Michael Oher, Peria Jerry Participate in Ole Miss Pro Day All-Americans Excited About Grove Bowl 2009
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Both 2008 All-Americans are to be recognized at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, on the Grove Stage, before the 1 p.m. Red/Blue Spring scrimmage game. The “Path to the Draft: Ole Miss to the NFL” celebration will be emceed by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith.
OXFORD,
Miss. — Despite the odds of only one in 50 college football seniors
being drafted by the National Football League, the University of
Mississippi could see multiple players drafted this year.
Last
year’s All-Americans, offensive lineman Michael Oher and defensive
lineman Peria Jerry, both are projected to be selected in the draft’s
first round later this month.
On April 18, the duo will be
center stage during the Ole Miss Grove Bowl, giving Rebel fans an
opportunity to learn more about them and their road to the NFL.
Their
achievements will be celebrated with a special program at 11 a.m. on
the Grove stage. “Path to the Draft: Ole Miss to the NFL” will include
a panel discussion, emceed by FOX News anchor Shepard Smith, an Ole
Miss alumnus.
Also slated to be honored is a trio of former
Rebels with NFL experience: Marcus Johnson, drafted by the Minnesota
Vikings in 2005; Von Hutchins, drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in
2004; and Todd Wade, drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2000.
Johnson recently signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders after four years with the Vikings, while Hutchins spent two seasons with the Colts and two with the Houston Texans, then joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2008. Wade’s nine-year pro career includes stops with the Dolphins, Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The campus program is a means to have the NFL players mentor Oher and Jerry, according to Jamil Northcutt, assistant athletic director.
“Both Michael and Peria did an outstanding job for us last season, and we want to honor and recognize them for their achievements,” he said.
According to head football coach Houston Nutt, who will be on hand to reflect on their individual achievements, Oher and Jerry are deserving of the recognition, because they helped lead the Rebels to the team’s first bowl game since 2004.
“As All-Americans, Michael and Peria represent some of the best players in the entire country,” Nutt said. “It shows their athleticism, their attitude and their commitment. They were tremendous leaders and playmakers for us.”
Oher said he’s thankful to have returned to Ole Miss for his senior season, and he looks forward to seeing fans at Grove Bowl. “I saw Patrick Willis get honored last year, and I looked up to him while playing at Ole Miss,” Oher said. “It’s going to be a special day for me.”
Jerry also commented about how much it means to him to have fans celebrate his achievements.
“I’m looking forward to the Grove Bowl,” he said. “It’s going to be fun to have the fans applaud all my hard work.”
Grove Bowl 2009 is the culmination of the team’s spring practice drills. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. Tickets cost $10 and are available online at http://www.olemissticketoffice.com. Sponsored by the M-Club Alumni Chapter, the game benefits the J.W. “Wobble” Davidson Scholarship Fund, which aids the children of former UM letter winners.
For more information or for assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7375. (tobie baker)