MSM May/June 2011

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>>> MSM | MISSISSIPPI SEEN

LEADING THE PACK...

Senior first baseman Adam Doleac (Hattiesburg, MS) attempts to tag out Ole Miss’ Tanner Mathis during USM’s 4-3 win over the Rebels in Hattiesburg on March 30. Doleac is becoming a favorite for the 2011 Ferriss award due to his performance this season.

Doleac currently leads the team in hitting .379 with 11 doubles. The Golden Eagles took both games from Ole Miss this season including another extra inning game on April 12 with USM pulling out a 8-6 12-inning win at Trustmark Park in Pearl. Southern Miss swept the two-game series with Ole Miss. - PHOTO BY BOBBY McDUFFIE, Xtreme Photo FX, LLC, Ocean Springs, MS.

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>>> MSM | MISSISSIPPI SEEN Left to right: Malcolm Shackelford (father), Sherry Shackelford (mother), Ken Yon Greer, Sr. (Phi Beta Sigma fraternity) , William Hamilton (Phi Kappa Psi fraternity), award recipient D.T. Shackelford and Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt.

#38 IS BACK ON THE FIELD...

Ole Miss linebacker D.T. Shackelford was named the 22nd recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award on April 14,2010 and became the first junior to receive the distinction. He will also be the first player since the 2005 season to wear Mullins’ No. 38.

The award takes on special significance this year as the No. 38 is returning to the field for the first time since it became just the second retired number in the Rebels’ storied football history in 2006, joining Archie Manning’s No. 18. This also marks the first year for the award pool to be expanded to include all upperclassmen. - PHOTO BY KEVIN BAIN - COURTESY UM BRAND SERVICES

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>>> MSM | PUBLISHER’S NOTE www.mssportsmagazine.com

Volume 3, Issue 6 May/June 2011

Published by Pevey Publishing, LLC Publishers Greg & Mendy Pevey Featured Columnists Steven Godfrey, Brian Hadad Contributing Writers Eric Bartlem, Nathan Crace, John Davis, Tonya Huffman, Paul Jones, Lanny Mixon Contributing Photographers Bobby McDuffie, Greg Pevey, Mississippi Braves, UM Brand Services, Utah Jazz, Viking Classic Advertising Sales Greg Pevey, Jay Pevey, Mendy Pevey, Tyra Murphy

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>>>MSM | 2011SPRING FOOTBALL REVIEW

Contents

Inside 10 GODFREY’S TAKE

Steven Godfrey -

A debunking of Starkville’s optimism and Oxford’s cynicism

11 BRIAN

HADAD

Strike a pose...

Brian Hadad tells us

why Chris Relf should be a contender for college football’s top award in 2011

14 ROCKET MAN

New Mississippi Braves Manager Rocket Wheeler brings new attitude to Trustmark Park

24 AL

JEFFERSON

Al Jefferson of Prentiss craves attention for all the right reasons

18

30

2011 “Big 3” Spring Football Reviews

A preview of the 2011 Viking Classic

Paul Jones, John Davis and Lanny Mixon, answer the hot questions everyone wants to know about the Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss spring football practices.

A study in longevity and fortitude on the PGA Tour - by MSM Contributing Writer, Nathan Crace

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

n e x t i ss u e

MISSISSIPPI GOLF

Here’s a peek at what to look for in the next issue of MSM...

To Contact MSM > LETTERS, STORY IDEAS AND PHOTO SUBMISSIONS • Email MSM at publisher@ mssportsmagazine.com or mail to Mississippi Sports Magazine, 405 Knights Cove West, Brandon, Mississippi 39047. Letters should include writer’s full name, address and home phone number and may be edited for clarity and space.

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>>> MSM | GODFREY’S TAKE

A debunking of Starkville’s optimism and Oxford’s cynicism

By Steven Godfrey Featured Columnist

O

nce a week I take to arguing with Richard Cross on his Sports Talk program, and inevitably the live interaction with listeners (via email and Twitter) devolves to the same stupid argument: I went to Ole Miss, so I hate Mississippi State.

Such simplicity in sports talk should be expected in a bipartisan SEC state, but sometimes the topics start on the other side of the sports planet – a debate over my xenophobiainducing love of the NHL, or tailgating traditions, or a spirited (and hopefully profanity free) tirade about the Yankees. How that ends up on State, I’ll never know.

But I can’t defend myself; I went to Ole Miss, so in the zeitgeist of a culture that can only exist between box scores, that means I’m self-deluded to the fact that Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State football program is on course to win the SEC, compete for a national title, increase job growth nationally and somehow force Ole Miss to dissolve its entire football program.

My alleged loathing of State is as baseless as any of the above delusions of maroon and white grandeur. Sadly, I thought I could exist in the margins of the eternal Egg Bowl debate because I’d spent much of the Rebels’ twoyear hot streak of back-to-back Cotton Bowl victories warning that the Ole Miss program had succeeded on the field, but hadn’t done anything to change their overall plight. I was a wet blanket then, and a forgotten prophet now. Alas.

Same goes for State after their recent brush with not being predictably awful. It’s hard to remind MSU fans that they’re basing such 10 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

unbridled enthusiasm on a single winning season, and that questions abound. Certainly it doesn’t help that most Rebel fans haven’t been smart enough to let State enjoy their time in the sun.

Here’s a thorough debunking of both Starkville’s optimism and Oxford’s cynicism, because in the end I’m still convinced that neither program has or might ever do anything to become more than just concerned with each other.

Firstly: Dan Mullen is going to leave Mississippi State sooner rather than later – and not in a pine box. Fans were overjoyed when didn’t end up in Coral Gables or Ann Arbor before bowl seasons, but the truth is that Michigan never officially considered Mullen, and he seemed to have sabotaged his own chances with the Hurricanes.

That’s not something State fans want to hear. It’s a lot rosier if Mullen walked away from “top job offers” to “build something at Mississippi State.” The painful truth is that Miami isn’t a top job in college football, at least not anymore. Heresy? Not really – their facilities are woeful, especially in comparison to state rivals Florida and Florida State, their in-market fan base is anemic and they play off campus in an unremarkable (and almost empty) pro stadium.

Mullen could afford to be snide with the Hurricanes, because there’s 20 better “top jobs” in the game right now, more than a few of which could be open in the next 365 days – Georgia, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State (at this point the Grim Reaper is a personnel director).

And while Arizona State and UCLA might not fall consistently within the rankings of a Top 20 job, they’re undoubtedly more appealing than Mississippi State (or Ole Miss).

So could Mullen stay? It’s a remote possibility given history and economics, but yes, it’s a possibility.

Second: this stupid notion of Rebel fans that either one of Ole Miss’ recent Cotton Bowl seasons are more prestigious than State’s 2010 Gator Bowl run.

The correct answer is OH GOOD GOD, WHO CARES?, but a stronger argument would be a comparison of common opponents – Throwing out the Rebels’ ’09 season because they lost to State, the ’08 Rebs and ’10 Dogs had a lot in common: - Both won home games against an SEC power fighting down years (’08 Auburn and ’10 Georgia).

- Both had huge road upsets of an SEC power struggling offensively (’08 LSU and ’10 Florida).

- Both played the eventual national champion to an unforeseen close game (’08 Florida and ’10 Auburn) - Both lost to a Nick Saban coached Alabama team that would play in a New Year’s Day Bowl (’08 Bama who lost to Utah in the Sugar, ’10 would rout Michigan State in the Cap One).

- Both got lucky in less memorable games (’08 Ole Miss vs. Arkansas, ’10 MSU vs. Kentucky).

Picking the better of the seasons is splitting fantasy hairs. It’s certainly acceptable to wonder which team would win in a hypothetical meeting (in any scenario I’d say it’s no more than a 10 point win for either), but touting a best or better-than is stupid, even for stupid fans.

Mississippi State should be as proud as they’re acting – they’re standing on a crest (albeit a small one) with nothing but potential in front of them. Reminds me a hell of a lot of those 2008 Rebels enjoying too-early ’09 predictions of being a Top 5 team.

An objective Mississippian would be excited to pull for any team that could emerge as a nationally respected name and perennial power. Ole Miss and State fans are cautious of such a forecast if there’s a chance it isn’t their program. Maybe that’s why it feels like they’ll never ascend further than the distance needed to push each other down for three or four years at a time. - MSM Steven Godfrey is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Contact him at sgodjr@ gmail.com or on Twitter, @IACGodfrey.

>>> MSM | THE DAWGHOUSE

Strike a Pose?

yards of total offense and two touchdowns.

He had the costly fumble in the third quarter, but State wouldn’t have been in the game without his play. He followed up with another big game in the Egg Bowl, again going over three hundred yards total, with three touchdown passes. In State’s Gator Bowl appearance, he was nearly flawless, with another three hundred yard day and four total touchdowns en route to a MVP performance as State dominated Michigan 52-14.

So what happens next season if he plays like that every game? What if Relf passes for 2400 yards and 20 touchdowns? That’s right

By BRIAN HADAD at 200 yards a game, nothing ridiculous.

Featured Columnist What if he follows Chris Low’s prediction verybody saw Cam Newton bull his way of 1000 yards rushing up, and tacks on anto the Heisman Trophy last season. His other 10 or 12 touchdowns? Would anybody one of a kind package of linebacker be shocked by those kind of rushing numsize, running back speed, and cannon arm, bers? What if State follows his lead and goes in conjunction with an offensive system that 9-3 or better? State should begin the season suited his talents perfectly, made for the kind in top 25, a nine win season would have of season that brings in the big boy hardware. them in a high tier bowl easily. What if he It was very reminiscent of Tim Tebow’s Heis- improves from junior to senior the way he man campaign. Both quarterbacks combined did from sophomore to junior? Then we’re for fifty plus touchdowns on the ground talking Newton style numbers, maybe 4000 and air. Both were able to dominate games all purpose and 40 touchdowns. He’d be a by grinding out tough yardage out of sim- lock right?

I have to temper all this enthusiasm a bit, I ple quarterback power and draw plays. Both were built unlike your typical college quar- guess. I remember Kevin Fant carving up Ole terback, and both played in systems that were Miss and BYU in 2001. I remember the “Fant tailored to their strengths. Looking ahead to is better than Eli” debates on the message 2011, there is a quarterback in a similar situ- boards. What State fans didn’t realize at the ation: big arm, big build, plays in an offense time was that Ole Miss and BYU were two of that maximizes his talents. That quarterback, the worst defenses in the country that seabelieve it or not, is Chris Relf. Yes, after eight son, and Fant was to be victimized by terrible years of poor mouthing and pessimism, offensive lines over the next two years of his yours truly is finally going to step out on a career. Looking at 2011, Relf ’s blindside will limb and predict something good to happen more than likely be protected by a player in Starkville, MS. I know, why mess with a who has never taken a snap on offense in colwinning formula, but I just have this hunch. lege. His receiving corps is talented, but there I was there in Oxford in 2008 when Relf certainly isn’t a Julio Jones or A.J. Green type got his first playing time at the end of the player to make up for bad throws. Vick Balmassacre that was that season’s Egg Bowl, lard and Ladarius Perkins will certainly get and I can say without hyperbole that I had their touches in the rushing game.

Defensively, the departure of three starting as good an idea as he did where the ball was going when he released. He looked the part, linebackers and coordinator Manny Diaz has but my goodness, he had no grasp of what that side of the ball facing uncertainly leavthe passing game was. In 2009, he was still ing spring training. Negatives are certainly raw, but his athleticism and running ability there, and there may be none bigger that this made him a weapon that State was finally is a Mississippi State quarterback we are talkable to tap into at season’s end. Throughout ing about here. Can you name State’s greatest the 2010 season, he would give flashes, but quarterback? We’re a school that has never he was still mainly a running back with a big had a 2500 yard season through the air. The school record for passing touchdowns in a arm for the first ten games.

It would be those final three games where season is 16, held by Derrick Taite. To put Relf would finally show the breakthrough. it into perspective, seven SEC quarterbacks His stat line against Arkansas was tremen- threw for more TD’s than that last season. dous, accounting for over three hundred There certainly has never been a Peyton

E

Manning, Tim Tebow, or Joe Namath on the home sidelines in Starkville. Heck, I’m not sure there’s been a Tommy Hodson or Steve Tanneyhill. If State wins eight plus games next season and Relf just matches last year’s stats, he would have a case to be the best ever to don the Maroon and White.

Let’s leave all that pessimism aside, though.

This is the Dan Mullen era, a time where the Bulldogs deliver. Chris Relf has the opportunity to put up big numbers this season.

He will get some preseason hype, as State is likely to start the year off ranked. With the imminent departure of Stephen Garcia from South Carolina, Relf has a legitimate chance to be second team All-SEC preseason behind Aaron Murray. He’s the unquestioned leader of a very good offense. That’s a good starting point for Relf, and it would already be more hype than Newton had to begin the 2010 season. Analysts will remember those last three games and use the magic word, “if.” If Relf plays like that all season, if Relf continues to improve at a similar pace, if the Bulldogs can get out the gate early behind him, then the early buzz might develop. Remember the last two Heisman winners, Newton and Mark Ingram, weren’t on any preseason watch lists, but both racked up the numbers and the wins, and brought the focus onto themselves.

Relf will have that same chance.

When September 15 rolls around for a nationally televised Thursday night game against LSU, who could easily be the number one team in the country at that point, the nation’s gaze will be on Starkville. What if Relf leads the Bulldogs to an upset victory over the Tigers? What if he puts up a highlight reel kind of night, scoring with his arm and legs?

What if it’s Relf with the video game style run through the LSU defense, leaving tacklers in his wake as he crosses the goal line to the roar of the fans and the ringing of cowbells?

May is the time of ‘what if ’ in college football. Everybody thinks this is their year.

As a Mississippi State fan, I’ve been burned by the what if plenty of times in the past. I wouldn’t put any money on Relf winning the Heisman, being All-SEC or All-American, even drastically improving his stats from last season. But what if, just what if, this is the year where hope became reality in Starkville.

What if Chris Relf became the first Bulldog to get that invitation to sit among the elite of college football? The image of our guy holding that trophy is almost impossible to see, it seems so farfetched. But it’s May, we’re allowed to dream that dream. It’s time for the Bulldogs to dream big. - MSM MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 11

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>>> MSM | AROUND MISSISSIPPI

MS BRAVES

Rocket Man

By Eric Bartlam Contributing Writer

The Mississippi Braves head into the 2011 season with a new manager at the helm in hopes of shaping up new talent and making another run at a Southern League Championship

T

Photo courtesy Mississippi Braves

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here is a new manager in the Mississippi Braves dugout this year.

Ralph “Rocket” Wheeler has spent the last eight years in the Atlanta Braves farm system managing the Rome Braves and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. In September of last year it was announced that Myrtle Beach would be changing its affiliation from the Braves to the Texas Rangers. At the time Wheeler’s future was uncertain, but he expressed a hope that he would be able to find a new home in the Braves organization. A month later he was named the new manager for the Mississippi Braves. Wheeler has had success on the field, but more importantly he has helped many players on their way to becoming stars in Major League baseball.

Wheeler has spent well over thirty years in professional baseball. Twenty five of which were with the Blue Jays organization. He was drafted out of the University of Houston by Toronto in 1977 and started his career as a

player with the Utica Blue Jays. Over the next six years he would play shortstop for five different teams in the organization, some of them twice. His best year was his last. In 1982 he batted .312 with 8 home runs for the Florence Blue Jays.

Wheeler’s work for the Blue Jays didn’t end with his playing career. In 1985 he became the manager of the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays. He managed several Minor League clubs in the organization, and his affiliation with the team would continue until 2002. In 1999 Wheeler managed the Duneden Bluejays to a first place finish in the Florida State League.

The team lost in the finals. In 2004 Wheeler joined the Braves organization as the manager for the Rome Braves in Georgia. In his first year he led his Braves to a league championship. It was a stent that included three years in the Southern League managing the Tennessee Smokies where he led the team to a tie for second place in 2001.

According to Baseball Reference.com,

Wheeler was admired as a player for his “scrappiness…and a capacity to use every drop of his playing talent.” These are qualities that are crucial to the success of any Minor League program. They help to explain the success that Wheeler has had as a manger. Success in Minor League baseball is not necessarily measured in wins and loses. As a manager Wheeler has experienced first-hand just how fleeting success on the field can be. In 1995, Wheeler’s GCL Blue Jays finished fifteenth in the Gulf Coast League. The following year with St. Catherine’s Stompers, his team played in the League finals. When Wheeler finished his last season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, he did so with more wins than any manager in

the club’s history.

Wins come and go in the Minor Leagues often because players come and go. It is not unheard of for a team to have a winning season derailed by the best players being sent up.

While this may not help with the win loss record, it has to be viewed as an absolute success any time a player makes it to the parent club.

The ultimate goal of a Minor League team is not to win games. It is to prepare and send players to their Major Leagues. These are development leagues after all.

In that regard Wheeler has a stellar record.

There was some excitement in Wheeler’s voice when he talked about the Championship he had won with the Rome Braves, but his pas-

sion for the game really came out when he started talking about the players he had helped send to the Major Leagues. He was obviously proud to list off some of the players he had sent to the Major Leagues. Why shouldn’t he be when the list includes names like Cecil Fielder, Carlos Delgado, Vernon Wells and David Wells. He went to great pains not forget anybody and asking him to decide on a favorite player was absolutely out of the question.

Fans should keep those names in mind when they get frustrated with the play on the field. As a fan, ask yourself the following question, would you rather say you watched the M Braves win a 12 inning slug-fest against the Montgomery Biscuits on a Tuesday night or that you got to watch a player like Cecil Fielder come up through the Minor Leagues? That is the “big payoff ” for all Minor League coaches, Wheeler says.

Another constant concern for managers in the development leagues is the health of players. Keeping their players healthy is probably the second most important priority for Minor League managers. They manage under the constraints of strict pitch and at-bat counts.

There are a lot of games in a baseball season and a few extra pitches here and a couple of extra trips to the plate there can add up. Pushing players just to win a game in the middle of the season is not worth the risk to a player’s development. Besides losing, failure is an important aspect of baseball that has to be dealt with. Part of Wheeler’s job is to mentally prepare players for the ups and downs of the game. You have to understand, he says, “Seventy percent of baseball is failure.”

Having said all that, winning baseball games is not just an after-thought for Wheeler. He stressed that the team would be playing an aggressive style of baseball. While he was more comfortable talking about the success that he had helped others to achieve, his record as a manager speaks for itself when it comes to on field results. During his managerial career two of Wheeler’s teams have finished first in their league. He’s managed four teams in league finals and won a league championship. Considering the constraints and split focus that Minor League managers have to deal with, it is an impressive record.

At the time of writing Wheeler had not gotten to Jackson yet. He had not met with his players and did not even know who they were going to be. That is not a problem for a veteran manager like himself. He will do what he has always done. He will coach the players on the fundamentals and prepare them physically and mentally for the challenges of Major League baseball. Hopefully along the way there will be wins to show for the effort, but almost certainly there will be success. Wheeler says that he is very excited about the opportunity to manage the M-Braves. The fans should be excited to have him. - MSM MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 15

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2 011 M S M S RP ER C IRNUGI TP I NRG A CT R EI C CA E PR E V I E W

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS SPRING GRADE 2011 Schedule Sep. 3 Sep. 10 Sep. 15 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

B-

at Memphis at Auburn LSU Louisiana Tech at Georgia at UAB South Carolina OPEN DATE at Kentucky UT Martin Alabama at Arkansas Ole Miss

By Paul Jones Bulldogjunction.com

W

ith any sport at any level, more wins always produces higher expectations. Such is the case with Mississippi State’s gridiron program that just finished off spring drills, the program’s third spring under head coach Dan Mullen. A year ago the Bulldogs finished 9-4 and closed strong with victories over Ole Miss and then Michigan in dominating fashion in the Gator Bowl.

However, with spring now in the past, Mullen said his expectations are the same as when he arrived in Starkville.

“That’s always going to be our goal, to find a way to get ourselves to Atlanta (site of SEC Championship Game),” Mullen said. “That’s it. I look at two goals that we’ll always keep in this program - how to be better and how are we going to be a better football team. The way that happens is every player makes themselves individually better. Each position group makes their group as a whole better and each unit - offense, defense and all the kicking phases - make their unit better.

“And as a team we grow better as a football

18 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

Photo by Greg Pevey, Mississippi Sports Magazine

FILLING THE HOLES...

After losing two All-SEC starters from last years offensive line, the Bulldogs are searching for replacements for the SEC’s second leading rushing attack at 214.8 yards a game in 2010.

team. You’ve got to take care of each one of those steps.”

OFFENSIVE BUZZ During the spring, Mullen and his offensive coaches saw many familiar faces on that side of the ball, particularly in the backfield. And that ever-growing depth at quarterback continued to take strides this spring.

Chris Relf is back under center for his senior year and held a firm grip on his starting job this spring. Last year Relf displayed major improvements in the passing game while maintaining his threat to pick up yards on the ground.

In 2010, Relf completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 1,789 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranked second on the squad with 713 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

But other signal callers also took a step forward this spring - redshirt sophomore Tyler Russell and redshirt freshman Dylan Favre.

“The great thing is Chris Relf was very, very efficient this spring in taking a step forward,” said Mullen. “(For Russell and Favre) the thought was ‘hey, you know what, I’m going to come in and beat Chris Relf out and find a way to do that’.

“I think that helped Chris pick his game up.

I think that is where you saw a lot more consistency out of Chris, not just in his confidence

but that he’s looking over his shoulder and here comes two hungry guys that want his playing time. The second he puts it on cruise control he’s going to be out of a job. I think that helped all three of them to push each other in how they compete.”

Senior running back Vick Ballard set a school record last year with 19 rushing touchdowns (led SEC, too) and had 968 rushing yards. LaDarius Perkins also finished strong in 2010, including the Egg Bowl, and was back to his big-play self this spring. The Bulldogs also feature more experience in senior Robert Elliott in the backfield.

While those running backs remained steady this spring, it was the emergence of depth at receiver that caught Mullen’s eye. Veterans Chad Bumphis, Brandon Heavens and Chris Smith provided experience as expected. But sophomores Ricco Sanders and Michael Carr also made plays and looked more comfortable this time around.

“With the receiver, there’s a little bit of depth there now and experience there,” said Mullen.

“So you’re comfortable. I still don’t know if we have the go-to, playing making receiver. But I think we have multiple ones that are going to be comfortable in game situations.

“Then our young receiver came out where Robert Johnson and Jameon Lewis got some catches and performed in the stadium in front

of big crowds (at the spring game).”

DEFENSIVE BUZZ MSU returns a secondary full of experience and proven performers with the likes of senior safeties Charles Mitchell and Wade Bonner, as well as junior corners Corey Broomfield and Johnthan Banks.

“Those guys have played a lot of football in this league and they know this league,” said MSU defensive backs coach Melvin Smith. “So we have a chance to be as good as we’ve been in a long, long time. They are not five star guys but they are hard-nosed and blue collar guys.”

Also featuring veteran leadership was the Bulldogs’ defensive line. Juniors Fletcher Cox and Josh Boyd provide one of the best tackle duos in the SEC while defensive ends also returns experience with senior Sean Ferguson and junior Devin Jones.

“Fletcher Cox has the chance to be that dominant guy in the SEC this year,” said MSU defensive coordinator Chris Wilson. “He has welcomed that leadership role left behind by (former Bulldog defensive end) Pernell McPhee) and ran with that role.”

Another big unknown is at linebacker where MSU lost the services of 2010 seniors K.J. Wright and Chris White. The Bulldogs are hoping Cameron Lawrence, Brandon Wilson and Chris Hughes can overcome those losses along with up-and-coming talent like Deontae Skinner and Ferlando Bohanna. MSU will also get more help here in the summer when former Clemson transfer and three-year starter Brandon Maye arrives in Starkville.

“There’s still a lot of unanswered questions there,” said Mullen. “I didn’t doubt maybe the talent level that we have there. The biggest question was the experience level this spring you have there. But I do think guys stepped forward.

I do think we have a bunch of SEC players at linebacker here.

“We just got to make sure that they’re SEC ready this September. Not saying that they’re SEC-caliber players but they’re actually able to perform at that level come this September.

That’s a long way to go development-wise with thse guys.”

POSITION TO WATCH While the Bulldogs exhibited proven leaders at certain spots, there were also new faces at a few positions this spring.

“Throughout spring, one of the things you really see is how young a team we are once I take guys off the field,” said Mullen. “We go put our first-team offense, first-team defense on the field, it’s an experience unit that’s played a lot of football that we feel really good about. As I start pulling guys off the field you realize just how quickly we get young and inexperienced. That’s something we really need to monitor and continue to develop those young players to be ready to play next season.”

That youth in the backups is evident on the offensive line. The Bulldogs return starting guards in Tobias Smith and Gabe Jackson as well as starting right tackle Addison Lawrence.

MSU also returns senior Quentin Saulsberry who started at guard last fall but is moving to center this year to replace now-graduated J.C. Brignone.

But also absent this spring was future NFL draft choice Derek Sherrod, the team’s starting left tackle the past three years. Senior James Carmon played defensive tackle last year but moved to left tackle this spring and battled redshirt freshman Blaine Clausell for first-team reps.

“This spring we had Tobias and Gabe out,” said Mullen. “You take two returning starters out, the trickle-down effect becomes huge in that there is not a lot of experience with the backups. (Junior) Templeton Hardy got a lot of work with the 1’s, (redshirt freshman) Dillon Day got a lot of work with the 1’s. Those guys have not played a lot of football for us come game-day Saturdays. So they need to grow up fast. James Carmon and Blaine Clausell have not played left tackle in an SEC football game so they have to grow up fast.

“But if we can stay healthy with the 1’s, then you start to fell good about your depth because they will get their time to slowly develop and not be forced to be the starter at the other positions.”

BIG QUESTION MARK For his players, that improvement must be shown daily from now until the opening of fall training camp (August 4th) in order for those goals to be reached.

“To me I guess it’s very simple,” said Mullen.

“You’re never going to reach your goals or expectations if we don’t improve on a daily basis as a team, if we don’t take little baby steps.”

Of course, the margin for error is oh-so-thin in the talent-laden SEC. The Bulldogs only defeated one SEC West team last year (Ole Miss) but of course, Auburn, Alabama, LSU and Arkansas all finished ranked among the nation’s Top 15 teams.

Yet if Mullen sees improvement from the 2010 campaign then he considers it a “positive season”.

“If we are improved as a football team next year from where we were last year, that’s a positive season,” Mullen said. “Now our goal on the season is to find a way to win the West and get to Atlanta because that’s what we can control. You really can’t control anything beyond that. We’ll go with trying to win the West and whatever other rewards come for us from that point, we will just go from there. ìAnd if we are improved as a football team next year from where we were last year, thatís a positive season. Now our goal on the season is to find a way to win the West and get to Atlanta, because thatís what we can control. You canít really control anything beyond that. Weíll

go with trying to win the West and whatever other rewards come for us from that point weíll go from there.î TEAM ATTITUDE With spring ball now in the past, Mullen and his assistant coaches turn over the reigns to the strength coaches. And having strength coach Matt Balis take over the team until August 4th puts Mullen’s mind somewhat at ease.

“Well, I tell people the hierarchy in the coaching staff is I’m one and he’s two,” said Mullen of Balis. “To me that is the hierarchy of this program, how decisions are made, who people report to, how the program is run.

“You have to have somebody in that position that you trust. I’d trust Matt Balis with anything that I possess or own. I’d have no issue with him overseeing it. That’s why it makes summer, I guess, a little bit easier knowing he’s in charge of this team.”

And Mullen wants to see that steady development this summer that he witnessed in the spring.

“A lot of it is on them now,” said Mullen.

“That’s the hardest part and we can’t be around them until August and that’s where some of your maturity and leadership has to step up.

How hard they’re able to push themselves until August will really determine our season. If we take some good strides forward between now and then, I think we’ll have a great year.

“It’s going to be a little step every single day for us to achieve our goals. That’s the mindset our players have to attack the summer with.”

INJURY REPORT The summer should also give some injured guys time to heal off the field. Jackson and safety Nickoe Whitley both suffered minor injuries this spring but are expected to be 100 percent for summer workouts. And Smith, who had offseason shoulder surgery, is also expected to join his teammates in summer workouts at or near 100 percent.

But the Bulldogs will be without redshirt freshman tailback Nick Griffin, who tore his ACL late in spring practice. According to Mullen, the target date for Griffin’s return is no later than October 1st.

3 PLAYERS TO WATCH It goes without saying in the SEC but a strong running game goes a long way towards success.

And as Ballard and Relf go, so will the Bulldogs’ offense. But with his improved passing, Relf will obviously play a key role in balancing the offensive attack and he has an improved and deep roster of receivers to work with this fall.

Defensively, Cox is the man to watch in 2011 and with the loss of McPhee, he will also tackle the new-found role of leadership. Entering his third year in the program, Cox faces the new role of being dominant up front and also rallying the troops when needed. - MSM MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 19

2 011 M S M S P R I N G P R A CT I C E R E V I E W

OLE MISS REBELS SPRING GRADE 2011 Schedule Sep. 3 Sep. 10 Sep. 17 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

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BYU Southern Illinois at Vanderbilt Georgia at Fresno State OPEN DATE Alabama Arkansas at Auburn at Kentucky Louisiana Tech LSU at Mississippi State

By John Davis The Oxford Eagle

O

le Miss head football coach Houston Nutt had to some important questions to answer this spring. The most important of them all was who was going to be the Rebels’ new starter at quarterback with last year’s starter, Jeremiah Masoli, departing? The other important question came late in the spring when starting linebacker D.T. Shackelford was lost with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Is there anybody on this roster that can make up for Shackelford’s leadership?

Answers to both questions remain open heading into summer practice and Nutt talked about both issues, as well as several others, after the annual Grove Bowl.

Offensive buzz Nutt’s first question about who would start at quarterback was answered partially by the emergence of junior college transfer Randall Mackey, who performed well in his first spring practice setting. Mackey, who redshirted last year to get a better feel of the offense and work on his speech impediment, showed

20 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

Photo by Greg Pevey, Mississippi Sports Magazine

pressure mounting?

Houston Nutt is looking to prove that a 4-8 season in 2010 was just a fluke. Nutt made staff changes in the off-season and fans are looking for immediate results from those hires as well as a complete turnaround in the play of Tyrone Nix’s defense.

a great ability to extend plays like Nutt wants with his legs.

Mackey’s arm has never been questioned, but his ability to communicate effectively made some wonder if he could be a starter in the Southeastern Conference. Most of those concerns have been answered, Nutt said this spring, and its obvious both Nutt and offensive coordinator David Lee have seen improvement from Mackey.

Two other quarterbacks, sophomore Barry Brunetti and junior Zack Stoudt, both had their moments in the spring and should still factor into the final decision on who starts in the fall. Brunetti looked much improved in the spring game and Lee said he was the signal caller that improved the most during the spring. The big unknown regarding his future is will he obtain a waiver to play this year after transferring in from West Virginia?

“It’s pretty close,” Nutt said about the starting QB race. “Randall takes your breath away because he is so elusive and he has a strong arm and is so accurate. Brunetti started out slow and then he came on.

He’s a playmaker. He makes some bad decisions, but he makes plays. “Zack Stoudt is

a guy that has a rocket arm and is very, very accurate. He doesn’t have the running ability of the other two but he is a very, very good quarterback. These are the best three that I’ve had at one time as far as on a team and that’s really good.”

Defensive buzz Every position on the defense was a concern heading into the spring, but there were some areas that were stronger than others and less strong areas that showed improvement. Losing Shackelford will hurt the linebacking unit as a whole, but Nutt and defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix both thought incoming freshman C.J. Johnson would help bolster the depth.

Nutt said he thought the defense got better as a whole, but there is still a long way to go for a group that gave up 30.6 points per game.

The biggest issue is how does the unit, and team, deal with losing Shackelford, who was a difference maker for the Rebels, both on and off the field, and somebody Nutt raved about from before the spring started.

“We picked the right one for the Chucky Mullins Award. There is no question in my

Senior Running Back, Brandon Bolden Photo by Greg Pevey, Mississippi Sports Magazine

mind,” Nutt said. “D.T.’s injury caused a chain reaction for some other guys to say ‘I got to step up.’ The very next day, Jason Jones, Brandon Bolden, Bradley Sowell, I could see these guys try to take over his spot and that’s what we’ve been trying to do since January. We’re looking for leaders, for guys to say ‘hey, follow me.’ You don’t have to be a cheerleader every play, I’m not saying that. You have to earn it and it has to be credible. H.R. Greer and Ferbia Allen have said more than I ever heard them say to their teammates.”

Position to Watch If there is one position to watch heading into the fall drills it is at cornerback where Nutt said the unit is still very thin. Charles Sawyer is the only returning corner that went through spring. Sawyer tied for the team lead with two interceptions last year and outside of him and senior Marcus Temple, the Rebels will rely on several unknowns to add depth and possibly start.

“There are a couple of positions that we don’t have the luxury of depth. One of those spots is at corner. I thought Charles Sawyer really got better this spring. Cliff Coleman got better this spring,” Nutt said. “I wish Marcus Temple was out there this spring but he wasn’t due to sports hernia surgery. But he’ll be back and that will be good.”

Nutt did like the way new corners coach, Keith Burns, taught the young group and the progress some of those newcomers made.

“Keith Burns has been a coordinator with me before and his enthusiasm, his confidence building, his technique has just been outstanding.

Cliff Coleman, a guy I wasn’t really think-

ing that much about, has really improved,” Nutt said. ‘Vincent Moss, who is really just a journeyman, is the fastest guy on our team and he’s going to do some things on our team, whether that’s be a boundary corner or cover kicks. He’s gotten better. He brings everybody else to a different level.”

Big Question Mark Nowhere will Ole Miss likely play as many freshmen next year as they do at freshman, where three standouts from the state of Mississippi were signed to help bolster a position that is still lacking a defined playmaker.

Junior Melvin Harris and sophomore JaMes Logan are the two leading wide receivers back on the team — senior running back Brandon Bolden actually led the Rebels with 32 catches in 2010 — with 30 and 29 catches respectively. Nutt said following the spring that he felt like several of the newcomers would help the unit regain some stability and ultimately improve the depth, but can one of them actually be a dependable first option?

“The thing that still concerns me is you’re still building, you’re still trying to get these things in position. We’re still very, very thin at wide receiver. That’s why we signed the wideouts that we did,” Nutt said. “We’re going to ask some freshmen to come in here and get ready to go. I can’t wait for Coach (Gunter) Brewer to get these influx of receivers in because he will be able to make them better.”

Team attitude The main thing Nutt saw from his team, once the spring semester started and team was able to start going through workouts with the strength staff, was a better overall work ethic.

“I was very proud of our group. Let’s go back to January from square one. We told them this was going to be most difficult, offseason winter they ever experienced and that was true. We wanted the investment, we wanted the sacrifice and we wanted to get tougher, we wanted to get stronger. For the most part I thought we did,” Nutt said. ‘There are some names out there that we didn’t know much about.

(Linebacker) Ralph Williams comes to mind, a guy like (cornerback) Vincent Moss, (safety) Ivan Nicholas. I really feel like everyone of our junior college guys is going to help us. That’s exciting and that’s why you recruit that guy that’s a little big and older.”

Something different that appears to have helped the team’s attitude is Nutt showing up in team meetings now that he’s not calling the plays and spending almost all of his time with the offense.

“When you’re calling plays, you go try and spend time with them during the individual workouts but now it’s different,” Nutt said.

“I’m pretty much there all of the time. I can go sit in the linebackers meeting or the secondary meeting. I think it’s something to it.

The players see Coach Nutt’s in here and he’s putting emphasis on the punt team or the kickoff team. It’s good.”

Injury Report Outside of Shackelford, who was expected to miss up to eight months after his ACL surgery, Nutt was expecting every injured player to return to the lineup. There were a number of defensive players who missed action this spring, including starting free safety Damien Jackson and projected defensive tackle starters Carlton Martin and Bryon Bennett. Kentrell Lockett, who was awarded a sixth year of eligibility, also missed the spring, but his rehab from a torn ACL was progressing well.

“We need to get Carlton Martin back from a concussion, (DE) Wayne Dorsey back from a concussion, Kentrell Lockett just keep him going. He’s been showing good progress and working hard. Damien Jackson should be fine. Other than D.T., I expect everybody to be ready to go,” Nutt said.

3 Players to Watch Bolden, Sowell and Lockett are the Rebels who have seen the most action and experienced the most over the last three years. All of them will be counted on to lead the group, especially Bolden and Sowell, who are the two most healthy of the trio. Bolden has the potential to be an All-Southeastern Conference performer and his 976-yard, 14-touchdown performance last year is only expected to increase. Sowell will also be promoted to make the preseason All-SEC team and his leadership will be counted on heavily now with Shackelford likely out of the mix. - MSM MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 21

2 011 M S M S P R I N G P R A CT I C E R E V I E W

SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES SPRING GRADE 2011 Schedule Sep. 3 Sep. 10 Sep. 17 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

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Photo by Greg Pevey, Mississippi Sports Magazine

Louisiana Tech at Marshall SE Louisiana at Virginia Rice at Navy OPEN DATE SMU at UTEP at East Carolina UCF at UAB Memphis

By Lanny Mixon BigGoldNation.com

O

ne would be hard pressed to recall a time in which expectations were higher headed into a season for Southern Miss football than the 2011 season. Southern Miss head coach Larry Fedora and his staff have just wrapped up their forth spring in Hattiesburg and all the pieces seem to be falling into place for a break-out season.

A year ago the stars seemed to be aligned as well, but a porous Southern Miss defense, a rash of injuries and just some plain bad luck sidelined the Eagles to a 8-5 record including a disappointing loss to Louisville in the Beef O’Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl.

Having just finished what could be the most important spring in the Fedora Era, the Eagles are in high spirits and eager to hit the summer strength and conditioning program.

Offensive Buzz As expected the Southern Miss offense was hitting on all cylinders throughout the spring.

As well it should with an experienced four year starter at the helm. Senior quarterback

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better than brett?

Austin Davis is anticipating another outstanding season in 2011. Davis has broken several of Brett Favres records and statistically could become the best QB ever at USM after his Senior campaign this Fall.

Austin Davis has manned the Fedora offense since the Texas gunslinger brought his highpowered, up-tempo spread to the Gulf South.

As a junior Davis complete just shy of 63% of his passes for 3,103 yards for 20 touchdowns against only six interceptions. He also rushed for more than 600 yards on the ground and 10 scores.

Davis was deadly accurate in all three of the Eagles full scale scrimmages and managed the offense as you would expect from a field general with as many skins as Davis has on the wall. But, Davis has also taken a greater role as a mentor for the young quarterbacks.

This spring he was much more willing to talk about his young position mates than himself.

“They are both good athletes,” he said of

sophomore Chris Campbell and freshman Arsenio Favor. “Both can really throw the football, but they can also run, both probably have a step on me. I don’t think you’re going to see this staff recruit a player at this position that can’t move at least a little bit.”

The Eagles look to have the deepest running back corp in C-USA and one of the best in the country.

The running back stable includes talented returners in sophomore Kendrick Hardy, juniors Desmond Johnson and Tracy Lampley.

Sophomore Jeremy Hester saw limited action a year ago, mostly on special teams.

Despite a slow start Hardy had a break-out year in 2010. He started the season at number four on the depth chart but was the feature back mid-way through the season. He fin-

ished the year with 903 yards on 139 attempts for a 6.5 yard average. He notched seven rushing touchdowns.

Johnson returns after a productive year which saw him rush for 611 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He also pulled down 27 receptions for 172 yards and a score.

Tracy Lampley returns but will see more time at receiver than running back as a junior.

The big surprise of the spring was the emergence of freshman Jamal Woodyard. Woodyard a powerfully built 5-foot-8, 200-pounder made the most of an opportunity.

Hardy missed much of the spring nursing a gimpy hamstring, and this cracked the door open for the talented freshman. That’s all he needed as he kicked the door open and announced that he’s ready for some carries.

Woodyard averaged more than 100 yards in each of the three full scrimmages of the spring including a 10 carry 111 yard effort that included a score.

“He’s got a knack for making guys miss,” Fedora said of Woodyard. “It does remind you of (Damian) Fletcher. He’s also shown he can put the ball in the endzone. We’re expecting big things from him.”

The receiver corp is a combination of experienced vets and talented youngsters that seem to be growing into their respected positions. Kelvin Bolden and Quintin Pierce give the Eagles a pair of quality pass catchers that can stretch the field. Converted quarterback Dominique Sullivan could be a candidate for a break-out season.

Tight-end will be an issue with limited depth with only Ryan Hanks and Ross Smith returning, but the Eagles have a couple of candidates for that will be on campus this summer.

Defensive Buzz The buzz on the defense surrounds new coordinator Dan Disch and his new 4-2-5 defense. A season ago the Eagles had one of the worst statistical defenses in the country that was routinely shredded by C-USA’s high power offenses.

Disch hopes that will be a thing of the past and while he may not have the exact personnel he wants for the new defensive scheme, he dose have some talent.

That talent starts up front with the leagues best returning linebacker corp. Anchored by stalwart middle backer Korey Willams the Eagles are deep and talented especially when they’ll be lined up in the 4-2.

Williams missed the spring recovering from a couple of minor surgeries that will allow him to enter a season completely healthy for the first time since his freshman year.

The time off gave Williams a chance to heal and take on a mentor role. He could be seen pulling young backers aside throughout the spring giving pointers and serving as the head

cheerleader for the squad.

“I’m not worried about Korey at all,” Fedora said. “It really gave these young guys a chance to get a lot of reps, which is going to help us build depth at the linebacker position.”

Jamie Collins stepped forward and took the Bandit position, which is a hybrid DE/OLB position that is a big part of Disch’s 4-2 system Collins has all the physical skills and football savvy to handle the new responsibilities.

Ronnie Thornton will also return at linebacker after an solid season a year ago. Allen Howze, Justin Penn and Ta’Dren Kennedy all got in quality work this spring. Tim Green was able to get in some work but wasn’t close to being 100%. Green is recovering from being shot in the neck outside a Hattiesburg night club this past November.

“I feel great,” Green said. “I’m getting my legs back under me. I’ve been working out.

We’ve been doing everything everyone else has just a little slower.”

The Eagles were serviceable at defensive line this spring after the graduation of several key players from last year’s squad.

Terrance Pope and Khyri Thornton return to anchor the defensive interior while Cordarro Law, Octavious Thomas, Logan Hickman and Andrew Burns saw extensive time at defensive end a year ago. Deddrick Jones will be back but was still recovering from a wound he received during the same incident that injured Green.

The line was a weakness a year ago, but the players believe that the new scheme will give them the opportunity to be more successful in 2011.

The defensive secondary is deep and experienced, but was one of the weakest against the past in program history. This is the group that the coaching change may benefit the most.

The 4-2-5, will feature a five defensive back base to counter the four and five receiver sets that the Eagles will see weekly in league play.

The unit will feature a Spur backer, which is a hybrid OLB/SS position. Sophomore Jerrion Johnson stepped forward in the spring and claimed the position.

At 6-foot-1 and more than 200-pounds Johnson has the cover skills needed for the spur and the size and physicality to step up and support the run defense.

The Eagles have a number of corner backs that are expected to continue competing for playing time, including Alex Walters, Deron Wilson, Clifford Johnson, Furious Bradley and Marquese Wheaton.

The Big Question Marks The Southern Miss offense didn’t enter the season with many questions at all, but with the loss of the heart of the interior line, the Eagles needed players to step up.

If what they showed in the spring, Coach Chris Kapilovic’s offensive line is deep and talented. Maybe one of the best two deep offensive lines the Eagles have fielded in more than a decade. Austin Quattrochi looks to have the offensive center position locked down. A heady player with a good feel of playing line he saw time at center and guard a year ago and is battle tested. Joe Duhon looks to have nailed down the left guard while Ed Preston and Taylor Preston still have a heated battle going on at right guard. The Eagles are more than two deep at the tackle positions with Lamar Holmes, Thomas Edenfield, Jason Weaver and JUCO transfer Vincent Brown.

On the defensive side of the ball the burning question is how will the unit transition from a traditional 4-3 defense into Disch’s 4-2-5?

It’s a work in progress but the players seem to be very receptive to the changes. Real answers to this question won’t be realized until sometimes in the season.

Team Attitude It’s a tale of two sides of the ball, but make no mistakes this may be the most fun a Southern Miss football team has had in spring practice in the Fedora Era. “They were flying around out there all spring,” Fedora said. “It’s good to see the intensity. We need that to get better.”

The offense the much more established unit approached the spring in a business like manner and got their work done everyday.

The defense wasn’t always sure what they were doing or where they were going, but they were full speed all spring and that’s a good sign.

Injury Report Senior linebacker Korey Williams has held out of spring but is expected to be full speed for summer workouts. Sophomore running back Kendrick Hardy was slowed with a hamstring injury but will be full speed for summer workouts as well.

Key defensive players Tim Green and Deddrick Jones are expected to be full speed when two-a-days begin in late summer.

Three Players to Watch On the defensive side of the ball the staff is asking a lot of the starters at their hybrid positions. Bandit Jamie Collins and Spur backer Jerrion Johnson have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders this coming year and each will play a huge role if the Eagles make the big strides on defense that the coaches expect and the fans are demanding.

On the offensive side of the ball Jamal Woodyard got most of the press in the spring and rightly so, but being in a stable with so many good backs it’ll be heard for him to break out. But, if he does, he’ll be destined for something special. - MSM MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 23

>>> MSM | IN THE PROS

Big Al Al Jefferson craves attention for all the right reasons

By Tonya Huffman Contributing Writer Photos courtesy Utah Jazz

W

hen people hear the name “Big Al”, what often comes to mind is Bill Cosby’s television gang of animated characters hanging out with their calm leader Fat Albert. And while NBA’s “Big Al”, Al Jefferson, is definitely an animated character, he is also a real life leader who is big in terms 24 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

of popularity and politeness, energized, and who craves attention.

“Al was very mischievous and he loved attention,” said his uncle, Dr. Ceroy Jefferson.

“He would do whatever it took to get people to notice him. He loved being the center of attention. And with that mindset, it got him in some trouble.” Luckily, his mindset did not keep him in trouble, for his energy level and craving to be in the spotlight was redirected in a different light the minute he developed his height. But before he stood tall, he came from humble beginnings in a town just 500 people short of 2,000.

Al Ricardo Jefferson was born on January 4, 1985 in Monticello, Mississippi. He spent his childhood in the small nearby town of Prentiss, complete with a population of just 1,500. The Jefferson family was a staple of the Progress community, a close-knit, predominantly Black section of Prentiss, a place where everyone was familiar with each other and felt comfortable in the neighborhood. “Everybody knows everybody.” It’s a country town, a relaxing town,” said Al. While Al’s mother worked as an assistant teacher in Prentice Elementary School, Al’s father was killed in a work-related accident when he was very young, leaving him without the guidance and discipline a father figure provides.

“I was not old enough to remember my father when he passed away. My family members stepped up to fill the void,” said Al. But Al got through the tough time and survived, for in addition to his mother, he had a strong support system around him including his grandmother, Gladys Jefferson, who lived on the same property as Al and his mother.

“My grandmother and I used to get up very early, and she did the laundry and cooked, while I played basketball until it got too hot to be outdoors. My grandmother is one special

lady,” said Al. Moreover, several other family members lived in the nearby town of Progress.

“It was cool having my family members around for support and togetherness. This is especially true during the holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas because I visited everyone’s house and ate,” said Al, reminiscing with a smile and laugh.

But of course, even with the utmost support, no one could take the place of Al’s father, and not having a father in Al’s life allowed him to congregate towards trouble as a boy. But as Al became a teenager, got settled in middle school, and had an incredible growth spurt, which sprouted him into a 6’4” eighth grader, his craving for attention deviated from trouble and steered towards the basketball court. Al’s uncle Dr. Ceroy Jefferson was a standout basketball player who earned a scholarship in the early 1970s to play for the University of Southern Mississippi, now

known as Pearl River Community College.

He nurtured Al on playing basketball, helping him learn the game, the art of playing various positions and the mastery of his technique.

Basically, he was a role model who had high standards. “Everyone looked up to my uncle.

He was always the head of the family and he still is. He made sure that everyone was taken care of. When it came to basketball, he made sure that everyone played to impress him,” said Al. The youngster’s enthusiasm for the sport, along with his incredible size, became impossible to ignore. Entering Prentiss High School in ninth grade Al stood 6’8”, donned his #25 jersey, and started as a freshman for the varsity squad. In addition to his height enhancing his game, it was evident that he possessed superior athletic ability. But it was in his junior season where he became one of the most elite players in the country. The

Prentiss High School basketball team, home of the Bulldogs, was growing, and center Al was its premier player.

When the playoffs began during Al’s 20022003 season, he took his team on his shoulders and willed them all the way to the Mississippi 3A State Championship Final. Al averaged 44 points over the Bulldogs’ three-game run and was the driving force behind capturing the 3A crown at the Coliseum, the location that hosted games. In spite of Al’s tremendous basketball performances, Al viewed the championship as a team accomplishment, where Together Everyone Achieves More. “At the end of the season, we all stepped out as a team. Once I got my feet wet at the Coliseum, every game it seemed like we got better. Once we clicked, I knew we’d win,” said Al. Al’s attitude of “there’s no I in team” came as no surprise to those closest to the polite young man, for the budding star never allowed his increasing popularity to go to his head. Inheriting his father’s moniker, and known for his politeness and big heart, Al was often referred to as “Big Al”. “Sometimes, the only time you know Al’s there is if you see him,” said Prentiss High School assistant principal Willie Armstrong when Al was a student. “He’s a good kid. I wish we had more Al Jeffersons walking around.”

Following Big Al’s dream junior season, he was given the opportunity to play for the US Junior National Team, an honor bestowed to only the nation’s top high school players. But the now 6’10” phenom had to turn down the offer thousands of students across the country dream of because he had already committed to play for a local AAU Team, the Jackson Tigers. And while Big Al possessed freakish athletic ability and an NBA-ready body frame, his humility and loyalty showed what kind of person teams at the next levels were hoping to acquire.

Big Al narrowed down his top college choices to LSU, Mississippi State, and Arkansas. As a junior, he scheduled visits with all three schools, with Arkansas the first on the docket. “Arkansas was the first campus we visited, and it was very impressive. Al wanted to go to a university program that was rebuilding, and that was a strong drawing card. The facilities there were unbelievable, the campus was unbelievable, and they have an academic counselor who travels with the team, and he makes sure that even when they’re on the road, that their work gets done,” said Al’s uncle Dr. Jefferson.

One visit to Arkansas was all it took for Al to be hooked. “On the way back, Al told me, ‘my mind’s made up. That’s where I want to go.’

And he canceled his other two visits,” said Dr. Jefferson. With Big Al’s mind made up to join the Razorbacks following his graduation next year, he received an invitation at the end of summer to attend the great Michael Jordan’s MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 25

basketball camp in California. At the end of the camp, Jordan divided the campers up into two squads for a pickup game, and Al had the good fortune on being on No. 23’s side. Big Al recalls a moment playing with Jordan that he’d never forget.

“Michael told me the play before. He said, ‘Big man, run the floor and I’ll feed you.’

About the time I got down the court, the ball was coming for me,” said Al. The result was a ferocious alley-hoop dunk, off a feed from His Airness. “Twenty years from now, I can tell my children about it,” said Al about playing with Jordan. The experience not only raised excitement, but it also raised more questions.

Did it prove that Big Al was ready to play with the big boys in the NBA, or should he choose to transition from high school to college? Pro scouts from virtually every NBA organization made the pilgrimage to Prentiss to pay attention to Big Al torch opponents as a high school senior. He didn’t disappoint, but rather dominated his competition.

As a senior playing with the Bulldogs, he averaged per game 42.6 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Big Al earned a spot in the McDonald’s All-American game, as well as AllAmerican nods from Parade and USA Today.

He was also named a finalist for the Naismith Award and was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Mississippi. Big Al was humbled and happy to earn these accolades and honors, and motivated to excel further. “I was happy to earn these accolades and also humbled, because as easy as success comes, it can also flee so easily. Getting these honors was exciting and a blessing, and it made me even hungrier,” said Al. As Big Al averaged 44 points over the course of his decorated high school career, he proved that he was ready to take his game to the next level at college. But after consulting with friends and family, Big Al decided to forego his scholarship to Arkansas and pursue his dreams by entering the NBA Draft.

“When the opportunity was presented to me to do what I love to do professionally, and to make enough to take care of my family and myself, I had to take it. Many pro basketball players forewent college to join the NBA, so if they could do it, then I knew I could do it too. But education is important, for I come from a family of educators, as my mom worked in education, my sister is going into education, and my uncle Dr. Ceroy Jefferson earned his doctorate in education and served as a superintendent. And I have taken some classes online, so education is a huge part of the Jefferson family,” said Al. Big Al and the remaining Jefferson clan made the journey to the Big Apple in full force for draft day in June of 2004, and with good reason. Al received a commitment from the Miami Heat that they would select him if he fell as far as the 19th pick, so he had the comfort of knowing he’d be a first26 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

round selection. But as the first round wore on, nervousness began to creep in. Following over an hour of waiting, the Celtics’ general manager, phoned Al’s agent to tell him that Boston would select him with the next pick.

When NBA commissioner David Stern called Al’s name as the 15th pick, the Jefferson family rejoiced, as did Al, but not before a long wait. “Sitting there kept me on the edge of my seat. The prolonged waiting had wore out its welcome,” joked Al. “When I finally got drafted, it was great to finally have my direction unveiled. My family and I rejoiced.”

Big Al was thrilled at the opportunity to be playing alongside players he’d grown up idolizing, and thrilled that his dream of joining the NBA came true. He is also grateful that the Celtics gave him his initial chance to prove himself in the NBA. “Boston gave me my first opportunity. They believed in me,” said Al. Big Al was happy as a lark, but knew he’d have to buckle down and get serious to make his mark. “So they called my name. Now it’s time to prove myself—that I’m a man in this league,” said Al recalling the realization of what it would take to stay in the NBA. Big Al was the first high school player ever

to be drafted by the storied Boston Celtics, and that carried a boatload of expectations.

Big Al was definitely under the radar as he drew attention. But from the moment the now power forward arrived in training camp, he proved to be up to the task as he donned his #8 jersey and graced basketball fans with his presence. Big Al studied the veterans’ every move, and put his ferocious work ethic on display day in and day out. For the second half of his rookie season, he donned the jersey #7, and the results on the court were solid for the 19-year-old rookie. Big Al posted solid numbers throughout his rookie 20042005 season, for playing in 71 games with 1 start, he averaged per game 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.8 minutes. As the season progressed, the Celtics earned a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and in game six, Big Al was thrust into a crunch-time situation. The game versus the Indiana Pacers had gone into overtime, and the team’s veteran star player got ejected. Big Al skied for the opening tip and won it to start the overtime, and seconds later, he scored on a lay-up to give Boston a lead they’d hold on to for good. In 7 playoff games, Big Al averaged

per game 6.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in 19.3 minutes. Although the Eastern Conference playoffs is as far as Boston made it this season, it was no surprise that Big Al’s performance foreshadowed that a future star was developing in Boston. “Overall, I am pleased with my performance as a rookie. As a rookie, I came in with an open mind and said to myself that I am going to do the best that I can. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, and everything has been a learning process,” said Al. Going into the professional league, Big Al knew his obvious strength, but had to discover his subtle strength and hence, prove his staying power as a pro. “I knew I could score.

But the team needed someone who could rebound. I said to myself that I was going to rebound, and I did. I had to earn my way into the league,” said Al. A productive rookie season yielded heightened expectations from both fans and the Celtics Nation for Big Al’s sophomore campaign. It left something to be desired, however, as Big Al was limited to just playing in 59 games after suffering a series of ankle injuries and a torn meniscus in his right knee. He attempted a comeback in the second-half of the 2005-2006 season, but

was put back on the shelf after just 12 games.

Playing in 59 games with 7 starts, during the 2005-2006 season, Big Al averaged per game 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.0 minutes.

The excruciating pain that Big Al endured was a lot to bear, and fans perceived Al’s inability to bounce back and explode on the court as a lack of toughness. “People didn’t really understand how much it hurt,” said Al said of his ankle. Over the summer, Big Al used all the criticism being thrown his way as motivation to soon return to training camp in the best shape of his life. He hired a personal chef during the off-season and lost about 30 pounds, rounding out to 255 pounds with his body fat below 8%. Big Al now had the body of a Greek statue and seemed ready to get his hoop mojo back. But after participating in the Las Vegas Summer League, Big Al still experienced lingering pain, and a CAT scan revealed bone spurs in the ankle, a condition that only surgery could treat.

On August 2, 2006, Big Al underwent ankle surgery to remove the bone spurs. Of course, when it rains, it pours, and on November 8, 2006 assisted by the Celtics team physician, an emergency appendectomy sidelined him after the first four games of the season, causing him to miss the next seven games. On November 23, 2006, Big Al returned to the lineup for good, and the result was the coming out party for the NBA’s next great big man. “People truly didn’t realize just how hurt I was. But it was a load off of my back once I finally healed. It was a great feeling. In returning to the lineup for good, I proved myself as a player in this league,” said Al. Already averaging higher totals in points and rebounds during the 2006-2007 season, Big Al was placed in the starting lineup following injuries to three post players. With increased minutes came increased production, and Big Al made his presence felt night in and night out. During the season, Big Al played over three games where he scored more than 20 points a game a night, and he averaged a double double. Playing in 69 games with 60 starts throughout the 2006-2007 season, Big Al averaged per game 16.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 33.6 minutes.

On March 5, Big Al was named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week from the week of February 26 through March 4.

It’s no question that Big Al has solidified himself as a rising star, but the Celtics as a team needed restructuring. On July 31, 2007, it was official that Big Al was traded along with a few teammates to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett. The trade was a bit of an adjustment for Big Al, but he realizes that it comes with the territory and can actually be flattering. “I was sad, because people in Boston were like family to me. I’m the type of guy, if I’m committed somewhere, I put everything into it. My heart. My soul,”

said Al. “For the Wolves general manager to say, ‘Okay, I’ll trade Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson,’ that was big-time for me.”

The Wolves did their best to make Big Al feel welcome, offering him a five-year, $65 million contract extension. In actuality, Big Al could have and was advised by his agent to wait until next summer to sign a contract extension, hoping that a big season and his status as a restricted free agent would have brought the 22-year old power forward the highest contract allowable under league rules.

Big Al passed on taking his agent’s advice and signed the contract that Minnesota offered him, accomplishing his goal of what he wanted to make from Day 1. In an era of “Show me the money!” and “bling bling,” Big Al’s reason for ignoring his agent’s advice was stunningly humble and grabbed attention of many opponents of his decision.

“I didn’t think I was worth max money this year anyway,” said Al. “I would’ve been a fool to go up there and ask for max, having not really proved myself for that. So the number I got was the number that was my goal from Day 1.

And I think it was a win, win situation.” The Timberwolves’ general manager envisioned Big Al as a franchise cornerstone, a player they could build their young team around. And Big Al certainly didn’t disappoint as the now center donned a #25 jersey. In Big Al’s first 2007-2008 season with the Timberwolves, he became the team’s scoring leader. Big Al posted his career high 40 points versus the New Jersey Nets on January 27, 2008, and repeated such an impressive performance on April 8, 2008 against the Charlotte Bobcats.

In January 2008, Big Al won Western Conference Player of the Week honors after averaging 33.3 points and 15.3 rebounds and leading the Timberwolves to a 3–1 record from January 21 to January 27. Earning every dollar of his new contract, he played in and started all 82 games, averaged 35.6 minutes, and posted impressive numbers, establishing himself as a premier low post player and one of the brightest young stars in basketball.

Throughout the 2007-2008 season, Big Al’s name was plastered all over the league leaderboards, finishing fifth in rebounding with 11.1 per game, second in offensive rebounds with 3.8 per game, third in doubledoubles, and 20th in the NBA in points per game with 21.0, while shooting .500 from the field. Big Al defined himself as one of the premier big men in the NBA by being only one of four players to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Wolves had found their go-to guy, and a floor leader who has welcomed the challenge of leading a young, rebuilding team, a man deserving of all positive attention. “I don’t necessarily think this is my team,” said Al, “but I’m the one who has to set the example. I’m ready for that.”

During the 2008-2009 season, Big Al was MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 27

having a career best, averaging per game 23.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 36.7 minutes playing and starting the first 50 games of the season until another injury put his playing days on hiatus. He suffered a serious right knee injury after landing awkwardly on one leg in a game at New Orleans. Big Al said that he felt a pop in his knee, and the injury resulted in a complete ACL tear, which required reconstructive surgery that cut his season short. And prior to Big Al’s injury, many NBA experts felt that he was more than deserving of a spot on the 2008-2009 All-Star team. But looking at the Wolves progress, the Wolves were 17-33 and showing signs of improvement, but with Big Al out, they went 7-25 over their remaining games and once again, were a lottery team. But as many sports analysts have said, Al Jefferson who clearly stood out, had finally helped the franchise turn the corner in the post-Kevin Garnett era.

During the 2009-2010 season, Big Al had recovered and was back to business on the court as usual. On a December 19, 2009 game, he grabbed his 3,000th career rebound against New Orleans. Throughout the season, on twenty-seven occasions, he totaled 35 double doubles, and scored 20 or more points, and thirty seven times, he recorded 10 or more rebounds. On January 13, 2010, Big Al recorded 26 rebounds in a triple overtime loss versus the Houston Rockets. Playing in and starting 76 games, Big Al finished the 20092010 season averaging per game 17.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 32.4 minutes. At 24 years of age, Big Al had a bright future in the NBA, and on July 13, 2010, he was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz.

Big Al couldn’t have been happier, for while he enjoyed his time in Minnesota, the chance to play with many members of the Utah Jazz team was a long-awaited gift. “I was really happy with the trade. As the Minnesota Timberwolves were rebuilding their team, and a new General Manager came on board, I knew that it was time to move on. I felt that it was time for a change. But while I was with the team, Minnesota was good to me. I feel like it’s my second home. Dually being happy with the trade, and yet, understanding what was best for the team and myself, Minnesota did not put me in a bad situation,” said Al. Big Al’s happiness shows and shines on the court, as he starts in virtually every game he plays and continues to post impressive numbers. During the 2010-2011 season, playing and starting 82 games, he averaged per game 18.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 35.9 minutes. In addition to posting big numbers, Big Al’s name is posted on the roster as one of 27 NBA players selected to the 2010-2012 USA Basketball Men’s National Team Program. Big Al is proud to have been selected. “I was very 28 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

excited and happy to be chosen. To be selected was an honor,” said Al. Playing basketball is Big Al’s gift to the world, and in Big Al’s eyesight, it is also the gift that keeps on giving. Big Al knows where he came from. In Jefferson Davis County, where Big Al was born, raised, and still resides for much of the basketball off season, poverty exists, for it is still the 2nd poorest county in the state of Mississippi. Changes in the local economy have left jobs scarce, and resources for children are difficult to come by. Big Al has paid attention to conditions in his hometown and knows that the people need help. So this is why he continues to give back.

For two consecutive summers, Big Al has conducted a free summer camp for the children of Prentiss, Mississippi as well as the neighboring communities. Boys and girls aged 6-18 have the opportunity to participate in the four day camp where they learn the fundamentals of basketball and are encouraged through sports. Camp participants receive a camp T-shirt, among other items authorized by Big Al himself. And Big Al’s NBA friends often stop by. And the culminating activity is an “Al Jefferson Family Fun Day” that often includes giant bouncers, food, and a good time for all, and then there is a music concert participants can attend. Big Al is proud to give back by hosting this annual activity camp and is happy with the yearly turnout.

“I am very excited about giving back to my community. Giving back is about being a role model who leads by example. I’ve never lead by talk. Over the course of my life, there

have been good people who have reached out to my teammates and I, and now I have the opportunity to give back. Rather than charge children to attend the camp, allowing them to attend for free of charge is truly giving back, and giving back is showing your community that you appreciate their support. I can go to sleep at night knowing that I’ve made a lot of children happy. You never know when the next Al Jefferson from Prentiss will come along,” said Al. The third annual summer camp for 2011 is upcoming, and information about it and about Big Al in general can be found on his website at www.aljefferson25.com. Big Al has also teamed up with schools to promote literacy, and he also partnered with the nonprofit organization Feed the Children to distribute food and personal care items to over 400 families in the Prentiss area. Big Al also joined several NBA and WNBA players in “Operation Rebound” to offer food and assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in his home state of Mississippi, and made a $25,000 donation to the Miami Dade College Foundation last off season to establish a scholarship endowment in honor of his late father. And he donated a basketball court to Prentiss High School, the place where as a young player, he made his start and name recognized.

So the next time you hear the name Big Al, pay attention; what should motivate you and make you smile is the real life animated character Big Al who craves attention, the ham who is a role model and remains under the microscope for all the right reasons. MSM

July 11-17, 2011 Annandale Golf Club Madison, MS

professional golf meets professional cooking.

Viking has even bigger and better plans for our fifth year hosting the PGA TOUR stop at Annandale Golf Club. Come celebrate the spectacle of world-class golf with celebrity chefs, culinary events, cooking classes, and, of course, fine food and wine. Visit vikingclassic.com or call the Tournament Office, 601-898-GOLF (4653) for more information.

MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 29

>>> MSM | MS GOLF

The Viking Classic:

A study in Longevity and Fortitude on the PGA Tour

By Nathan Crace Contributing Writer Photos courtesy Viking Classic

A

s PGA TOUR stops go, the Viking Classic at Annandale Country Club in Madison, Mississippi could benefit from a cooperative crossover and marketing partnership with U-Haul. That’s because no other current event feels like it has moved around on the TOUR’s calendar more than the Viking Classic. In fact, most would understand if the tournament developed a sense of paranoia; however, I think—just maybe—we should count our blessings. At a time when the LPGA TOUR is shedding events left and right and long-standing constants on the PGA TOUR like the Heritage (played at fabled at Harbour Town Golf Links since 1969) are scrambling for sponsors just to make sure they are still breathing next year, playing musical chairs with the calendar doesn’t seem like such a bad deal for the Viking Classic.

This year another change is afoot and the field may be markedly different than the last few years—the strength still remains to be seen— because it is once again opposite the Open Championship (what those of us on this side of the pond call the British Open). Sure the absolute best in the game will be overseas; but they will be just that….overseas. The rest of the talent pool will be stateside and hopefully looking for something to fill a week on their work schedule because the Viking will be in July and not at—or after—the end of the real money season on the TOUR. Changes on the calendar are nothing new to the Viking Classic the last decade or so; but back in its early days as the Magnolia 30 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

2010 Viking Classic Champion Bill Hass

dale Country Club in Madison, Mississippi (recently named the #1 overall course in Mississippi by Golf Digest) and the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic spent one more year there opposite the British Open. Deposit Guaranty remained the sponsor through 1998, but in 1999 Southern Farm Bureau Insurance hung their shingle over the door at Annandale and kept it there through 2006. Viking has been the event sponsor since 2007, the first year the Viking Classic became part of the new Fall Series on the PGA TOUR. The event has historically been an “alternate event” on the PGA TOUR because it was typically played opposite a major (either the Masters or the British Open) or a limited field tournament like the Ryder Cup (2008), the Presidents Cup (2007), or the Tour Championship. Conventional wisdom held that such placement on the TOUR calendar would attract the best of the world’s players not eligible for such limited field events like the Tour Championship where only 30 players qualified to play. Surely the rest of the guys would head to Mississippi. However, conventional wisdom didn’t count on the fact that the money race on the TOUR is generally wrapped up by that time so late in the season and the world’s best players not in the top 30 opted inState Classic, the fields had more consistency thanks to a schedule as regular as a bowl of bran flakes. You see, for the first 25 years the TOUR rolled into the Pine Belt and set up shop for the week at Hattiesburg Country Club the same week in April every years when all of the big names were playing at a little course in northeast Georgia. Although a 1999 full renovation changed Hattiesburg CC for the better (it was recently named the #6 rated course overall in Mississippi by Golf Digest), the original layout hosted the event from its inaugural playing in 1968 until 1993 when the tournament moved north—more on that in just a minute. And in those early years, there were a number of very talented players that played among the rolling pine tree-lined fairways. Players like Nick Faldo, Paul Azinger and other future hall-of-famers spent a week in April in Hattiesburg early in their careers because at the time they had not yet qualified for the Masters—that is, until 1994 when it moved to July opposite the British Open. Some notable winners early on included Craig Stadler, Roger Maltbie and the late Payne Stewart. In fact, Payne Stewart won his first official TOUR event at the Magnolia State Classic in Hattiesburg in 1982. A funny aside: Stewart stood on the 16th tee that year with a two stroke lead and calmly topped his drive on the par-4 like a twenty handicapper—barely rolling the ball past the ladies’ tee.

His reaction? He burst out in laughter…and finished the last three holes like a seasoned veteran for the win.

From 1968 until 1985, the event was known

SPECIAL GUESTS...

For the past several years the Viking Classic has brought more to the tournament than just golf. Special guests have included Emeril Lagasse (pictured here), Mississippi’s own Kat Cora, and Guy Fieri of the Food Network.

as the Magnolia State Classic before then new sponsor Deposit Guaranty Bank took over in 1986. However, in 1993, the TOUR and its new sponsor turned their collective eye northward up US Highway 49 toward Jackson in search of a larger market and more exposure. They landed at exclusive Annan-

stead to spend the week off at home winding down their season.

Finally, in 2009 the Viking Classic was set to be played for the first time ever without an opposing event on the TOUR schedule and was granted “official event” status with a large purse of $3.7 million and a first place check of MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE - 31

VIEW FROM ABOVE...

Truly Mississippi’s first world-class championship course, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Design blends challenge and enjoyment for golfers of all abilities. From the Seniors’ tee, the course is 5,888 yards in length, while from the tournament tees, it stretches to 7,177 yards.

$666,000 going to the winner. Mother Nature, however, had other plans. More than eighteen inches (yes, as in one-and-a-half feet) of rain came down in a just a couple of days and washed out the event. The course was deemed unplayable (like every other course would be if inundated with that much water for days on end) and the 2009 Viking Classic was cancelled and never rescheduled. The following year, the Viking Classic was played opposite the Ryder Cup again; but beginning in 2011 the Viking Classic will once again be a regular season event with the July week opposite the British Open.

Don’t let the movement on the TOUR’s calendar or the dates opposite the Majors fool you. There is a lot of talent on display every year at the Viking Classic. From last year’s US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin to one of this year’s hottest young players (2010 Viking champ Bill Haas), there will be more talent that you can shake a 7-iron at in Madison this July. In fact, most Mississippians may not realize what a great show they’re missing if they don’t spend at least one day roaming Annandale and following the action…as the TOUR likes to say, “These Guys Are Good.” Besides, Annandale is always in superb shape and the 32 - MISSISSIPPI SPORTS MAGAZINE

scoring is generally exciting (2004 winner Fred Funk won with a score of twenty-two (-22) under par. And like every TOUR event, the Viking Classic raises a lot of money for local charities, pumps a lot of money into the local economy, and brings the focus of a lot of people across the nation on the local area for one week every year.

So buy a few passed, take some friends or you kids, and see the PGA TOUR up close and personal. In a time when the economy has big name events scrambling for next year’s sponsor, we need to realize how lucky we are to have the Viking Classic in our back yards this July and actively support it. As a regular event yet again opposite the British Open, maybe we’ll see a different field this

year and into the future. And if the TOUR keeps it where it is for a while, maybe some bigger name players who don’t make the British Open will elect to come to Mississippi for a week. So much for that “Viking Classic presented by U-haul” idea I had…. - MSM Nathan Crace is a member of the Golf Writers’ Association of America and a Mississippi resident. You can read his writings online in his archives at www.lipouts.com and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lipouts. His forthcoming book, “LIPOUTS…the Best I Could Do From the First Two Years” will be available in paperback later this year. He appears in Mississippi Sports Magazine by special arrangement.

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