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# MSU O-line recruits expect to play early
Eligibility uncertain for several players
By Todd Kelly
tkelly@clarionledger.com
MOBILE — More than a dozen players on Mississippi's All-Star roster signed with junior colleges in February.
At least a half-dozen of their teammates this week could join them by next fall.
Several of the Magnolia State's top prospects forom the Class of 2005 are holding out hope of meeting NCAA freshman eligibility requirements while also making alternate plans. The list includes Wayne County defensive lineman Jerrell Powe (an Ole Miss signee), Seminary running back/linebacker Tim Holloway (MSU), Lanier defensive lineman Louis Ellis (MSU), South Panola lineman John Jerry (Ole Miss) and Brookhaven defensive lineman Jessie Bowman (MSU).
Powe, a two-time first-team All-State choice by The Clarion-Ledger and the No. 5 prospect on the Ten Most Wanted list, said Wednesday he could end up at Butler Community College in Kansas if he doesn't qualify.
"Right now, I'm still looking at getting eligible," Powe said. "I'm putting everything in Coach (Ed) Orgeron's hands at Ole Miss. I believe in him."
Holloway, Jerry and perhaps Ellis could be teammates again next fall at Hargrave Military Academy, a prep school in Virginia. Jerry's brother, Peria, played for Hargrave last season before re-signing with Ole Miss in February.
Bowman, meanwhile, may end up at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
Two other all-stars and prospects from the Ten Most Wanted list, West Jones linebacker Archie Sims and Provine defensive back Anthony Johnson, are re-taking the ACT on June 11 to improve their chances of meeting freshman eligibility requirements and enrolling at MSU.
Spikes over cleats
Brookhaven center Grant McDonnieal signed with Co-Lin and has a scholarship offer on the table from Delta State.
It's possible, however, McDonnieal may play his final football game Saturday.
"For right now, I'm thinking I'm just going to play golf at Co-Lin," said McDonnieal, a first-team All-State offensive lineman for the Class 4A football champions and the runner-up in the 4A golf tournament. "I've never just practiced golf only. I'd like to see how good I could be at that."
McDonnieal is confident he'll do just fine on the football field Saturday. He was invited to the All-Star Classic after highly touted Collins center Josh McNeil withdrew due to a conflict with summer school at Tennessee.
"I played against Jerrell Powe and blocked Jessie Bowman every day in practice," McDonnieal said. "So I should be fine."
Teams report day later
Both all-star teams reported later than in past years, kicking off practice on Monday instead of Sunday. Mississippi coach Ricky Woods of South Panola likes the change.
"All the coaches agreed to it," said Woods, who was an assistant in the Classic in 1997. "It's a long week. It pushes you harder because there are a lot of things to get through. You speed up practice. I think the players are more attentive."
P.S. - Mr. Powe, a college head coach can't get you eligible legally. You do that yourself in the classroom. Sounds like to me someone told him "well get you in".
Well, then again Coach O likes Powe, finally found one that would fight him during practice. 
