WEST POINT — At 6-foot-7, 295-pounds Scott Lashley poses a very large shadow on the football field.
The West Point High School senior knows his size and abilities are God-given. Now, he wants to see how far those talents can carry the Green Wave in the win column.
“The recruiting process has been a lot of fun,” Lashley said. “I have really enjoyed getting too know so many coaches. It is exciting to know so many schools are interested in you.
“However, right now, it is all about this team. I have pretty much shut (the recruiting) down to focus on this team and trying to help it win a (Mississippi High School Activities Association) state championship.”
West Point finished 9-5 last season, falling to region rival Oxford in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Green Wave will be looking at several new faces this season. For Lashley, it is a chance to lead from his tackle position.
“The most exciting about this team is that we have a lot of young guys,” Lashley said. “These guys are learning what it takes to play Class 5A football. For me, that is an exciting challenge as a leader. The seniors on this team are trying to set the tone and help these young guys to adjust.
“We have several really good players. It’s just a matter of working hard and making sure everything comes together at the right time.”
Things have been coming together nicely on the recruiting trail. The 247 web site lists 22 offers for Lashley Monday. He has not announced a favorite. However, Mississippi State is highly regarded on his list, according to 247.
“Scott has really grown and developed,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “He has to overcome some injuries but has done that by working hard. We have some new players on the offensive line and Scott along with the other seniors, are helping that unit grow.
“You know we like to run the football. Continued growth by the offensive line is essential to make that happen.”
Lashley fell in love with football at an early age. As he continued to grow and develop, the ability to play college football came into clear focus.
“I’ve always wanted to play senior college ball,” Lashley said. “I think everybody wants that opportunity. You work hard every day in the weight room and on the practice field. You work hard because you want to help your team succeed.
“You also work hard because you want to be in a position to continue to play. It is an honor when schools contact you and show you they are interested. It means a lot when they care about you. They show they care about you and your family. Things have really taken off this summer. I have worked hard during the summer just to get healthy and get back into to playing shape. It is great that the schools have taken notice.”
Lashley should follow in the Division I footsteps of former West Point running back Aeris Williams, who is a red-shirt freshman at Mississippi State.
“When the former players come back and lift weights with you and encourage you, it means a lot,” Lashley said. “This has always been a championship program. It is exciting to be part of the tradition out here. We are working hard to get back to that point.”
Chambless feels like his team will be an underdog this season. Defending North State champion Oxford has essentially back and still resides in the same region as West Point.
“The kids are really hungry,” Chambless said. “We had a lot of injuries last year but that is no excuse. The kids and coaches both know that last season did not meet the standard around here. Everybody always wants more. We have had a good attitude during the spring and during the summer. We have been playing well and growing as a team.”
Lashley hopes to continue to grow in the year ahead. Annually, West Point has a large signing ceremony in February. He knows that day will be emotional this year.
“It is really hard to believe this is my senior year,” Lashley said. “The recruiting stuff has made things a little hectic but it has been fun and worth it. Honestly, though, I am not thinking about next year. I am thinking about the schedule ahead.
“We play some great teams. We are West Point though and we are expected to win a lot of those games. That is our challenge. Right now, the focus is on being the best team we can become. Everything else will take care of itself after the season ends.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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