MACON — Noxubee County High School football coach Tyrone Shorter is quick with the statistics.
“We are No. 3 in the state with the number of former players we have playing junior college and senior college ball around the state,” Shorter said. “These young men receive a free education, and if you don’t make the National Football League, you have a degree to fall back on. My message has always been the same: Use football and don’t let football use you.”
According to Shorter, only Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A members South Panola and Meridian had more college-playing former players this past season than Class 4A Noxubee County. That number grew by six Wednesday on National Signing Day.
Hinds Community College signed running back Javarcus Walker, wide receiver Kymbotric Mason, defensive back Jataquist Sherrod, and offensive lineman Tyler Dooley. Itawamba C.C. signed linebacker Kalmorris Robinson, while Northwest Mississippi C.C. signed offensive lineman Antonio Roby.
Noxubee County finished 9-5 and lost in the third round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs. This senior class helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015.
“My time at Noxubee County was incredible,” Walker said. “It has helped me prepare for what is next. I am exciting about playing on the next level. I am also excited about being able to do it with so many of my high school teammates.”
Mason was a steadying force at receiver, as the squad worked on breaking in two quarterbacks.
“We learned a lot about adversity this season,” Mason said. “There is a lot of pressure because the expectations are so high. We relish those challenges. That is why we played the game. Even though (winning a third championship) didn’t work out, I will remember some great memories out here. I will remember how we came together as one big family and had a good time.”
In 19 seasons as a head coach or as an assistant coach, Shorter is proud of the family bond that has been built at Noxubee County. He again reminded his signees that his door will always be open for encouragement, support, and advice. He also reminded the parents in attendance they needed to continue to support the program.
“Once a Tiger, always a Tiger,” Shorter said. “So many coaches call and ask about our players and they say we know we are getting a good one if he comes from this program. You take pride in that. Our job is to educate and mold young men. Being able to sign a scholarship offer is far more important than winning a championship.”
Sherrod said this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his coaches and family members.
“It’s a special day, an exciting day,” Sherrod said. “You see all of the hard work pay off. Everyone is striving to have a chance to play college ball. Today, the dream comes true for some of us. It is humbling.”
Dooley said he looks forward to playing in the nation’s best conference, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC).
“It’s a big challenge, but I think all of us are up to it,” Dooley said. “When you play for Noxubee County, you plan on competing for championships. I think that is why the junior college coaches like to sign players from here They know they are getting players used to winning.”
Robinson emerged as one of the state’s best linebackers. He looks forward to watching his game translate to the junior college level at ICC.
“All of my time there went well,” Robinson said. “The coaches and players made me feel at home. It’s an exciting opportunity. They have had a lot of success there recently, so hopefully, I will have a chance to step in, play and be a part of that.”
Roby will join a program that won the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championship.
“The Northwest program has always been one of the best in the state, so it’s exciting to have this opportunity,” Roby said. “Coach Shorter and the other coaches taught us about hard work. They taught us about accountability. It’s exciting to take that next step.”
Shorter is excited about more Thursdays and Saturdays to watch former Tigers. Mississippi State freshman Jeffrey Simmons also was in attendance Wednesday. Simmons spoke briefly with Kyziah Pruitt, one of the early top prospects in the Class of 2019.
“Thousands of seniors would like to have the same opportunity that this group of players has,” Shorter said. “I think about my high school days, signing to go on and play junior college ball. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I want this group of guys to feel that way in years to come.”
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Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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