The Oxford Eagle » John Davis

Kennedy a good fit in NFL Hall of Fame

John Davis — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:02:57 +0000

With the release of Northwest Mississippi Community College’s football signing class for 2012 Monday, I thought it appropriate to look back at a former Ranger signee who went on to impact the game at the Division I level and the NFL.lize it, but defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy got his standout career started in Senatobia with the Rangers. Before he terrorized ballcarriers at the University of Miami and with the Seattle Seahawks, Kennedy was driving quarterbacks and running backs into the ground at NWCC.
Kennedy, who was just inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday, was a unique defensive tackle. He was large — over 300 pounds when he first came to campus — but yet very quick for his size. Kennedy was a dominating force in the middle of the line for the Rangers and coach Bobby Franklin in 1986 and 1987.
Franklin, who played for Ole Miss under legendary coach Johnny Vaught in the late 1950s, has forgotten more about football than most people know. Franklin, who played safety in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns for seven seasons, said he was thrilled for Kennedy and his recent achievement.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Cortez,” Franklin said Monday afternoon. “He is a great guy. He was a great player for us here. I watched the TV to see if he was going to get in this year. He’s been close before and when he made it down to the final 10 (names), I knew he had a chance.”
Franklin said he talked with Kennedy, who now lives in Orlando, Fla., three weeks ago about possibly getting into the Hall of Fame. He was unable to reach him to congratulate him on Saturday, but Franklin was positive that Kennedy would call soon.
The two talk on a regular basis. Franklin said Kennedy still calls him Dad on the phone and when they are able to meet up in person. The relationship started quietly, Franklin said Monday.
“We went over to meet him in Wilson, Arkansas when we were thinking about signing him. He was a nice guy. I can tell you this, they love him in his hometown. He took us to his school and introduced us to his teachers and people around town. Everybody knew who he was,” said Franklin, who added that Kennedy’s mother was a school teacher and his father was a state congressman. “We really liked him, but he didn’t say too much. I remember when we first got him on campus, we just stared at each other in my office. It was like he was trying to feel me out and really understand who I was.”
The relationship eventually improved from a few words to one where Kennedy routinely stopped by Franklin’s office for words of wisdom or advice. Franklin remembers telling Kennedy, after his first year with the team, that he needed to lose weight so that he could be an even better player as a sophomore.
“It was just before we got ready to lift and workout in the summer. I asked him what he was going to do, if he was going to stay with the team. He told me that he was going to go live with his uncle who was a lawyer in Texas and work,” Franklin said. “I told him I thought he needed to get down to 275. We called him “Baby Cakes” because he loved to eat, so I told him if he didn’t get his weight down, that I was going to cut him. I really wasn’t, but I wanted him to think that. Anyway, I asked him where he was going to work. He said that his uncle had gotten him a job at Pizza Hut. I said where? I said Cortez, you’ll never get that weight down.
“He left and went to Texas and I remember sending him a letter each week with the number 275 on a sheet of paper in an envelope. The summer was just about over and the team was coming back together for practice and here comes Cortez,” Franklin continued. “He drove one of those Ranchero trucks. I remember him driving up and getting out in front of the office. He had on these tight Levi jeans on and he told me how he weighed 280. The thing I remember about that is when he said he was going to do something, he meant it. He didn’t get to 275, but he was close. He really worked hard, always did.”
Too dominant
Gary Darby, who called games for NWCC on the radio during that time period, said if Franklin told him to do something, Kennedy would do it.
“The big guy was just that way with Coach Franklin. You could tell he had a great respect for Coach Franklin,” Darby said. “He was such a dominant force out there every game. He was double and triple teamed all the time and still would make plays. Cortez was one of those first players that looked like the Refrigerator (William Perry). You maybe didn’t think he would make a play, but he always got it done.”
David Kellum, who also called NWCC games during that time period, called Kennedy “a man among boys.”
“He was so good. I don’t think there was any one game that stood out more to me because he was good every game he played in. He could use his hands and push guys out of the way and make the tackle, just amazing,” Kellum recalled. “You didn’t realize that he would be a Hall of Famer. You knew he was good, that he was similar to the players that we’ve all seen at Ole Miss like a Patrick (Willis). I just don’t think we knew just how good he really was. Looking back in hindsight, he was the best tackle. He was just really special.”
Helping the Rangers
Kennedy helped the Rangers win 10 games in 1986 and another 10 games in 1987, as well as a North Division title and an MACJC state title. Kennedy also earned All-State recognition as well as a spot on the NJCAA All-American team. His stock was very high with college recruiters and there were several schools looking to sign him.
“He always talked about playing for Arkansas because he was from there. In December, (Miami head coach) Jimmy Johnson asked me how good he was. I told him, ‘Coach if you don’t sign him, somebody else will.’ Well Arkansas’ coaches called me and asked if they could come by the school to talk with him,” Franklin said. “I called Cortez up there and I went back into my office. Two minutes later, the guy from Arkansas comes in and said ‘Coach, can you come in here for a minute?’ I went in across the way and Cortez had his foot up on the desk. The coach said ‘Ok, tell Coach Franklin what you told me.’ Cortez said he was going to be a Hurricane. I said ‘well this is news to me.’
“I told him it was his choice and left. A few minutes later that Arkansas coach said he was leaving and Cortez went on to Miami.”
Stardom
Kennedy went on to star at Miami under Johnson and Johnson’s successor, Dennis Erickson, a coach Franklin said Kennedy got to be very close to over the years. He helped lead the Hurricanes to a No. 2 ranking in 1988 and then a national championship in 1989. Kennedy started a pipeline of NWCC players signing with Miami. A total of four Rangers played for the Hurricanes in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s in large part because of Kennedy.
After Miami, Kennedy, who was drafted as the third overall pick in the 1990 draft, played 11 seasons with the Seahawks. He was named All-Pro five times, selected to eight Pro Bowls and was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 despite the Seawhawks’ 2-14 record. He finished with over 600 tackles and 58 sacks, big numbers for a 6-foot-3, 295-pound player that constantly drew two and sometimes three blockers each play.
“He was so dominant,” Franklin said. “I know what it’s like to play in the NFL. I also know what it’s like to get into the Hall of Fame. (Franklin gave the speech for former Ole Miss standout Gene Hickerson when he entered the Hall of Fame a few years back). He was just a great player, a great person. I couldn’t be prouder for him.”
–johndavis@oxfordeagle.com (February 7, 2012, Page 9)

Crimson Tide holds off Rebels in 2 OTs

John Davis — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:20:42 +0000

BLOG — TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ole Miss’ second road trip to Alabama for basketball produced yet another double overtime loss for the Rebels.A little less than a month after falling 69-68 to Auburn in double overtime, the Rebels lost 69-67 to Alabama at Coleman Coliseum Saturday night. The loss was especially stinging for the Rebels since they led Alabama 33-26 at the half after garnering just three fouls compared to the Crimson Tide’s 10.

Ole Miss (14-8 overall, 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference) was outscored 28-21 in the second half by Alabama (15-7, 4-4) and 8-6 in the decisive second overtime period.

The Rebels appeared to be on the verge of winning their second SEC road game in the first overtime. Coming out of a timeout with four seconds left on the clock and on Alabama’s side of the floor, Ole Miss point guard Jarvis Summers drove to the goal and tried to split two Crimson Tide defenders.

Summers lost the ball after it appeared to be deflected slightly, thus ending a chance to win the contest with the game tied at 61. Ole Miss’ last lead of the game came at the 4:36 mark of the second overtime when Demarco Cox hit one of two free throws.

Alabama then took the lead for good on a follow-up dunk from Tony Mitchell. Ole Miss’ last great chance to keep the game close came with 30 seconds left in the game. Ole Miss got the ball across halfcourt after a make from Alabama’s Andrew Steele and called a timeout to discuss a final shot attempt.

Jelan Kendrick ended up taking a shot with 18 seconds, but his attempt missed the backboard altogether and hit out of bounds, giving the ball back to Alabama, which was able to then ice the contest at the free-throw line.

Nick Williams led Ole Miss with 19 points in the loss, while Terrance Henry finished with 14. JaMychal Green led Alabama with 16.

For more on Ole Miss’ setback in Tuscaloosa, see Monday’s Sports section. (February 4, 2012)

Lafayette’s Liggins picks LSU

John Davis — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:51:09 +0000

BLOG — The long wait to announce a college choice is finally over for Lafayette quarterback Jeremy Liggins. The standout who led the Commodores to back-to-back Class 4A state titles chose LSU tonight at Irie on the Square over an opportunity to play for both Ole Miss and Mississippi State.The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Liggins decided he was going to play for LSU, instead of Ole Miss, after months of speculation as to where he would end up and being considered an Ole Miss lean. Liggins, who also had offers from Auburn and Alabama, gives LSU its only QB commit for the 2012 class. LSU has always been in Liggins’ picture from a recruiting standpoint. He attended camp there during the summer, while head coach Les Miles and defensive line coach Brick Haley have been battling for his commit and subsequent signature ever since.

Miles attended Lafayette’s regular season game against Shannon to get a better look at Liggins and also made an in-home visit with the signal caller and his family following the season. Liggins visited LSU officially Jan. 20-22 and came away very impressed with what the Tigers had to offer, saying he had a great visit and that he felt a part of the family.

Liggins threw for 1,660 yards and ran for 987 yards this past season. He accounted for 114 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career. Liggins was named to the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic this year and is regarded as one of the Top 150 players in the nation by ESPN.com.

The first day high school football players can sign is Wednesday.

For more on Liggins’ commitment to LSU, see Tuesday’s Sports pages in the Oxford EAGLE. (January 30, 2012)

Senatobia’s Quintavius Burdette now a Rebel

John Davis — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:17:17 +0000

BLOG — A prior relationship with Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze and a chance to play for a Southeastern Conference school a mere 45 miles from home was too much for Senatobia’s Quintavius Burdette to pass up.The Senatobia athlete is the latest verbal pledge for the Rebels, who have made a push late in the recruiting process to sign players from the state, specifically versatile players who could help in all three phases. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Burdette, who was committed to Arkansas State prior to his official visit to Ole Miss this weekend, is a perfect candidate to play defense, return kicks and even play some offense in a pinch for the Rebels, who are short on dynamic playmakers.

Burdette played quarterback for the Warriors the past couple of seasons, but his ability to run — he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds — has many thinking he could see time as a wideout or covering wideouts as a cornerback or safety.

SHS coach Phil Oakley said former Ole Miss wide receivers coach Gunter Brewer liked Burdette’s athletic ability and was interested in extending him an offer when he was under former coach Houston Nutt. Oakley said Burdette committed to Arkansas State this summer after hitting it off with Freeze. When Freeze was hired at Ole Miss, Burdette told Oakley he wanted to go where Freeze ended up.

“He kind of fell in love with Coach Freeze,” Oakley said. “You got to understand what a great kid he is. He’s sitting there with a 3.8 (grade point average) and he’s made an 18 on his ACT. He’s going to do what he needs to get it done and he loves to compete.”

For more on Burdette’s commitment and the 2012 Ole Miss signing class, see Monday’s Sports section. (January 29, 2012)

Rebels hold on to top Gamecocks

John Davis — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:08:31 +0000

BLOG — Saturday night’s game with South Carolina may not have been the most efficient of the year for the Ole Miss Rebels. It may have been a grind that coach Andy Kennedy has come to call a lot of his team’s games, but in the end, it was a win.Ole Miss defeated South Carolina 66-62 at C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum thanks to a late 3-pointer by Terrance Henry and a couple of late stops on defense. The loss came just 48 hours after the Rebels suffered a disappointing 64-60 loss to No. 14 Florida.

Despite committing seven turnovers, Henry found a way to make the biggest plays of the night for the Rebels. He led the team with 15 points, while Murphy Holloway scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against his former team.

“We to refer to it as the grind. Sometimes the Rebels win, sometimes the other team wins and sometimes the grind and tonight the grind was winning a little bit,” Kennedy said about the way his team beat USC. “We’ve got to always remember who we are and when the grind is winning, it’s hard to win those effort areas. But we continued to do so. We were up 38-28 on the glass. We came up with a couple of big plays in the open floor and Terrance knocked down a shot that you want your senior to make.”

For more on the Rebels win, see Monday’s Sports section. (January 29, 2012)

Ole Miss’ search for new AD begins

John Davis — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:22:04 +0000

BLOG — Ole Miss’ search to replace Pete Boone as athletics director returned to the forefront late Friday afternoon when the committee to find the new AD was officially formed and announced.The committee is almost identical to the one that helped find and recommend football coach Hugh Freeze in December. Former Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning and FedEx executive Mike Glenn will serve as the co-chairmen, the same role they served for the hiring of Freeze. The two will be joined on the committee by Ole Miss Alumni Association president Richard Noble, two faculty members in Ron Rychlak and Ethel Young-Minor as well UMAA governing board member Cal Mayo.

Noble, Rychlak and Young-Minor served on the committee to help hire Freeze. Mayo is the only new addition to the committee.

Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones said in a release that with the committee now in place, he was expecting to see a new AD in place by the end of the spring semester, which begins Monday.

“I have spoken to each of the search committee members, and they are ready to get started,” Jones said. “We all understand how important it is to find the right person to lead Ole Miss athletics. I have asked the search committee to cast a broad net to assure we have a strong pool of candidates.”

Friday’s announcement also included a more defined date for Boone’s departure. When it was first announced last November, Jones said Boone could remain in his current role through Dec. 31, 2012. That date has now been moved up to June 30 or earlier if a replacement is hired.

For more on the AD search, see Monday’s Sports section. (January 21, 2012)

Sideline View: Episode 10

Patrick Ochs — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:52:35 +0000

BLOG: Miss today’s edition of the Sideline View on RebelSportsRadio.com? Fear not. Click HERE to listen to today’s show at your convenience.John Davis and I broke down last night’s Ole Miss-Mississippi State women’s basketball game, talked to Water Valley boys hoops coach John Sherman about his game tonight against Mooreville (and tomorrow’s game in the Hotbed Classic) and also discussed some Oxford soccer and basketball news.

Have questions or comments? Don’t hesitate to e-mail us at patrickochs@oxfordeagle.com or johndavis@oxfordeagle.com. You can also tweet us at @patrickochs and @oxfordeaglejd. (January 20, 2012)

Massie remains committed to entering NFL Draft

Patrick Ochs — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:25:03 +0000

BLOG: An Ole Miss spokesman recently confirmed that junior offensive lineman Bobby Massie did not withdraw his name from the 2012 NFL Draft pool.Sunday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare their intentions to enter the draft.

Massie announced his intention to turn pro on his Facebook page Jan. 6 and is the only Ole Miss underclassman to announce his intentions to leave early.

Earlier in the month, new Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said center A.J. Hawkins was also testing the NFL waters, but the junior apparently opted to remain with the Rebels.

Massie (6-foot-6, 325) was a preseason All-American honorable mention by Consensus Draft Services and was an All-SEC first team selection by Lindy’s. Athlon and Phil Steele listed Massie as an All-SEC second team honoree.

After graduating Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchberg, Va.), Massie enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy before enrolling at Ole Miss prior to the 2009 season.

At the time, Massie was considered the No. 1 prep school player in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 13 offensive tackle prospect in the nation by Scout.com.

Massie saw action is every game (37) during his collegiate career at Ole Miss.

Various Internet sites dedicated to the NFL Draft have projections of Massie ranging from the second round to undrafted. (January 16, 2012)

Medical emergency postpones LHS basketball game

John Davis — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:20:35 +0000

BLOG — Lafayette’s boys basketball game with Senatobia in the LHS gym Friday night was postponed until a later date due to a medical emergency that involved a Commodore player.Senior forward Sherquan Herod is in stable condition at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi Friday night after he collapsed on to the floor during the contest. Herod stopped action early in the second quarter after he fell out of his chair on the bench and into the flow of the game.

Lafayette administrators and head coach Nacoma James immediately came to the aid of Herod, who apparently suffers from a heart murmur. Herod, who was cleared to play basketball this season by a doctor two weeks ago, was unresponsive when personnel first responded to him on the floor.

An automated external defibrillator and CPR was administered to Herod in the attempt to get his heart beating again and make him responsive prior to the arrival of an ambulance crew. Herod was wheeled out of the gym on a stretcher and taken to the hospital where he was further examined by doctors at the hospital. He was scheduled to remain in the hospital through the night. Tests to determine how or why Herod fell on the floor were not made public.

Lafayette Athletics Director Anthony Hart, who performed CPR on Herod, made an announcement shortly after Herod’s exit that the game was being postponed until a later date. Senatobia led the contest 19-15. (January 13, 2012)

Rebels land EMCC standout QB Wallace

John Davis — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:50:47 +0000

BLOG — Ole Miss’ depth chart at quarterback got a little deeper late Tuesday afternoon after East Mississippi Community College’s Bo Wallace picked to play for the Rebels and first-year head coach Hugh Freeze.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Wallace chose the Rebels over offers from Mississippi State, Texas and Baylor, among others. Wallace, who led the Lions to the MACJC state title and the NJCAA National Championship this year, set NJCAA single-season records for passing yards (4,604), total offense (4,810) and touchdowns (53).

Wallace, a native of Pulaski, Tenn., started his career at Arkansas State. He is eligible to enroll for the spring semester and can compete for the starting position this summer.

For more on Wallace, see Wednesday’s Sports section. (January 10, 2012, Page 7)