BATESVILLE – Jacksonville State University running back Kory Chapman returned home for a visit after the spring session.
The team has mandatory summer school and he had return to Jacksonville, Ala. with his teammates in late May.
Chapman will begin his senior year on a high note.
"I’m getting ready," Chapman said. The Gamecocks ended the 2002 season 5-6, but Chapman sees that as a stepping stone for the 2003 season.
"This year the team will be a little bit better than last year because this year we will be more as a team," he said. "We are in summer school all summer, working out and trying to get better every day. I think the difference between this year’s and last year’s team will be the separation of our quarterback. We have a quarterback that I think we can go national with this year."
After the 2002 season, JSU became a part of the Ohio Valley conference which also includes Eastern Illinois, Samford, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, Murray State, Southeast Missouri, Tennessee Martin, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.
JSU is coached by Jack Crowe, who spoke at the South Panola football banquet this past spring.
Chapman is a former South Panola Tiger standout who helped lead the team to the 1998 state championship. He was also on the Northwest Community College state championship team the following year.
Chapman’s position coach is Jimmy Ogle.
"Coach Ogle tries to keep us all on the same page," Chapman said.
Chapman can be seen all over the playing field from tailback to receiver.
"They moved me around," Chapman said. "They told me they want to put me in spots where I can make plays. I went to receiver and tailback, but more on the tailback.
