As you see in today’s Press Register, two former Coahoma Community College were selected in the NFL Draft last week.
Linebacker Davion Taylor went to the Philadelphia Eagles in the third tournd, while cornerback Chris Claybrooks went to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round.
Both have inspirational stories in so many different ways. Taylor only played a game and a half during high school. His religious beliefs prevented in from playing after sundown on Fridays and Saturdays.
In spite of that, Taylor not only shined at CCC, he played for Colorado his junior and senior seasons.
Claybrooks played for three different colleges — Fort Scott Community College, CCC and the University of Memphis.
He also switched positions from wide receiver to cornerback when he played for the Memphis Tigers.
The CCC Tigers have been a doormat for many opponents through the years. I cannot predict the future although I believe new coach Travis Macon will do a great job.
However, former coach Steven Miller also proved he was successful. Miller may not have won many games on the field, but helping his athletes continue their education, athletic careers and, in some cases, earn a spot in the NFL is just as important.
If CCC can continue to prepare athletes for life after junior college, it will always be a successful school everyone living in Coahoma County can be proud of.
On a personal note, I have interesting connections with the two draft choices.
Taylor played for South Pike High School when I covered them as sports editor of the McComb Enterprise-Journal.
I graduated from Jacksonville University, which is minutes from the Jaguars’ home stadium where we will see Claybrooks.
Taylor and Claybrooks are both good young men we should be proud of. I know they will give it everything they have for their respective teams.
Congratulations!
