07/31/99 - SEC Media Day Questions and Answers (Coach Sherrill):

What do you think about some people saying this could be your best MSU football team ever?
One thing everybody leaves out are the intangibles. We are better off today than we have ever been. We are finishing off with the final stages of the locker room addition to the stadium. When that is finished we will be on a par or better with anyone in our league. The visitors locker room will be better than anyone else's in this league. We will start an addition to the stadium very quickly after this season. Recruiting has been very good the past three years. We are recruiting players everyone in the league are recruiting. Our camps this summer had 650+ and 850+ (during the two sessions). We probably had the third largest camps this year, behind only Penn State and Ohio State. We have spent a lot of money the past nine years. We have some of the finest facilities in the country. The difference between us and other schools is the facilities are not under one roof.

Why is your program so attractive to offensive linemen?
We are going to be physical. They like that. They like to get dirty. They like those things. Mississippi State has been one of the toughest teams to play even when I was playing years ago at Alabama. We hated to play Mississippi State. We might have won the game but we might not have two or three players play the next week.

What has Coach Woods added to your program?
He has added a lot of confidence, a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge. He was a head coach at a very early age. He is a very stable guy. There were a lot of guys that I interviewed. He was one of the final four or five.

How will you use Dontae Walker?
I have always had a different approach. We don't bring freshmen in and tire them out. We spend a lot of time with them during two-a-days to increase their knowledge. We scrimmage them a lot.

Have you noticed a difference in attitude coming off a championship game?
Yes, that is one of the intangibles. That is one of the things that makes you feel good about yourself.

Having been part of a national championship team, what is the biggest thing you have noticed that gets a team to that level?
The biggest thing is the trust and chemistry of the players.

What is it like to work with Joe Lee Dunn?
Joe Lee is different. Joe Lee is extremely intelligent. Joe Lee does things differently in practice than others do. He can probably tell you every play you ran five years ago. He is very well prepared. He is very innovative. His best ability is knowing which position is best for each player to succeed in. That is a very unique thing to have as a coach.

07/31/99 - There is a rumor going around that the Oklahoma State game may be televised by one of the major networks on a regional basis. There is also a possibility that it will be on the ESPN Directv College football gameplan telecast for those out of the viewing area. As of now, I have not being able to confirm this, so just consider it a strong rumor. If it turns out to be true, that will be four confirmed television games for MSU. The other three are Memphis (FOX/SportsSouth), Kentucky and Ole Miss (ESPN).

07/31/99 - I hope all of you will enjoy this report from the Northwest Florida Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association:

The N. W. Florida Alumni meeting had a good crowd Tuesday night (approximately 40 ---- good for a Tuesday in the summer). Guest speaker was Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Director of Student Recruitment. His theme was that Dr. Portera's message to all departments, including athletics, was to "raise the bar a little higher." Everyone on campus, including faculty, staff, secretaries, etc. "can't wait" for the football season, due to last year's success. Our incoming freshmen class ACT (23.5) is the highest in Mississippi. Dr. Portera's comment was "great", let's go a little higher.

The N. W. Florida chapter is proud to claim one of our own members, Lamar Conerly, of Destin, FL., as this year's National President of the MSU Alumni Association, quite an honor for a small out-of- state chapter. Lamar also spoke about all the good things going on on campus. Eighteen months ago, MSU was 3rd in Mississippi in faculty salaries. Now, MSU is 1st in Mississippi and has passed LSU and Alabama, and by next year, should pass Auburn, and rival Tennessee in faculty salaries.

07/31/99 - Premium Site Update: Well folks, I no longer work for the Columbus and Greenville Railway Company. My last day was yesterday. My life is now dedicated to MSU sports and you, the MSU sports fans. I am now preparing my new-look free site and my premium site. You have my promise that I will do everything within my ability to provide you with a combined page (free and pay) that you will be very proud of.

For all of you who intend to subscribe to my premium site and have not done so, remember, August the 9th is just around the corner. If you aren't registered for my premium site and would like to join, click here to go to my signup form to register and then mail in your check. If you ARE registered, then all you have to do is mail a $30 check to Gene's Page at the following address. :

If you aren't sure if you are registered, please email me at swindoll@genespage.com and I'll check to see if I have your username on my list.

07/30/99 - Coach Sherrill from SEC Media Day:

About talking to the Media:
Usually I'm here on the first day and it's kind of packed. I appreciate you guys staying around. (There were about 130 media folks in the auditorium.) This reminds me of the first time that I talked to the media backed in 1976. I've been doing this for many years. I guess I'm getting kind of old (laugh from the crowd).

The SEC Conference now:
I was doing the television press conference a few minutes ago and a question was brought up about the SEC in the 90's. It's amazing. This conference, years ago, was planning to go to sixteen teams -- 8 east, 8 west. And the thing SEC Commissioner Kramer has done is take that and run with it. He has made the SEC conference, without a doubt, THE conference in the nation. Years ago, as a youngster, you used to listen to the Big 10 or PAC 10. Now that has changed. Now everybody is talking about the SEC and the SEC Championship Game.

SEC Championship Game and its implications:
When the championship game was first started a lot of the teams said it would prevent a SEC team from winning a national championship. I said no it won't. And that's turned out to be true. That is the most electrifying game there is period. I have had the opportunity to be in a lot of championship games, national championship and conference, and that game is the most electrifying of them all. The winner of that game will be in the hunt for the national championship.

Football right around the corner:
You look at the start of the season. And this is the start of the season. We have all gone through spring practice and the summer. Now we are in the talking stage. You guys interpret what you think we are saying. Then you pick and predict who will wind up where.

The goals of the team after last season:

Comments about the players who were with him at the SEC Media Day:
The two players that we have here today are Wayne Madkin and Kevin Sluder. Some of you are probably wondering why we brought a sophomore. The answer is very simple: Wayne has done some things and will be a very good player. After the fall and before spring practice had started, I called him in and I said Wayne you give me the name of any freshman quarterback who has taken his team to the SEC Championship Game. I don't know of many quarterbacks who have beaten Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas in the same year. I also told him there wasn't a quarterback who played well against Tennessee last year. Tennessee's defense made everybody look bad. They were outstanding last year. Wayne had a very good spring. He has the talent and is 6'4", 213 pounds with true 4.5 speed.

The other young man, Kevin Sluder, is mentally and physically very tough. He makes things happen. When you look at Kevin's family, you see he is not the type person who has to play football. Most of the kids, who come from his background, economically, do not have to play football. Most of them are probably in fraternities having parties and watching football games. He has some unique things about him that separates him from the rest.

The newcomers:
I feel really good about them. We have three that were here for spring practice. Probably the one who had the biggest impact on the team was Dorsett Davis. Dorsett is 6-6, 315, with 4.8 speed. Dorsett Davis' practice habits are tremendous. It was something to watch him during the spring. He has really helped our other defensive players and our team enhance their practice habits and enjoyment of practice. This summer has not been easy for our players. This summer has seemed to be a competition between our weight coach, Mike Grant, and our players. It has been a very tough and challenging time for the players. When the players are out running, Dorsett just kind of looks at them and says we are going to do it anyway so let's keep on running. He has had a big impact and is a really good football player.

Coach Sherrill analyzed the team, position by position (left out the linebackers).

Offensive Line:
Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack is the best I have ever been around. And I have had some great ones such as Bill Fralic and Randy Thomas. Pork Chop is an outstanding football player who has great feet. His dad, who was a professional boxer, taught him to jump rope when he was a really young kid. You can tell that by the way his feet move. Kendric Fairchild, size-wise and ability-wise, is a very good football player. Paul Mooney, the center, has been here for five years and has the opportunity to be a player. Michael Fair, the right guard, started for us last year at different positions. He can play center or either guard position. He is a good player. In fact, he received the game ball in the third or fourth game last season because he came into the game and played well for us. Our right tackle, the small guy (got a laugh from the crowd), is Wes Shivers (6-7, 350-lbs.). He's a player. We can play all those guys, except Mooney, at guard or tackle.

Tight End:
We lost a great tight end in Kelly but McCaskey is bigger; a true 6-6, 280-lbs. He's got some talent. I took Dave Wilson, who is our recruiting coordinator, and put him on the field as our tight ends coach. All of a sudden, we are beginning fall camp and we have 11 tight ends. I told him the other day, you get three and the others have to go somewhere else (laugh from the crowd).

Wide Receivers:
Kelvin Love is a senior. Matt Butler and Harold Lindsey, a freshman, have the ability to play. Kelvin Love is a tremendous athlete who we probably should have redshirted last year. But he could play quarterback or receiver. Then we have the three or four young guys coming in who have great speed.

Running Back:
This is a position that I am really excited about. We have a freshman that we redshirted last year, Justin Griffith, who is probably as close to Keffer McGee, on and off the field, as you can get. He is a tough, tough kid. We'll play him at fullback and tailback. We have a young man coming in that you guys have been able to follow and watch play. Dontae Walker is a player. I'm excited to see how he plays and to see how quickly he fits in.

Quarterback:
This is the first time we have this much talented competition. The competition will make them all better.

Defensive Secondary:
We have them all back but the free safety. And that's where we put Pig Prather. This group will have the chance to be as good as any in the league. I'm looking forward to watching these guys play.

Defensive Line:
Up front, we have seven guys who can play. As a matter of fact, the guys backing up the starters are all bigger, stronger and faster than the starters. The starters, Hilliard, McKinley and Sluder, are all seniors. It will not make any difference who is playing on the defensive front.

Where the media picked MSU in the pre-season:

West (Total Votes):

I read earlier this week on your message board that someone said MSU football signee Toby Golliday would likely not qualify and be on MSU's team this fall. I asked Dunn about this personally and he told me that the coaching staff fully believes Golliday WILL qualify. Dunn said it will be "down to the wire", but that Golliday should be in good shape.

I then asked Dunn what MSU has that the other schools he has coached at don't have, in that Dunn seems so happy at Starkville. His answer was swift and sure: Jackie Sherrill. He said Sherrill lets him do his job and leaves him alone, and that this is what is so great about working with Jackie Sherrill.

07/28/99 - One of our football coaches needs your help. Coach David Wilson's daughter and two of her friends (both girls), all of whom will be freshmen at MSU this coming fall, are looking for an apartment or furnished house to rent for the upcoming year. Coach Wilson is helping them look. If you own an apartment or furnished house in Starkville you would be interested in renting to them, please contact Coach Wilson during the day at phone number 325-2536.

07/28/99 - Looks like the Washington County Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association is not the only group of Bulldog fans who have issued a "Team Locker" challenge to other chapters. The Lee County group just purchased four football lockers. My, my, my, good job Lee county. What group is going to be the next I happily post on my page?

07/28/99 - More defensive players info for your enjoyment:

Bench press and squat lift amounts for some of our defensive players (Iron Dawg competition lifts):

07/28/99 - I will be in Birmingham, Thursday (Coach Sherrill's day) for the SEC Football Media Day. Look for a media day report on this page either Thursday night or Friday morning.

07/28/99 - Advertisement: TradeWind Industries manufactures high quality, hand crafted acrylic whirlpool baths, acrylic drop-in sinks and lavatories, acrylic shower bases and the innovative RainDancer Electronic Shower System. Give them a look-see by checking out their website at http://www.icglink.com/tradewind.

07/27/99 - You ready to get excited about football? Well read this.

40-yard dash times for some of our defensive players (Iron Dawg competition times):

Several defensive players were not timed due to injuries: Ashley Cooper, Tim Nelson, Eugene Liger, and Barrin Simpson.

07/27/99 - The Washington County Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association has requested that I post a challenge on my page. They voted to purchase one of the new football lockers. They have also collected their money and have presented it to the MSU athletic department. They now challenge each of the other MSU Alumni Association Chapters to do the same.

While you are thinking this over, please remember the recognition our team brought MSU last season and the personal joy you felt when they ran onto the SEC Championship Game. They proved what they could do as a team. Now, how about showing what you can do as a chapter, which can also be interpreted as a team.

If you need a "Team Locker" order form, click here.

07/27/99 - Advertisement: If you are going to be in the Jackson, MS. area this summer, check out the Mississippi Sports and Hall of Fame Museum. Click here to get a sneak preview of some of the things they offer for your viewing pleasure. They have something for everybody.

07/25/99 - At the Central MS Extravaganza Thursday night, Jackson radio station WVIV (93.9 FM) was there and said that they would be airing MSU football games in the Jackson area this season.

07/25/99 - I received a request from Stevens Hollister, of the Greater Jackson Bulldog Boosters, asking me to do a poll in regard to how many Jackson, MS. fans would be interested in riding a bus to Starkville for MSU home football games this coming season. Please email Stevens at hollists@meta3.net if you would be interested.

07/25/99 - As of yesterday, the word is Taylorsville HS quarterback Jason Campbell is leaning to LSU. According to my source, they have offered him the opportunity to play both football and basketball (he wants to play both). He is also being told that current LSU quarterback Josh Booty will probably be around for only two more years and that he (Jason) will be given every opportunity to start.

07/25/99 - More info on recruits: Antwan Odom, the player I was asking about yesterday, is a 6-7, 250-lb DE from Alma Bryant HS. He is reported to run a 4.6 to 4.7 forty. The word is he is leaning to Alabama and Auburn at the moment. MSU is not listed among the schools he is considering at the moment. Gerald Turner, the running back from Portland, TN., is considering Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee and MSU according to Mississippi Gridiron Authority. Last season, he was Mr. Football 3A RB, MVP Mid-state, Al-Conference, 1st Team All-State and an officer of the FCA. He rushed for 1,700 yards.

07/24/99 - Here is info on the three players I mentioned a couple of days ago:

Another player we are recruiting is a defensive lineman from south Alabama. Not sure of his first name but his last name is Odom. He is supposed to be an outstanding lineman. If any of you know of him, please email his info to me and I will list him on my MSU football recruiting prospects page.

07/24/99 - According to one of our football players (defensive side), the defense is going to be, in his words, "awesome." Also, he said the wide outs and running backs are looking good.

07/24/99 - Yesterday's Decatur Daily (AL) quotes Athens High's Phillip Rivers as listing Auburn, Ga., S. Carolina, NC State, and Michigan as leaders.

07/24/99 - Just received an email about an MSU recruit. According to this source, Starkville High's Thurman Ward, a QB/DB, has been contacted by just about every major school in America. My source went on to say he felt Thurman will be the top DB in Mississippi this year. As of now, my source feels Thurman has a solid interest in MSU.

Other info about Thurman: He will knock your socks off. He reminds my source of former MSU DB Kirby Jackson, only bigger and faster.

07/23/99 - According to a good friend of the Justice family, MSU is getting not only a good football player in walk-on Madison Central HS offensive lineman Ben Justice but a fine person as well.

07/23/99 - Still looking for solid leads on the three football recruits I mentioned yesterday. Anybody know anything?

07/23/99 - Advertisement: If you are looking for equipment to work in the garden or on the farm, look no farther than Monroe-Tufline, a Mississippi-owned and operated company located in Columbus, MS.

07/22/99 - Based on my emails that I have received the past few days, some of you noticed that Taylorsville's outstanding quarterback Jason Campbell did not attend last weekend's MSU football camp. According to a source of mine, the reason he didn't is because of a death in his family. Also, my sources tell me Jason has been offered a scholarship by MSU and is a very high priority for MSU football.

07/22/99 - Any of you know anything about these players (sizes, speed, etc.)? They are all said to be interested in MSU. I would like to add them to my recruiting list if there really is a serious interest.

07/22/99 - Don't forget two of the most exciting MSU alumni and booster events of the season are happening today and tomorrow:

07/22/99 - Another upcoming event is the 1st Annual Football Roundtable Meeting which is being sponsored by the newly created MSU Gulf Coast Booster Club:

On Saturday, July 31st, the newly formed MSU Gulf Coast Booster Club will have its 1st Annual Football Roundtable meeting at the Gulfport, MS. home of Todd Stennis. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m. MSU football coaches who will be in attendance are Jerry Fremin, David Wilson, Jim Tompkins and Sparky Woods. The coaches will speak and entertain any questions you may have. Food and drinks will be be provided. A cash bar will be provided. An authentic MSU helmet and jersey and 2 tickets to Thursday night's Kentucky football game will be raffled. Contact Todd at 228-864-7384 or Frank Schenck at 228-864-6756 for additional details. They would appreciate it if you would RSVP no later than July 29th. All MSU friends and family located on the Gulf Coast are invited to attend.

If you are interested in joining the MSU Gulf Coast Booster Club, click here for a membership form. Click here to find a map to Todd's home.

Bulldog fans, if you live on the Gulf Coast, this would be a great opportunity for you to become a more active part of the MSU family. Contact Todd or Frank and join the MSU Gulf Coast Booster Club today. With your strong backing of this club, MSU will become a more visible presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

07/21/99 - The word is MSU offered top of the line Long Beach HS quarterback Micky D'Angelo during this past weekend's camp. This youngster must be something truly special when you consider he has been offered by three (so far) SEC schools.

07/21/99 - Here are a few things that were mentioned at the MSU Alumni Association Birmingham Chapter Meeting Monday night:

07/21/99 - Advertisement: If you live in the Jackson, MS. area and you need formal wear for a wedding or any other formal event, click here to visit Doug Douglass' Tuxes, Too website. Doug is looking forward to fulfilling all of your formal wear needs.

07/20/99 - From someone who had the pleasure of talking to MSU football signee Kevin Fant. Kevin is very athletic and big for his age. Reminded my source of a confident Rob Morgan (present MSU QB), but taller and stronger in the upper body. Very confident young man.

07/20/99 - If you live in the Jacksonville, Florida area, David Necessary would like to hear from you. David is trying to restart the MSU Alumni Association Chapter in Jacksonville. MSU alumni can contact David at NEFLMSUALUMNI@aol.com. There at least 210 MSU alumni in the Jacksonville area, so there's no excuse for your chapter not to be active.

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07/19/99 - Around 750 football players were at the MSU football camp this past Friday and Saturday. Included in that number were campers from high schools such as:

These weren't all of the schools represented but due to not having any way of identifying some of the players and their schools, these are the ones I did identify.

Here are the names of a few of the top players at the camp:

Based on the games I saw, there were quite a few other players who really looked good. But due to not been able to identify them, they will have to go nameless.

Player Tidbits:

07/19/99 - Advertisement: Coming soon to my page: The Starkville Quarterback Club. What will the Starkville QB Club offer you ask? How about this.

If you are interested in joining, please go to their webpage by clicking this link.

07/17/99 - While at the MSU football camp yesterday as a spectator, I had the chance to talk to defensive lineman John Hilliard for a couple of minutes. He said a lot of the guys are in school or in Starkville and are working out preparing for the upcoming season. He really feels they are going to get it done this season. By the way, he has maxed out on the bench at 455. His goal, before leaving MSU, is 500 pounds. Just looking at the guy, I have a strong feeling he will make it.

Also saw Pig Prather in the Shira Field House working out. He is now up to 200 pounds of pure muscle. The guy has huge arms and shoulders. No fat on this guy. The same can be said about Justin Griffith.

The players and coaches are ready. Hope you folks who haven't purchased your season tickets will do so soon. Our players and coaches deserve no less.

I'll have a report on the MSU football camp either Sunday afternoon or Monday morning (most likely Monday).

07/16/99 - According to a source of mine, MSU appears to be interested in Kendrick Smith. Kendrick, who plays for Mississippi Delta CC (played HS ball in Cleveland, MS.), is a 6-1, 190-lb safety with 4.5 speed in the forty. The word is he is sound academically and a great kid who comes from a fine family.

07/16/99 - The rumor is State is looking at Pearl River CC linebacker Ben Guy. Ben, who is 6-3, 230 with 4.7 speed, is also being looked at by Southern Miss, Missouri, Middle Tennessee State and Alabama, according to my source. Other facts about Ben: Has benched 350-lbs and squatted 460-lbs. Made Honorable Mention All-Conference his freshman year at PRCC, and led the team in sacks. As a senior in high school (St. Stanislaus), he led his team in tackles and won the South State in the shot put.

07/16/99 - For those Bulldog fans located in Nashville, another Bulldog fan would like to hear from you about helping with the Nashville Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. His name is Larkin Tucker and his email address is ltucker@durapharm.com. Please contact him if you live in the Nashville area. There are way, way too many of you in Nashville for that chapter not to be very active.

07/16/99 - Advertisement: The next time you are in Starkville don't forget to visit The Grill, a Gene's Page advertiser. The Grill has some of the best food in Starkville and they are true Bulldog fans and supporters. Visit The Grill's website by clicking here.

07/15/99 - The word is MSU has picked up a commitment from Northwest Mississippi CC wide receiver Alvin Powell. Alvin, who is extremely fast and has great size (6-3, 190-lbs) for a receiver, caught 18 passes for 261 yards and 3 TDs for Northwest last season. Don't let the stats fool you, this guy is top of the line. In fact, according to those in the know at Northwest, big things are expected of Alvin this coming season. For those of you who don't remember, Alvin signed with MSU out of high school (Rome, Ga.).

07/15/99 - Pillow Academy (Greenwood, MS.) senior kicker Jonathan Nichols, a player MSU is recruiting, recently won the senior place-kicker award at the 1999 Auburn Kicking Camp. Jonathan also won the freshman kicking award at the 1996 Auburn Kicking Camp.

07/15/99 - Ripley HS junior QB Brandon Roberson (6-1, 170-lbs) is going to be attending this weekend's MSU camp as is his teammate Jimmy Brooks (Junior, 6-4, 225-lbs).

07/14/99 - Update on the new Premium Site.

We have noticed that a lot of you are re-registering. That is not necessary. When my message board was set up by Objectecture, they transferred all of the IBBC usernames and passwords to my site, thus allowing all of you who were members of the IBBC not to have to re-register.

From now on, to prevents others from re-registering, if you think you need to register for my new premium site, please enter your present IBBC username and password on my pay site registration form. If you are told that your username is taken, more than likely it is you who has it. Just to be on the safe side contact us if this happens and we will confirm it one way or the other. Also, for all of you who have previously re-registered, please email me as to which username you prefer and I will delete the other one. If any of you are not sure if you are registered twice, please email me and we will check it out for you.

Also, if any of you would like confirmation that we have received your check, please email me at swindoll@genespage.com.

Thanks to all of you who have sent letters and notes of encouragement. They are all very much appreciated.

Gene and Mary Ann Swindoll

07/14/99 - Meet Coach Jackie Sherrill at McRae's in Columbus, MS. tonight between the hours of 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Coach Sherrill, along with former MSU football greats John Bond and Johnie Cooks will be on hand to autograph the book Greatest Moments in Mississippi State Football History.. Copies of the book may be purchased for $19.95 each. As requested by the publisher, no other memorabilia may be signed during this event.

07/14/99 - Tickets, tickets, get your tickets here. Well maybe not here, but it sure is getting time for you folks who haven't ordered your MSU football season tickets to do so. Last season, our coaches and players proved that they were a championship team. Let's show them they also have a championship caliber fan base supporting them. Do that by calling the ticket office at 662-325-2600 and order your tickets today!

07/14/99 - Folks, don't forget the Greater Jackson Bulldog Boosters Golf Tournament at The Refuge on Friday, July 23. There will be a box lunch before golf and a Fish Fry and Sports Auction following. The cost is $100. Coach Sherrill and most of the football staff will be there playing. For information contact Stevens Hollister at (601) 856-5926. Please click on the Golf Tournament entry form link shown below.

Greater Jackson Bulldog Boosters Golf Tournament Entry Form Link

Here are a few more facts about Jody. According to my source, Jody ran the 4th best 40-yard dash at the Alabama camp (out of 400+ participants). Prior to school letting out for the summer, he lifted a combined total of 1,215 pounds (squat-465, bench-275, deadlift-475) in a powerlifting meet. The word is Jody will be in recruiting guru Tom Lemming's pre-season publication. I was also told that Fox/SportSouth and at least one other recruiting publication is including Jody in their list of top prospects in Alabama.

07/14/99 - The word is redshirt freshman offensive lineman Chris Hutchins has gained 15 pounds of muscle during the off-season.

07/14/99 - Add two more players to the MSU prospect list. Julius Griffith, Justin's brother, is a 6-0, 180-lb DB at Co-Lin CC. The other player is Jeffrey Hobbs, a 5-11, 160-lb WR/RB/DB from Mendenhall, MS. According to my source, Jeffrey had three uncles who played in the pros.

07/14/99 - Advertisement: If you live in the Pascagoula area and are looking for someone to help manage your money, Jon Reynolds is the man for you. Jon can be reached at email address dog66@ametro.net. To learn more about the company Jon works for, go to A.G. Edwards' website.

07/13/99 - Add several more of the top Mississippi players to that ever-growing list of MSU football campers. Madison Central HS senior Doug Buckles, the top offensive lineman in Mississippi, and possibly South, will be at MSU's football camp this coming weekend. Other top players are Pelahatchie HS players Ken Archie, one of the top senior running backs in the state, and teammate Kinji McNair, one of the top sophomore high school athletes in the state. Kinji plays numerous positions, including quarterback and wide receiver, just to name a few.

If any of you know of other high school players, Mississippi or otherwise, that will be attending the upcoming MSU football camp, please forward the info to me via email. My email address is swindoll@genespage.com.

07/13/99 - Will the city of Clarksdale be Linebacker U. this coming football season? According to a source of mine, it could very well be. Clarksdale has two linebackers this year that may rival any two in any town in the state of Mississippi; Sparky Luster (Lee Academy, 6-3, 230, 4.6) and Robert Spivey (Clarksdale HS, 6-2, 210, 4.6). I have a sneaky feeling MSU has looked at both of these youngsters.

07/13/99 - Trey Fryfogle better than former MSU Bulldog Eric Moulds? Some folks in George County think so. Trey has the genes, as evidenced by the fact that his father and grandfather both played college ball. In fact, his grandfather was a highly recruited player who signed with Tennessee back in the 50's. Trey, who has been in contact with the likes of MSU, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, LSU and Auburn for the past year, appears to be following the same path as his grandfather. My source continues by saying that Trey has good hands, speed and has an uncanny ability to concentrate on the ball and get open. Could he wind up being better than Eric? Only time will tell.

07/12/99 - Thought all of you would be interested in knowing there is a website on the internet where you can listen to Hinds Community College and Jackson Academy football games this fall. MSU fan Lee Adams, who does the play-by-play for both schools, will have the broadcasts on his website this year. The address is http://leeadams.net. HCC has sent quite a few players to MSU over the years, so it will be worth your time to listen in.

07/12/99 - It is rumored that these top Mississippi players will be just a few who will be at the upcoming MSU football camp:

07/12/99 - Advertisement: If you live in the Canton, Ridgeland and Clinton areas and are interested in locating a top quality optometrist, look no further than Optical 2000. Ask for Dr. Craig, who specializes in contact lens, cataracts, dry eye therapy and laser surgery consultation. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1974. Dr. Craig is currently a member of the Contact Lens Section of the American Optometric Association. If you would like to know more about Optical 2000, visit their website at http://www.optical2k.com/.

07/10/99 - Mary Ann and I sincerely appreciate the responses we have received in regard to the new premium site we are about to add to our present site. We have received quite a few checks from you, which didn't surprise us. What surprised us were the number of you who registered for the first time. So far, there have been almost 100 new registrations. And in just four days. We sincerely say Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. We hope to make the new Gene's Page one that will be very informative and one you will be very proud of, and with the complete backing of the MSU Athletic Department administration and coaches, we anticipate no less. It is now less than a month before the premiere of the new premium site. We look forward to seeing all of you there.

For those of you who didn't notice it the first time, the new mailing address for Gene's Page is as follows:

Don't worry if you mailed your check to the old address. Either way, your check will get to us.

07/10/99 - Yesterday I reported there was a strong rumor in Jackson, MS. that no Jackson radio station was going to carry the MSU football broadcasts this season. I received an email which gave me the name of an FM station in Jackson that plans on broadcasting the games. I contacted this radio station and was told that negotiations were complete and they anticipate announcing their intentions in the next few days. The person I talked to was extremely happy and proud that MSU football would be broadcast on the radio station she works for and looks forward to hearing from potential MSU advertisers after they make their announcement. Because the radio station prefers to make the announcement themselves, I gave them my word that I would not mention who they are. Once they make the announcement, I hope to have a quote from the radio station's representative.

On a personal note, I hope that all of you who own businesses or handle the advertising aspect of your business will advertise with this radio station. They made a large effort to obtain our broadcasts even though they did not have all the advertising spots filled. Let's see about making this a long-term relationship.

07/10/99 - Just received more info about the purchase of tickets for the Central MS Summer Extravaganza. You may purchase tickets from the following locations.

07/10/99 - For those of you who live in Nashville, TN., you are about to have another Bulldog fan in your neck of the woods soon. Neal Berryhill will be moving there as soon as his house sells. Please contact him via his email address which is nealb@usit.net and invite him to the next MSU Alumni Association meeting. He really wants to hear from you.

BTW, I haven't heard anything from any of you Nashville Bulldogs lately. Just curious as to how you guys are coming along in regard to making the Nashville Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association more active.

07/09/99 - According to a source of mine, MSU junior college defensive back signee Fred Smoot, who is 180-lbs, runs the forty in the 4.3-4.4 range. You guys may not remember this but Fred was the player that initiated the National Championship talk when he first announced for State. Now signee Dontae Walker, who is up to 220-lbs, is talking about it. Nice to have youngsters like this on our team.

By the way, did you know Fred signed with Ole Miss out of high school? This past recruiting season he strongly considered Alabama before deciding on State.

07/09/99 - The rumor is wide receiver Trey Belcher may be allowed back on the team this coming fall. Trey was one of the football players that was involved in the altercation with a MSU baseball player last year. The word is Trey really wants to get his degree from MSU. My source is not sure if he will be on scholarship.

07/09/99 - The word from Jackson, MS. is there will not be a metro Jackson radio station carrying the MSU football games this coming football season. Let's hope, if this turns out to be true, some station in that area will come to their senses and decide to carry MSU football. If not, they are going to miss one exciting season.

07/08/99 - Great news! You asked for it, you got it. The new Gene's Page premium pay site will have a recruiting column every other week by recruiting analyst Rob Haralson of Alliance Sports.

Premium Site Registration Sign-Up Form Link

07/08/99 - Have you heard of Roger Burton, Jr.? Not to worry. It appears all of the recruiting experts haven't either. It is now time to help spread the word about this talented but little-known youngster. Roger, who is 17 years old, is a tight end/long snapper from Caledonia, MS. Since Roger (an excellent student by the way) is currently 6-4, 260+ pounds, the word is he will be moving to the offensive line (center or guard) this coming football season. His 5.1 to 5.3 forty speed that he ran at the Ole Miss camp should help make this youngster a player to watch this coming season. By the way, he has also camped at Kentucky with plans on camping at Southern Miss, and possibly MSU. According to a source close to the family, he has received letters from these four schools as well as many others.

07/08/99 - Once again I talked about a youngster and more sources want to mention even more about him. According to one of my sources, the quarterback I mentioned yesterday, Phillip Rivers, is not a good kid, he is an excellent kid. He is very respectful and very well mannered. In fact, he is such a great youngster, my source told me he would be extremely proud to have Phillip on the MSU football team. Phillip, who is a good drop-back passer but can run if he has to, is the type youngster who would make any team better just by being on it, because he is going to do all that it takes to excel at whatever he does.

As to who may be in the recruiting mix for Phillip, one of my sources told me that MSU watched him in spring practice and even talked to his dad about him. My source isn't sure how serious MSU is about Phillip since the spring is a player evaluation period, not a true recruiting period. A lot of players get evaluated but end up not being recruited by every team that evaluated them. So far this summer, my source told me that Phillip has camped at Notre Dame and possibly Michigan. Plus, he is receiving a significant amount of attention from SEC and other schools.

07/07/99 - Recently, I mentioned a lineman from Athens, Alabama who is walking on at State. Athens also has a quarterback by the name of Phillip Rivers who is going to be a prospect this coming season. He is 6-5, 200-lbs (maybe a little bigger). Plus, he is a mid-level college basketball recruit as a shooting guard, although his future is at QB. I was also told he is an excellent student and a good kid. At the moment, I'm not sure if State is looking at him but I think he is a player worth mentioning.

By the way, his father, Steve Rivers, who is the football coach at Athens HS, played football at State.

07/06/99 - This info comes from a source of mine. According to a former college football player who was heavily recruited by Coach Sherrill while he coached at Texas A&M, Coach Sherrill was a nice guy who was the hardest working recruiter that visited his home. In fact, he was so impressed with Coach Sherrill, he would have most likely attended Texas A&M if he had known anyone there. Instead, he attended Ole Miss.

07/06/99 - Just thought you guys would like to know that Taylorsville and Shannon will be playing at MSU's Scott Field for the opening of the Mississippi high school football season on Aug. 26, which is a Thursday. You know who plays for Taylorsville don't you? That would be quarterback Jason Campbell for those who don't already know. Wouldn't it be nice to have a lot of Bulldog fans at the game?

07/06/99 - One other thing: The word is Skylor Magee of Poplarville is definitely reconsidering his commitment to LSU. According to my source, TV stations around Hattiesburg have mentioned it the past week

07/06/99 - Advertisement: Looking for a great deal on a vehicle? Then look no farther than Colbert Auto World (Houston, MS.). Ask for Mike Colbert and make sure you tell him Gene Swindoll sent you. I know he will give you a good deal because he gave Mary Ann and I a great deal on a beautiful Malibu. Click here to see a smiling Mary Ann in her new car.

07/05/99 - Don't forget, if you are going to the Jackson County Crawfish Boil your have to RSVP by July 6th. Here are the complete details:

07/05/99 - Just found out about another MSU football walkon. Blake Jones, an OL/DL from Athens, Alabama, will be walking on this fall. Blake, according to Pigskin Preps, is 6-4, 275-lbs with 5.13 speed in the forty.

07/05/99 - For those of you who have asked, here is a link to my MSU football prospects for the 1999/2000 recruiting year. Obviously it is a very short list as of now. As we get deeper into the recruiting season, the list will grow. If you know of any players MSU is looking at, please email the info to me at my email address, which is swindoll@genespage.com.

07/05/99 - Advertisement: If you are looking for a computer and you would like to buy from a firm owned by Mississippians, look no farther than Howard Computers. Click here to visit their website.

07/03/99 - According to a source of mine, Tupelo HS has an OL/DL prospect by the name of Drew Lumsden who could turn out to be a top prospect this coming year. Drew, who is 6-4, 260, runs a 5.0 forty, and is a great student, was awarded "the most valuable defensive lineman" at a recent Vanderbilt University football camp. He was recognized for his work habits, agility and quick feet. Look for him to attend the July MSU football camp.

07/02/99 - The local paper in his area mentioned that George County HS football player Trey Fryfogle, a player that MSU is supposedly looking at, was voted the most outstanding receiver in the June 13-16 University of Florida football camp. Trey was also voted to the Top-10 All-Sports Athletes in south Mississippi by the Mississippi Press.

07/02/99 - Border Wars has nice articles on three football players that are considering MSU. Click on the names to go to the articles.

07/01/99 - You can add three more high school football signees to the list of players who have been admitted to MSU. Other than the four who aren't expected to qualify, this leaves just four left to be admitted. They are Donald Lee, Derrick Thompson, Eric Thompson and Terrell Grindle. All four are expected to be admitted with no problem. As with anything in this world, it just takes a little time to get everything in and to the correct departments. As each player is admitted to MSU, I will post it on my page.

07/01/99 - If you haven't already read it on my message board, I think you guys will enjoy reading this Kamau Jackson article which was found on Border Wars.

07/01/99 - To get you in that Bulldog football mood, check out Andy Kalinowski's Game Day Fan Page. Andy's page, which can be found by clicking here, will provide you with a list of places to stay, eat or to just have fun with other MSU Bulldog fans. He even has links to the cities around MSU. Give it a look. You'll enjoy looking it over.