SENATOBIA – Five Northwest Ranger sophomores have been named to 247Sports.com's list of the Top 100 junior college football players in the country heading into the 2018 season. 

Wide receiver JaVonta Payton, defensive lineman Tariqious Tisdale, defensive backs Brandin Echols and Malik Sanders and offensive lineman Lavante Epson Jr. all made the list.

Payton highlights the list with the highest ranking at No. 18 overall. The Nashville native and Ole Miss commit had 44 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns as a freshman, and was recently named to JCGridiron.com's 2018 Wide Receiver Watch List and named a Super Sophomore. He holds offers from numerous FBS programs, including Tennessee, North Carolina and Middle Tennessee.

A product of Lexington, Tenn., the 35th-ranked Tisdale became a driving force of the Rangers' defensive line last season, totaling 31 tackles, 11 TFL, seven hurries and five sacks. The three-star defensive end has already given his commitment to Ole Miss and will enroll in Oxford in time for the start of fall practice.

Echols comes in at No. 56 after accumulating 34 total tackles last season, along with five breakups, three interceptions – one returned for a touchdown – and one forced fumble. The three-star cornerback is receiving interest from Memphis, Houston, Ole Miss, Minnesota and Kentucky to name a few.

Sanders, a fellow three-star defensive back, is currently ranked at No. 75 and holds offers from Middle Tennessee, FAU, Southern Miss and UTSA. The Greenville product finished 2017 with 21 total tackles, two breakups and an interception.

At No. 91 on the list is Epson, who is expected to start at left guard in 2018. Epson played in nine games last season, earning the start in three contests, and helped pave the way for the nation's fifth-ranked offense.

One other Ranger, Demarcus Jones, was just outside the Top 100 at No. 106.

Northwest will kickoff the season on Thursday, August 30 in a home opener against East Central.