcement.

The players include Jalin Trotter, a wide receiver at the University of North Alabama and a 2026 graduate of Lamar High School; and Kael Willis, a defensive back at the United States Naval Academy and a 2026 Lamar graduate.

Three players are Meridian High School graduates: Tylan Cole, a defensive end at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from the class of 2023; Daniel Hill, a running back at the University of Alabama from the class of 2024; and Quindarrius Jones, a defensive back at Florida State University from the class of 2022.

The list also includes Mitchell Butler, an offensive lineman at Miami University and a 2023 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School, and Eddie Bennett, an offensive lineman at Grambling University who graduated from Meridian High School in 2023.

Mayor Percy Bland said, “These young men remind us just how much talent comes from Meridian, and we’re proud to watch them represent home.”

Source: City of Meridian-Government.