When Michael Fields arrived at Hinds AHS three years ago, he inherited a program in shambles.

The War Dawgs were coming off an 0-10 season and there were few experienced players. In the darkness, though, Fields saw a some bright lights. A few players who could, with a little work, become solid high school performers.

And then there was Austin Divinity.

He was just a skinny sophomore then, about 6 feet tall and 170 pounds. But he was fast, and Fields saw plenty of potential – not just for Divinity, but for his program as well.

“He was very valuable. When I first got there Austin was a sophomore, so we grew together,” Fields said. “I knew any success I had would be through him, and he helped get the program rolling.”

Indeed. Divinity played quarterback and defensive back, punted and returned kicks during a stellar prep career at Hinds AHS. He helped transform the War Dawgs from a laughingstock to a playoff team – they have reached the postseason each of the last three years – and signed with Southern Miss.

On Saturday, Divinity will cap his high school career by becoming the first player from Hinds AHS to participate in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. The 18th edition of the game will be played in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium at 7 p.m.

“He was very excited about it,” Fields said. “He feels like he’s one of the elite and he deserves it.”

Divinity grew three inches and added 20 pounds between his freshman and sophomore year, and began to wow coaches and opponents alike.

He ran for 820 yards and seven touchdowns while playing quarterback in 2002, then ran for 753 more in 2003 while splitting time between quarterback, receiver and running back.

Divinity finished his career with 4,402 total yards – rushing, receiving and returning – scored 47 touchdowns and threw nine TD passes.

He was also a force on the defensive side of the ball, with 50 tackles and five interceptions in his last two seasons.

“He was a bottom-line athlete,” Fields said. “Whenever I needed someone to come to the forefront, whatever it was, he was there.”

By his senior season, Divinity was also punting and returning kicks, was picked to the Class 2A All-State team and had become a Division I prospect. In February he signed with Southern Miss, where he’ll play defensive back.

Divinity has kept in shape since football season by participating in powerlifting and track. He reached the South State meet in powerlifting, then helped Hinds AHS to the Class 2A state track championship.

Divinity also won an individual state track title in the triple jump, and finished fifth in the long jump at the state meet.

“Austin has a combination of things. He’s got a combination of being a good athlete and having good work habits,” Fields said, noting that Divinity also scored a 21 on his ACT. “He’s not a cocky guy. He’s going to do what he’s asked to do.”