STARKVILLE — There are no days off for Starkville High School senior linebacker Jermar McCarter.
That phrase is commonplace in the sports world when describing a player’s work ethic, but knowing what he’s gone through this season, it’s doubly true for McCarter.
McCarter has dealt with back issues throughout his senior campaign, having received injections several times to help numb the pain, and through that, he’s yet to miss a practice or a game this season.
All he’s done on the field is dominate, recording 77 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions for the Yellow Jackets, leading the charge defensively to a second-straight state championship game appearance.
“Day in and day out at practice, it’s about going hard and staying focused,” McCarter said. “… It’s been hard at times, but I just have to keep my head up.”
His production over just the last two seasons has been a consistent presence for Starkville and colleges almost immediately took notice.
On a team of future Division I standouts, he’s now part of that group, verbally committing to FCS program Mississippi Valley State in late November.
“I think that’s just as big as winning a state championship,” head coach Chris Jones said. “Anytime you have a group of kids who are using this game to make their lives better, that’s always important. To be able to go to college, get a free education and do something that you love to do, that’s a big deal for us. We take pride in our guys going to college.”
Leadership is bred from hard work, and McCarter has been hard at work since his freshman year with the Jackets, working his way up through the ranks to being a key piece to one of the best defenses in Mississippi high school football.
His leadership has been that much more integral this season knowing the pieces Starkville lost coming into the year, including several 100+ tackle players.
“He’s always worked his butt off,” Jones said. “… He’s another guy who’s trusted the process, trusted the system we’ve had him in, really since ninth grade, developing mentally and physically as a player. … To me, he’s the typical Starkville, blue-collar, hard-working kid and he just enjoys playing football.”
With his future after high school now decided, it couldn’t have come at a better time as the focus has shifted back to the football field and yet another deep playoff run for the Jackets.
McCarter has helped to anchor this defense this season, a defense that has stood on its head in the postseason more than ever before.
Through its first three playoff games, the Jackets have allowed an average of five points per game to opponents, pitching two shutouts in the process.
Confidence is at an all-time high, and for this senior class and players like McCarter, the real excitement will come if Starkville is able to finish the job on Saturday night against Oak Grove.
“Just leave everything on the field,” McCarter said. “We’re ready for everybody.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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