Several MHS Wildcats set to move on

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Feb. 4, 2004
Meridian High School's Andrew Gambrell will have an opportunity to continue his football playing days with Mississippi State University.
The Wildcats senior kicker/punter is an invited walk-on with the chance to become a member of new Bulldogs head coach Sylvester Croom's first recruiting class.
Croom became the first African-American head coach in the Southeastern Conference in December, after Jackie Sherrill stepped down as the Bulldogs coach at the end of last season.
Gambrell connected on 34 point-after attempts in his senior season, and he hit six field goals, including a long of 55 yards.
"I think Andrew will develop into a real fine college punter and place-kicker," said Meridian High coach Ed Stanley. "He's got the tools, the frame and the leg to be an outstanding college kicker and punter."
MHS Defensive lineman Jeremy Campbell will also be signing with a four-year college today.
The 225-pound defensive end will cross the Mississippi-Alabama state line to play for the University of West Alabama Tigers next season.
"We think it is going to be great," Stanley said of Campbell going to UWA. "We are looking forward to going over and watching him play. It is not very far away, and his family can go and watch him play. It should work out very well for Jeremy."
Linebacker E.J. Hampton was still undecided about his prospects of where to continue playing football in college.
Jackson State University and East Mississippi Community College have both offered scholarships to the 205-pounder.
"He hasn't completely made up his mind yet of what he wants to do right now," Stanley said. "He is still debating which school he wants to go to."
Offensive lineman Marcus Boyd will be signing to take his 258-pound frame to EMCC today, and running back Cordae Campbell is also expected to sign with the junior college in Scooba.
Campbell, who rushed for over 1,300 yards, has been looked at by numerous four-year programs going into national signing day, but he has not received a formal scholarship offer.
"East Mississippi has (Campbell) protected, and he will sign with them," Stanley said. "Right now, we are just running into a lot of people who are filled up in the running back positions.
"It's hard on Cordae," Stanley said. "Cordae knows he can play the game, and it has been hard on the coaches. We still can't it figure out. The only thing we keep getting from recruiters is that they are filled up at the running back position."
Stanley said some programs have asked about the 193-pound running back possibly switching to a defensive back spot, but Campbell, who scored 13 rushing touchdowns, has not indicated a desire to leave the the offensive backfield.
"I really don't think that is on Cordae's mind," Stanley said. "He just feels he can run with the football, and that is what he wants to do."
Linebacker Thomas Smith and defensive lineman John Barksdale, who both visited Itawamba Community College last week, are still waiting to receive offers from the junior college.
"They had a great time on their visit, and they are just waiting to hear from Itawamba," Stanley said.