POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The National Junior College Athletic Association announced its 2024 All-America teams Monday afternoon, and Pearl River football's A.J. Prim (Tylertown; Foley) was a First Team selection. He has already been named First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23.

The NC State signee made a massive impact on the Wildcat defensive line in his sophomore campaign while playing in just eight games. He was near the top in almost every defensive category during his havoc-wreaking 2024 season. He finished fifth in tackles (49), second in tackles for loss (9) and first in sacks (2.5). He also racked up one forced fumble, one interception, one pass breakup and one defensive touchdown throughout the year. 

Before signing with NC State during the Early Signing Window, Prim was a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports.com, and the 15th-best JUCO prospect in the country. He signed with the Wolfpack over 15 other offers.

PREVIOUS ALL-AMERICANS
Pearl River has earned 28 All-America selections in its history. The list includes Jack Gallagher (First Team; 1972), Bill Wallace (Second Team; 1972), James Smith (Second Team; 1973), J.W. Rawls (Second Team; 1973), Ricky Myers (Second Team; 1984), Michael Toefield (Second Team; 1990), Lateef Travis (Second Team; 1991), Craig Weaver (First Team; 1992), Alfred Mack (Honorable Mention; 1993), Chris Ryan (Second Team; 1993), Cornelius Griffin (Honorable Mention; 1996), Charlie Reeve (First Team; 2001), Larry Kendrick (Honorable Mention Offense and Defense; 2003), Levance Richmond (Second Team; 2004), Matthew Lott (First Team; 2004), Larry Brackins (First Team; 2004), Jimmy Oliver (First Team; 2004 and 2005), Frank Harry (Honorable Mention; 2005), Demetrius Byrd (Second Team; 2006), Julius Gray (Second Team; 2006), Johnny Harper (Second Team; 2007), Hendrick Lavertte (Honorable Mention; 2008), Marcus Ball (First Team; 2008), Desmond Ratliff (First Team; 2009), Melvin German (First Team; 2010), Bryan Whitehead II (Second Team; 2022) and Prim (First Team; 2024).

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