OL Johnson’s plan comes to fruition
Terry Johnson’s plan of getting a Division I football offer ended up happening just about the way he, his family and his coaches designed it.
The former Oxford High standout, who played this past season at Northwest Mississippi Community College, is headed to the next level as a member of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns after just one season with the Rangers. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Johnson was a full qualifier out of high school and as such, he’s able to transfer without earning a two-year degree. (January 10, 2012, Page 9)
Nelson’s 21 points pace Rebs in win
Ole Miss men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy has seen some good things from his young team so far this season. He’s also seen them do some things that make him equally as frustrated. In short, while the Rebels are still able to win like they did Wednesday night over Louisiana-Lafayette at C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum, they still have a lot of room to improve and grow as a team. (December 15, 2011, Page 6)
Three Chargers sign with NWCC Rangers
Oxford’s success on the football field this season has led to a bevy of scholarship offers for numerous players. (more…) (February 3, 2011, Page 7)
Buckley finds home with Ragin’ Cajuns
Eric Buckley had an idea last weekend might be a memorable one when he left Water Valley for Lafayette, La. on Friday.
Once he made the six-hour trek south, heard the sales pitch of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and saw all that Lafayette, La., had to offer, Buckley knew he had found the right fit and gave his verbal commitment to the coaching staff on Saturday. (January 31, 2011, Page 7)
WVHS’ Buckley finds home with Ragin’ Cajuns
Water Valley senior Eric Buckley confirmed earlier today that he has given a verbal commitment to play football for the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. (more…) (January 30, 2011)
BLOG: Billups commits to Rice Owls
Oxford quarterback Guy Cameron Billups has committed to Rice University.
The record-setting signal caller confirmed his commitment earlier today after an in-home meeting with John Reagan, Rice’s run game coordinator. (more…) (January 24, 2011)
BLOG: UL-L offers Billups preferred spot
En route back from his official visit to Lafayette, La., this past weekend, Oxford standout QB Guy Cameron Billups said his the weekend went well. (more…) (January 16, 2011)
Chargers set to visit Ragin’ Cajuns
A trio of Oxford Chargers football players are set to visit the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns this weekend. Verbal commits DeShaun McNeal and Larry Pettis are expected to be joined by teammate Guy Cameron Billups on the trip. While McNeal and Pettis have verbally committed, Billups is hoping the visit will lead to an official offer. (more…) (January 14, 2011, Page 8A)
McNeal, Pettis make pledges to UL-L
The opportunity to play on the same college football team for an up-and-coming head coach was something Oxford High standouts Larry Pettis and DeShaun McNeal wanted to explore further in the future. Both Pettis and McNeal were given that opportunity to continue their football careers by Louisiana-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth recently and the duo decided that becoming Ragin’ Cajuns was something that suited them best.
McNeal, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver, broke Oxford’s single-season receiving record with 81 catches for 1,231 yards and 15 touchdowns this season despite not playing football since he was a freshman. Pettis, a 6-4, 250-pound tight end, also had a great season for the Chargers in 2010 as he caught 29 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns.
Both felt like playing together under Hudspeth, who got to know the duo when he coached wide receivers at Mississippi State, was the best overall option. (January 4, 2011, Page 7)
Saunders leaves OM for new job at UL-L
An opportunity to return to the coaching ranks at the Division I level for David Saunders has left a void in Ole Miss’ football operations staff today.
Saunders, who served as the administrative operations coordinator under Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt, agreed to become the new cornerbacks coach/assistant recruiting coordinator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette under coach Mark Hudspeth, who was hired to replace former coach Rickey Bustle earlier this month.
Saunders said he was first contacted by Hudspeth, someone he has known since the two coached at Nicholls State together in 1994, on Sunday and interviewed Wednesday for the position in Starkville. (December 30, 2010, Page 6A)
