By Shawn Wansley, JCJC Sports Information Director
ELLISVILLE – Jones County Junior College has been noted through the years as a producer of bigtime football talent.
That has proven to be the case this year, as well.
On Wednesday, seven Bobcat football standouts signed with senior colleges. It was the first day allowed for juco players to ink with senior colleges.
Four Bobcats signed with traditional Division II power Delta State University – offensive linemen Preston Cochran, Darrell Leopold and Evan Shaw, along with defensive lineman Robbie Mayers.
Two Bobcats are headed to Conference USA member Alabama-Birmingham – linebacker D.A. Autry and defensive back Jamie Bender.
One player, defensive end Tyrunn Walker, signed with C-USA member Tulsa.
Other Bobcats could sign during this signing period, which ends Jan. 15, 2010. The national signing day for high school players will be Feb. 3, 2010.
Walker, who prepped at Westgate High School in New Iberia, La., may rank as the most heralded Bobcat signee. Earlier this week, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound product, was selected as a first-team, NJCAA All-American.
He was named All-Region 23, first-team All-MACJC South Division and was also voted by the league’s coaches as the Most Valuable Lineman in the South Division. Walker had 29 solo tackles, 21 assists and 50 total tackles for the Bobcats, who finished 6-4 and advanced to the MACJC semifinals. He had four tackles for losses, seven sacks for minus 41 yards and forced two fumbles.
Autry, who is a Mize High School product, was selected as an honorable mention NJCAA All-American earlier this week. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound product was an All-Region 23 and first-team, All-MACJC South Division performer. He was one of the leading tacklers in the state with 63 solo tackles, 30 assists and 93 total tackles. He had four tackles for losses, one sack, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Autry was also voted the team’s Bobcat Award recipient and a permanent team captain by his teammates.
Bender is a 5-foot-10, 200-pound product, who started both as a freshman and a sophomore in the JCJC secondary. Bender, who starred at Raleigh High School, was also an All-Region 23 and first-team, All-MACJC South Division selection. He had 40 solo tackles, 25 assists and three interceptions, including one he returned 47 yards for a touchdown vs. Southwest. Bender was also voted a permanent Bobcat team captain by his teammates.
Cochran is a 6-foot-3, 290-pound standout from Northeast Jones High School, who started every game at right guard for JCJC this season. He also earned quite a bit of playing time as a freshman. He was a first-team, All-MACJC South Division selection, participated in the MACJC All-Star Classic and was also voted by his teammates as a permanent team captain.
Leopold is a 6-foot-3, 330-pounder product, who started every game at center this season for the Bobcats. The Laurel High School graduate was a second-team, All-MACJC South Division selection.
Mayers is a 6-foot-3, 290-pound player, who started several games for the Bobcats. Mayers, a Laurel High School graduate, had 10 solo tackles and 11 assists this season.
Shaw is a 6-foot-1, 270-pound performer, who started every game at left guard for JCJC. The Hattiesburg High School graduate also participated in the MACJC All-Star Classic.
Most of the players who signed on Wednesday are expected to enroll for spring semester classes at their new school.
