By Angie Ledbetter

After winning two state championships at South Panola and achieving All-American status, John Jerry embarked on his college career at Ole Miss. A four-year starter, after spending his first two years in obscurity, Jerry closed his college football career by making Cotton Bowl history under Houston Nutt.

He and his brother Peria closed out a 73-year Cotton Bowl history by winning the 2009 AT&T Cotton Bowl over Texas Tech 47-34 in the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Saturday Jerry returned to close his college football career in grand style by helping his Rebels win the 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl 21-7 over Oklahoma State held at Cowboy Stadium for the first time.

Jerry was moved from right tackle to right guard this year where he and Bobby Massey made the right side one of the most stable in the SEC, according to Rebel head coach Houston Nutt.  

Starting his freshman year as an All-American, Jerry has continued to pile up numerous college honors including being named to the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl along with team mates Dexter McCluster and Shay Hodge.

Jerry was a first team All-SEC pick by both the Associated Press and league coaches this season.

Jerry said playing in the senior bowl will give him an opportunity to go against the top players in the country. The game will be played at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 30 at 3 p.m. and will be televised by the National Football League.