To say that it's been a difficult year for Oak Grove (Hattiesburg, Miss.) receiver Steve McNair, Jr. would be an understatement.

Through all the adversity, McNair tuned to the game that made his father a household name as an outlet.

McNair will trade his Warrior Black and Gold for Eagle Black and Gold. "He's had a great year," said Oak Grove head coach Nevil Barr. "When we've needed a big play, he's been there to make it: offense, defense, special teams."

Along the way McNair has taken the recruiting process in stride picking up more than a dozen offers from programs such as Minnesota, Mississippi, Miss State, Nebraska, Southern Miss, West Virginia and more.

Today he announced his decision.

"I'm going to Southern Miss," McNair said. "It's close to home and my family and my coaches can all come and see me play every week."

Although his father didn't play at Southern Miss there's always been a connection between the McNair family, the community and the hometown school.

Annually, the McNair Foundation hosts a free football camp on the campus of Southern Miss and Steve was often seen in and around town during the off-season.

The younger McNair is one of the top prospects in the state having been named to the prestigious Dandy Dozen team earlier this year.

He has helped his Oak Grove Warriors to a 6-2 record on the year and close out their regular season on Friday night at Jim Hill (Jackson, Miss.) and are likely playoff bound.

He's been a leader for the Warriors both on and off the field.

"Everyone loves Steve," Barr said. "He's a special kid. He's always smiling and that's not always been easy this year. It doesn't matter who you are on our team, Steve treats all the guys the same."

When asked how he liked the Warriors chances in the playoffs McNair said with a smile.

"We've got a great shot."