2009

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Mullen, Dogs show faith in overlooked Langston By RodWalker rwaller@~.com

Inside Sports

~ Missis~ippi Sta_te__ and showthem that I can play." l,angston, who made a 23 on his ACT and easily mettheNCAA'sacademic requirements comingout of Northeast Lauderdale, received just one scholarship offer. So he accepted it. signing with Sun Belt Conference member Arkansas State. But be onlr stayed one semester. "'t was a combination of things,"

Maurice Langston thought he was an SEC-cal– iber player coming out of Northeast Lauderdale HighSchool in 2006. The problemwas, he just couldn't convince any– body else thathewas. But almost three years later - and folloWing a stellarcareeratEastCentralCommunityCollege– J,angston has landed in the conference where he thoughthe should have been all along. The versatile defensive back/receiver, who enrolled at Mississippi State this month after sign– ing with the Bulldogs in January, shouldn't be bard to spot on the field this fall If you happen to overlook his 5-foot-11, 180- pound frame sporting jerseyNo. 1, just look for the guywearingthe chipon his shoulder.

• JSU: Norun on juniorcollege players, 4C • Top25juco recruits list, 4C

said l,angston about bb decision to transfer to East Central. "I really didn't like Arkansas State that much because the See Ik~GSTON, 4C

"' feel like I have a lot to prove," said Langston, No. 3 on The Clarion– Ledgers Top 25 Junior Col–

legeRecruits list. "I think I got overlooked coming out of high school and 1want to get backat

those guys that looked over me

Maurice langston, snUbbed by most D-1

recruiters out of highschool, will get his chanceto play in SEC at Mississippi State.