Football signing day finally arrives

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Feb. 4, 2004
On no other day of the year does public interest turn so fervently to the college plans of complete strangers.
Today is national signing day, the first day many high school athletes most prolifically, football players are permitted to sign letters of intent.
Traditionally, signing day was full of excitement and anticipation as fans anxiously waited to learn the names of their team's future stars. But these days the drama is all but gone. In most cases, prospects verbally commit to their chosen school weeks or even months before signing day arrives.
For Lamar School offensive tackle Roland Terry, who will sign today with Mississippi State, signing day is the culmination of a journey that began nearly a year ago. Terry was scouted by Bulldogs coaches during Lamar's 2003 spring practices. He was offered a scholarship shortly thereafter and committed in May.
"I was just so happy to get an offer," Terry said. "I've always been a State fan. Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to play for Mississippi State."
An athlete's verbal commitment, which is no more than a promise or declaration, is not binding. Most commitments are kept, but some are not.
Most high-profile among the state's de-commitments this recruiting season was Lavarus Giles, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back from Benoit. Giles originally pledged to sign with Ole Miss, then changed his mind and committed to Alabama. Earlier this week, Giles again committed to Ole Miss.
Terry said even though he never wavered in his commitment, he understood the range of emotions that can overcome a prospect.
"I was really pretty naive about the whole thing," Terry said. "You get caught up in the moment when it (an offer) first happens."
In a field that is inherently subjective, the Rebels are expected to come away with the state's top signing class. Ole Miss has already signed three junior college prospects and expects to sign 21 more players today. Larry Kendrick, a 6-foot, 205-pound wide receiver from Pearl River Community College, originally signed with Florida in 2002 but is expected to be a Rebel after today. Garry Pack, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker from Oak Grove High School, is one of 13 defensive players committed to Ole Miss.
Mississippi State's collection of commitments has grown recently after a slow start. Sylvester Croom had just nine verbal pledges in late January, but has recovered quickly with 16 commitments by Tuesday afternoon. Damien Huren, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker from Southwest Mississippi Junior College, highlights the class along with three offensive linemen who are 6-foot-4 or taller including Terry.
Southern Miss had 18 commitments before today, including a handful of area athletes. West Jones High School wide receiver Britt Barefoot has committed to the Golden Eagles, as has Wayne County High School defensive lineman Cedric Jones. Half of Southern Miss' pledges came from outside Mississippi.