The 2008 version of the Holmes Community College Bulldog football team is experienced on the offensive side of the ball while the defensive side will be freshman-laden.
Sophomore quarterback Matt McCrory of Grenada returns at quarterback. McCrory finished the season with 887 yards passing on 72-of-158 attempts with nine touchdowns and nine. He also rushed the ball 48 times for 113 yards.
“The thing about Matt is that he grew up in a football family,” Robertson said. “He has a high football IQ. He’s very competitive. He knows how to get the job done.”
Other quarterbacks include Dex Hopkins of Richland (6-2, 215) and James Landry of Assumption, La. (6-5, 200).
“I’ve been really pleased with the quarterback situation,” Robertson said. “There is great competition out there. They’ve all done some great things.”
Joining McCrory in the backfield will be James Jackson of Brundidge, Ala., who finished Second Team All-State last season. He was the Bulldogs’ leading rusher with 446 yards on 96 attempts and six touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 55 yards. He led the Bulldogs in kickoff yardage with 415 yards on 12 returns and a touchdown.
“He’s really dangerous,” Robertson said. “He has a great combination of both speed and quickness. If he gets one on one, he’ll win that battle. People who have angles on him won’t even catch him.”
Returning receivers are Dandrick Weatherby of Kosciusko (6-2, 180) and Ronnie Tubbs of Yazoo City (6-2, 190). “Both of these guys are very athletic and can jump,” Robertson said. “Ronnie’s the faster of the two. Ronnie’s a deep threat and Dandrick is a possession receiver.”
Don Smith of Madison Central (5-6, 170) was expecting to be an offensive threat last season but had a knee injury and missed the season. “His knee looks like it’s fine,” Robertson said. “He hasn’t had any problems cutting/running. He would have started the first game.”
Sharing time at the slot is Chris Frison of Grenada (5-8, 185). Also at slot will be Jamarcus Jackson of Canton (5-11, 200).
At the super back position will be Harry Collins of McClain (5-5, 180). Backup will be T.J. Williams of Sebring, Fla. (5-11, 220). At receiver from East St. John Parish, La. is David Hampton (6-5, 205) and Simon Collier II of Canton (6, 180).
Returning offensive lineman include Chuck Williams of Ridgeland (6-2, 450, right guard); Aaron Williams of Madison Central (6-3, 260, right tackle); Chance White of Pelahatchie (6-0, 280, center); Greg Levison of Yazoo County (6-2, 315, left tackle); and Jerrell Young of Madison Central (6-1, 310, left guard).
Other Bulldogs battling for time on the offensive line include Ronald Weeks of J.Z. George (6-4, 320, left tackle); Demetrius Montgomery of Ackerman (6-3, 330, right tackle); Rufus Quinn of Grenada (6-4, 320, offensive lineman); Jeff Cooper of Heritage (6-2, 270, offensive lineman); Jamarious Beck of Ethel (6, 265, offensive lineman); Jack King of Madison-Ridgeland Academy (5-11, 250, offensive lineman); and Archie Kern of McAdams (offensive lineman).
Tight ends include JoJo Rushing of New Hope (6-1, 210) and Chris Sharpe of Kosciusko (6-2, 200).
“The last couple of years, we’ve been about 50-50 (run, pass),” Robertson said. “This year, I think we will be able to control the line of scrimmage more. Hopefully, we will not have to throw the ball as much. I want to spread it out and run it.”
Defensively
Returning defensively this season is Preseason Second Team All-American Tim Cox of Jackson (6, 235), who was named Second Team All-State last season. Cox had 69 tackles last season including five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
“He is doing a good job,” Robertson said. “It’s nothing like experience, and he has that. What we are trying to do, he knows what he has to do. He’s got all of that down.”
Linebacker Terrance Nelson of Flora (6-1, 240), cornerback Jamal Wilder of Kosciusko (5-9, 180); and outside linebacker Derrick Bobo of Bruce (5-10, 195) give the Bulldogs some experience on defense.
Players battling for playing time on the line include: Jamaar Cook of East St. John, La. (6-3, 275); Josh Evans of Kosciusko (6-1, 280); Vincent Edwards of Ridgeland (6-1, 270); Alex Schofield of Brusly, La. (6-2, 285).
Defensive ends include: Jacque Carter of Atlantic, Fla. (6-3, 240); Jeremy Henderson of Kosciusko (6-2, 215); Paul Middleton of Weir (6-2, 240).
Linebackers are Gene Webber of Kosciusko (5-11, 220); Drew Dennis of Madison-Ridgeland Academy (6, 215); Garrick Gainwell of Yazoo City (6-2, 240); Kendarius Small of Canton (5-9, 220); Melvin Griffin of Madison Central (6, 205); Kershman Dixon of Velma Jackson (6-2, 190); and Kenneth Hodge of Kosciusko (5-10, 185).
Safeties include Trell Hagans of French Camp (6-2, 175); Chris Smith of Ridgeland (6-2, 175); and Kevin Washington of J.Z. George (6-3, 175).
Jamariey Atterberry of Kosciusko (5-10, 185), who was at the University of Mississippi last season, will be joined by Ken Johnson of Velma Jackson (5-10, 175); Jamere Tolliver of Grenada (5-10, 170); Mario Murray of Kosciusko (5-10, 175).
Robertson said obviously the defense is young. “We are really freshman heavy,” Robertson said. “These guys are athletic and can run. It all depends on how fast they grow up on how soon we can be successful.”
Returning at placekicker will be Taylor Putt of Kosciusko (5-9, 165). Putt finished last season 14-of-17 on extra points and was 4-4 from field goal range. Long snapper Adam Ferguson of Kosciusko (6-2, 185) returns to snap for field goals, extra points and punts. Matt McCrory will handle the punting duties this season.
Late last spring, the Bulldogs lost fellow Bulldog Cortez Bowie in a tragic shooting on I-55. Robertson said the team will wear 25 on their helmet in memory of Bowie. “He really figured big in our plans,” Robertson said. “They (sophomores) want to make sure we have him recognized in some way and keep him part of our team in spirit.”
Remaining with Robertson on staff are Trac Baughn, defensive coordinator; Mike Misita, offensive line; Tim Bell, defensive line; Wade Henderson, linebackers; Reginald Haralson, wide receivers/strength and conditioning; and Bill Grace, certified athletic trainer.