2007

have another great year. Also cited as defensive standouts are sophomores Chris Ivy, a 6-2, 225-pound defensive end from Louisville; Mark Hoskins, a 5-11, 290-pound defensive tackle from Louisville; nose guard Taquan Lowe, a 5-10, 260-pound product of Holt High School in Tuscaloosa, and David Brackett, a 6-1, 190-pound linebacker from Philadelphia. Underwood also had praise for freshman line– backers Harvey Brown, a 5- 9, 235-pound product of Neshoba Central High School, and Brad Ellis, a 5- 10, 240-pound former stand– out at Forest High School. He also mentioned fresh– men Vonzell Jackson, a 6-3, 235-pound linebacker/ defensive end from Aliceville (Ala.) High School; Josh Lewis, a 6-4, 240-pound defensive end from Tuscaloosa (Ala.) County High School; and Henry Scott, a 6-2, 215-pound nose guard from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK, all of whom had a produc– tive preseason camp.

is also receiving praise from the head coach. "We have a history of being strong on defense and 1expect this could be one of the best defensive teams we've had," Underwood stated. "Our biggest con– cern is our size, however. We're not overly big but are very athletic, quick and fast." Underwood said the lead– ing returnee on defense is Jorrick Calvin, a 5-10, 185- pound product of Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge. "Jorrick did an outstand– ing job last year. He had five or six interceptions and 30- plus tackles. He is as good a cornerback as we have had here at EC, evidenced by the fact that he is being highly recruited by almost every team in the country. He is also .a great kick and punt returner. We also plan to spot play him on offense." Returning middle line– backer Jamar Lawrence, a 6- 1, 220-pound product of Tuscaloosa County High School, is also expected to

ing praise on offense include fullback Marcus Travis (5-7, 200) of Perry Central, tight ends Spencer Spane of Terry, a transfer from North Carolina A&T, Josh Williams of\ Jackson Lanier and wide receiver Kendrick May of Tuscaloosa County. "All of these guys have had good preseason camps. Kendrick is one of our fastest players and ran a 4.3 in a recent combine. He is going to be a really good player," Underwood stated. Assisting Underwood with the offense are Kyle Watson (offensive line) and Derrick Qualls (wide receivers and tight ends). Defense Steve Cheatham returns as defensive coordinator and will also serve as assis– tant head coach. He spent the past two years as head coach at Neshoba Central High School and served the previous two years as direc– tor of football operations at the University of Mississippi. Cheatham's defensive unit

signee, played in every game for East Central last year. ''He is a great talent and one of our team leaders,.. Underwood said of his top receiver. Other top receivers are sophomores Michael Townsend, a 6-2, 200-pound product of Forest High School, and Katlan French, a 5-9, 175-pound former standout at Starkville Academy. "Michael is playing as good as I have ever seen him play. Katlan is also having a great camp. Both are very talented." Underwood also praised several offensive linemen. "Marquis Harris (6-1, 290) of Meridian is starting at strong guard and James Jenkins (6-2, 245) of Columbus will start at quick guard. Both are really strong players and doing a great job. John Bailey (6-2, 245) of Tuscaloosa has moved to offensive tackle from the fullback and tight end positions and is also having a great preseason camp." Additional players receiv-